If you’re looking for a crossover SUV that’s fun to drive, you can’t go wrong with the Mazda CX5. It’s not as big as a Miata, but it handles really well for its size. In 2024, Mazda made some changes, like adding the carbon turbo model. So, which one should you pick?
You’ve got two choices for the engine. The basic one is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that gives you 187 horsepower. But if you want more power, there’s a turbocharged version of the same engine that boosts it up to 256 horsepower. All CX-5s come with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base model is referred to as the CX 5 2.5S select. It wears 17-inch alloy wheels, has LED headlights, body-colored and powered side mirrors, and auto rain-sensing wipers.
Inside, you’ll find a 10 and 1/4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with push-button start and a six-speaker sound system.
The interior trim is leatherette, while the driver’s seat features six-way power adjustability. Both front seats are also heated. Push-button start, Dual Zone climate control, and auto-leveling headlights are all standard on the S select, and this one starts at $3,675.
After the select, we climb to the CX5 2.5S preferred. Again, the exterior looks basically the same except there’s the addition of a power moonroof.
Inside, the trim is leather while the driver’s seat has 8-way power adjustability and the passenger seat gains six-way power adjustability.
Also, there’s a two-position memory function for the driver seat. One more feature a lot of folks enjoy is the inclusion of an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, so you can set it to open and close a garage door. The starting price of the CX5 2.5S preferred is $322.
Next, we have the CX5 2.5 carbon Edition. This one is essentially a styling trim over the preferred as it’s only offered with the trim exclusive polymetal gray exterior paint color. That paint pairs well with the 19-inch Black Metallic aluminum wheels and gloss black side mirrors.
On the inside, you have leather trim on the steering wheel and shift lever, which is accented by Red stitching. You can choose between black leather with red stitching for the seats or a red leather interior. Finally, this trim nets you the Bose premium 10-speaker audio system, and the 2.5S carbon Edition starts at $333,200.
Time running and rear lights, the wheels are finished in gray metallic and are 19 inches in diameter. Ahead of the driver, you have a 7-inch multi-information display in the gauge cluster as well as paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Finally, the exterior side mirrors are heated while the front headlights are adaptive. The starting price of the CX-5 2.5S premium is $35,200.
This one gains some nice luxury features and more tech. There’s a full-color head-up display, ventilated front seats, and the steering wheel is heated, as are the rear seats.
The side mirrors are auto power folding. One nice new feature for 2024 at this trim level is the inclusion of a wireless charging spot and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The starting price of the 2.5S Premium Plus is $37,875.
Okay, now at the turbo models, we start with the CX-5 2.5 carbon turbo. On the outside, you have to choose either ziron sand or rodium white for your paint color, and each one costs extra, which is a bit silly.
There’s contrasting gloss black trim on the outside. Inside, you have terracotta leather trim paired with black suede inserts. The starting price of the CX5 2.5 carbon turbo is $38,825 for ziron sand or $38,900 for rodium white.
After that sits the CX5 2.5 turbo premium. At this level, you get a gloss black grill, power-folding side mirrors, black trim on the inside with contrasting red stitching, and the rear seats are heated. The 2024 CX-5 2.5 turbo premium starts at $39,185. Turbo signature trims for any Mazda model are always the fanciest of the family.
The exterior trim is a mix of silver finished aluminum and gunmetal. Inside, you have real wood grain paired with brown Napa leather.
The Mazda navigation system adds off-road navigation functionality. Finally, you also get the 360° camera system, rear Smart City brake support, traffic jam assist, and Driver attention alert. The starting price of the 2.5 turbo signature is $41,988.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while the Mazda CX5 offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets, the turