In today’s world where the markets are flooded with crossover SUVs, most companies are trying to stand out by striving to make an everyday SUV as maneuverable as a smaller sports car, and in doing so are compromising form over functionality. However, that is not the case with the new 2020 Mazda CX-5.
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The CX-5 understands what it means to be a practical SUV. While its base 2.5-liter offers plenty of efficiencies, its other turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, at 250 hp and 320 lb.-ft. torque is a force not to be taken lightly. Also, all its variants come loaded with plenty of standard features, some of which people only find on much more expensive SUVs.
For a price of $25,090, the base Mazda CX-5 offers better practicality than the more expensive Buick Envision and similar performance to the more powerful Toyota RAV4. Also for the year 2020, its 2.5-liter turbo-four puts out more torque than before, and the variants powered by it get bigger infotainment units.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Front View
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Rear View
7.0/10 Features
9.0/10 Engine and Performance
7.0/10 Fuel Economy
9.0/10 Interior
9.0/10 Exterior
10/10 Safety
8.6/10 Final Verdict
2020 Mazda CX-5 Features
7.0/10
All five trims of the 2020 Mazda CX-5, Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, share the same SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. However, the same engine on the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature model comes equipped with a dynamic pressure turbo. So at 250 hp they are more powerful than the lesser 187 hp Mazda CX-5s.
Also the Sport, Touring and Grand Touring variants of the CX-5 offer both front-wheel and all-wheel drivetrains. But the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature variants are all-wheel drive only. Other than that a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift and Sport Mode remains standard across the range.
Trim
Sport
Touring
Grand Touring
Grand Touring Reserve
Signature
MSRP (FWD)
$25,090
$26,730
$30,210
N/A
N/A
MSRP (AWD)
$26,490
$28,730
$31,610
$35,033
$37,055
Key Features
MAZDA Connect
Auto on/off headlights
LED DRLs
i-ACTIV AWD with off-road Traction assist
Mazda Navigation system
7-inch touchscreen display
Dual-zone automatic climate control
7-inch LCD meter display
8-inch touchscreen display
360-degree view monitor
AM/FM
Rear privacy glass
Heated side mirrors
Automatic power-folding side mirrors
Front and rear parking sensors
4-speaker audio system w/ automatic level control
6-speaker audio system w/ automatic level control
Bose 10-speaker audio system
Active driving display
Signature badge
Bluetooth
Apple CarPlay
6-way power passenger seat
Heated rear seats
Genuine layered wood trim
HD Radio
Android Auto
SiriusXM with 3-month trial
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
SiriusXM 3-year Traffic and Travel Link subscription
LED headlights
LED headlights with auto-leveling
LED foglights
Windshield wiper de-icer
LED lighting for glove box, cargo area, and vanity mirror
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Heated front seats
19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Brilliant Silver finish
Ventilated front seats
19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Dark Silver finish
Tilt/telescoping steering column
6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support
Paddle shifters
Heated steering wheel
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Cloth trim seats
Leatherette seats with Lux Suede inserts
Leather seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink
Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats
Cruise control
Hill Launch Assist
2 rear USB charging ports
Adaptive front-lighting system
Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink
Which trim to go for?
The Grand Touring Reserve of the Mazda CX-5 offers the best value for money. For about $10,000 over the Sport trim, the Grand Touring Reserve offers the more powerful 250 hp engine and a more upmarket feel. It also gets a bigger infotainment unit and more premium features that better suit this crossover SUV.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Engine and Performance
9.0/10
The different variants of the Mazda CX-5 all source power from the same SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter inline-four engine, but either with a turbo-charger or without one depending on the variant. The regular 2.5-liter inline-four of the Mazda CX-5 produces 187 hp and 186 lb.-ft. torque. That same engine with the turbocharger makes 250 hp and 320 lb.-ft. torque, which is now 10 lb.-ft. more than before.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Has a 2.5L I4 Engine
At the same time, the CX-5s with the 2.5-liter turbo can be paired only to an all-wheel-drive unit. As for the rest of the variants without the turbocharger, they can be equipped either with an all-wheel-drive unit or a front-wheel one. Regardless of the powertrain and drivetrain choices, a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission serves the purpose of transferring power from the engine to the wheels across the lineup.
Models
Mazda CX-5
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4
MSRP
$25,090
$31,995
$24,885
$25,850
Engine
2.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
1.5L Inline-3
2.5L Inline-4
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
6-Speed Automatic
8-speed automatic w/OD
8-Speed Automatic
Power
187hp@6,000rpm
197hp@6,300rpm
180hp@6,000rpm
203hp@6,600rpm
Torque
186lb-ft@4,000rpm
192lb-ft@4,400rpm
177lb-ft@3,000rpm
184lb-ft@5,000rpm
While most other SUVs in this segment, including the Mazda CX-5 get 2.5-liter engines, the Ford Escape makes do with only a 1.5-liter three-cylinder. However, at 180 hp it isn’t too far behind the 187 hp CX-5.
How fast is the Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 with the base 2.5-liter inline-four engine isn’t as fast as the CX-5s with the turbocharger but feels pretty fast still. Courtesy of the responsive throttle and quick-shifting six-speed which delivers power either only to the front wheels or all the wheels of this crossover SUV from Mazda.
The other 2.5-liter turbo is a lot faster. The additional 63 hp and 134 lb.-ft. torque shave-off over 2 seconds from the standard Mazda’s 0-60 mph 8.3-second timing.
Model
Mazda CX-5
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4
0-60 MPH
8.3 sec
7.0 sec
8.4 sec
8.2 sec
Quarter Mile
16.4 sec
15.3 sec
16.6 sec
16.4 sec
Top Speed
130*MPH
N/A
130 MPH
130 MPH
Engine
2.5L Inline-4
2.5L Inline-4
1.5L Inline-3
2.5L Inline-4
* Used for 2019 Model for reference
The Buick Envision’s 197 hp 2.5-liter engine outruns the RAV4’s 203 hp 2.5-liter as the former makes more torque which kicks in a lot earlier than in the latter.
What about the braking performance of the Mazda CX-5?
Braking on the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is adequately reassuring. Feel from the pedal and response from the brakes is very much in line. They are neither too touchy nor too disconnected to cause discomfort.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Front Brake 11.7 in and Rear Brake 11.9 in.
Nosedive is decently contained and the superior brakes add to the thrill of pushing this Mazda into the corners.
Model
Mazda CX-5
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4
Brake Rotors Front
11.7"
12.6"
12.8"
12.0"
Brake Rotors Rear
11.9"
12.4"
12.0"
11.1"
Curb Weight
3541 lbs
3755 lbs
3299 lbs
3370 lbs
60-0 MPH
N/A
N/A
128 ft
131 ft
The Ford Escape SUV is the lightest in this segment. Hence, it manages to come to a halt somewhat quicker than the Toyota’s RAV4.
What about its driving dynamics?
Driving around in the Mazda CX-5 is an experience worth cherishing. While its electronically assisted steering wheel and composed chassis make this Mazda come alive on curvy roads, you don’t necessarily have to drive it hard in order to enjoy it. The response from the throttle and timely shifts from the six-speed automatic make hustling this crossover SUV around town feel like a much easier task.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Rear View
While the standard suspension does a great job of soaking up most bumps, they aren’t that soft either. In fact, they feel perfectly balanced between being neither too damp nor too soft. Consequently, the easy-riding Mazda CX-5 is also a total hoot while going around tight turns.
However, at highway speeds, this Mazda does start to feel a bit underpowered. So if you want more freeway passability or punchier performance, the turbocharged CX-5 is the right Mazda for you.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Economy
7.0/10
Relatively slouched performance translates to comparatively better fuel efficiency, and this is where the Mazda CX-5 really impresses. As a crossover SUV, the Mazda CX-5 with the base 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder satisfies more with its practicality than most other SUVs.
The other turbo CX-5’s aren’t as fuel-efficient, but that is understandable as they offer a lot more power on tap. However, the front-wheel-drive variant aren’t too far ahead of the all-wheel-drive variants when it comes to EPA ratings.
Model
Mazda CX-5
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4
MPG (City)
25
22
26
27
MPG (Highway)
31
29
31
35
MPG (Combined)
28
25
28
30
Fuel Capacity
14.8 gallons
17.3 gallons
14.7 gallons
14.5 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
370/459/414 miles
381/502/432 miles
396/485/411 miles
392/508/435 miles
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
6.3
7.0
5.9
5.9
The Mazda CX-5’s otherwise above-average fuel efficiency figures are let down by its averagely sized fuel tank.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Interior
9.0/10
The 2020 Mazda CX-5’s cabin simply surprises with its upmarket-ness. While the quality of the material feels first-class, the logical layout feels fantastic. Both the rows are adequately accommodating for passengers too. However, the well-crafted steering wheel and floor-hinged pedals will make you want to spend most of your time in the driver’s seat.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Rear Seats
Upholstery on the lower-tier CX-5 is mainly cloth, but moving up that ladder will upgrade you to more premium Nappa leather. Furthermore, the level of insulation inside the cabin manages to keep almost all road noises at bay.
Model
Mazda CX-5
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4
Seating Capacity
5
5
5
5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.7/57.1/41.0
40.0/57.0/40.9
40.0/57.6/42.4
39.5/57.8/41.0
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
39.0/54.8/39.6
38.5/55.8/37.5
39.3/56.0/40.7
39.5/56.4/37.8
The slanting roof of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 does take away some of the headroom in the second row, but the availability of legroom in the same is above average. However, it is the Ford Escape which is the most accommodating.
Does it come loaded with tech inside?
Standard on the lesser Mazda Cx-5 is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. Moving up the trim ladder replaces that 7-inch touchscreen with an 8-inch one. Regardless of the size of the screen, the standard features aboard the color, touchscreen display include
Voice command
AM/FM
Bluetooth
HD radio
SiriusXM
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
What about utility?
The Mazda CX-5 has a relatively shorter wheelbase which gives it its fun-to-drive characteristics. But that does somewhat take away from this Mazda’s practicality. However, inside the new Mazda, several cabins and spaces improve functionality.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Cargo Volume with rear seats up 30.9 cu ft.
Mazda has given split-folding seats in the CX-5 that allows a lot more cargo to be pressed inside the same, for when the need arises.
Model
Mazda CX-5
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4
Cargo Capacity
30.9 cu.ft.
26.9 cu.ft.
33.5 cu.ft.
37.6 cu.ft.
The Toyota RAV4 gets the biggest boot, and is closely followed by the Ford Escape.
What are the different creature comforts on offer in the Mazda CX-5?
The many perks of owning an SUV are the several comfort features that they come equipped with, and the Mazda CX-5 is no different. The various comfort features aboard this crossover SUV are:
USB inputs
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Cruise control
Hill Launch Assist
Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror
360-degree view monitor
Automatic power-folding exterior mirror
Bose 10-speaker audio system
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Front View2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Interior2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Center Console2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Infotainment2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Steering Wheel
2020 Mazda CX-5 Exterior
9.0/10
There might be several SUVs that offer better practicality than the Mazda CX-5, but not many look as good as it does. The shield-like grille of the CX-5 arches forward, while the sleek headlights run into the fenders. Smooth, uneven cuts along the sides and sloping windshield addy a sporty stance.
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Three Quarter View
At the top, the roof with the shark-fin antenna slopes down to meet the rear end that gets a body-colored spoiler. At the rear, dual exhaust outlets testify Mazda’s way of balancing form with functionality.
Model
Mazda CX-5
Buick Envision
Ford Escape
Toyota RAV4
Curb Weight
3541 lbs
3755 lbs
3299 lbs
3370 lbs
Length
179.1"
183.7"
180.5"
180.9"
Width
72.5"
72.4"
74.1"
73.0"
Height
66.2"
66.8"
66.1"
67.0"
Ground Clearance
7.5"
N/A
N/A
8.4"
Wheelbase
106.2"
108.3"
106.7"
105.9"
Despite being the heaviest of the lot, the Buick Envision is the fastest of the lot to the 60 mph mark. At the same time, the Toyota RAV4 offers the biggest trunk even though it has the shortest wheelbase.
What are the most eye-catching features?
The Mazda CX-5’s sculpted and sophisticated exterior styling elements include
Shield grille
LED headlights
DRLs
Body-colored side mirrors
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Roof-mounted shark-fin antenna
Body-colored rear roof spoiler
Dual exhaust outlets
2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV 3rd Quarter View2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Side View2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Bonnet2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Badge2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Rear Light2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV Tail Light
2020 Mazda CX-5 Safety
10/10
When it comes to safety, the Mazda CX-5 earns a five-star from the NHTSA. While the IIHS called it “a Top Safety Pick +”. So it’s safe to assume that the CX-5 is adequately loaded with safety features. They include
SKYACTIV-VEHICLE DYNAMICS with G-Vectoring Control Plus
E911 automatic emergency notification
Rearview camera
Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers
Dynamic stability control
Traction control system
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Lane departure warning
LATCH
2020 Mazda CX-5 Competition
Mazda CX-5 vs. Buick Envision
Both CX-5 and Envision are powered by 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engines. But at 197 hp, the Buick Envision is more powerful than the Mazda CX-5. However, as an overall package, the CX-5 satisfies more. The CX-5 is more accommodating and has a bigger boot than the Envision. Also, it makes up for its slightly slacked performance by being a lot more fuel-efficient. But that is not even the best part. For the price of the Buick Envision, you get the Grand Touring variant of the CX-5 that too with the all-wheel-drive unit.
2020 Buick Envision
Mazda CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is most definitely the better crossover SUV in this comparison. For almost the same price as the CX_5, the RAV4 a more powerful engine that also more efficient at the same time. Also with its bigger boot and bigger second row, the RAV4 does a better job of being a capable SUV than the Mazda CX-5
2020 Toyota RAV4
2020 Mazda CX-5 Final Verdict
8.6/10
The Mazda CX-5 is very reasonably priced for a crossover SUV. All its variants are very well equipped with features and feel more upmarket than some of the similarly priced SUVs. Also, with its fuel-efficient engine, all-wheel drive unit and fairly accommodating cabin and trunk, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 does a fairly decent job of being a capable and practical SUV.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Overall Reviews
Richard L. Roth 2020 Mazda CX-5Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
8
8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star
User Overall Rating
CX-5 takes everything
Overall Review -
8
8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star
Overview Rating
Mazda needs to spend more time around the hood of their cars.
8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star 8 star
User Overall Rating
"CX-5 takes everything"
In terms of power and acceleration, CX-5 does a great job with linear acceleration and enough mustard to zip past 60mph on speedo. That's not what I'm here to talk about, I would rather want practicality in a vehicle which Mazda seems to be missing in this Crossover. Starting off with the city drives, no doubt the powerband is not configured for prolonged city driving. Stalls in slow speeds usuall...
by Richard L. Roth
9
9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star
User Overall Rating
"Impressive"
The only words that I can say about the whole driving experience is- Impressive.
by Carson S. Carlton
3
3 star 3 star 3 star
User Overall Rating
"Built quality could have been better"
Handles well on corners and in city. Although it has many qualities to fall in love with, I still don't fancy it as much as I used to before. The built quality feels inferior for this price point. Paint has started to look dull compared to the first day shine. Automatic transmission is not bad but unable to help with the smooth drive quality. It's high time Mazda should introduce cvts in their lin...
by Herman P. Nelson
10
10 star 10 star 10 star 10 star 10 star 10 star 10 star 10 star 10 star 10 star
User Overall Rating
"Features"
Everything is great when I'm behind the wheel of our new cx5. Drives smooth and has enough power to make me smile everytime I floor the gas pedal. Steering is pretty smooth and visibility is also impressive. Windblast on highways and we got window deflectors for that. Overall nice car
by Melvin S. Newton
9
9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star 9 star
User Overall Rating
"Rework the powerband"
Not happy with the driving dynamics of our Cx-5. The punch in acceleration is only felt when the pedal is touching the floor. Requires gunning the engine to be able to feel the mustard. I love the paddle shifters but Mazda needs to rework the powerband so that customers are able to enjoy these sporty features to the fullest.
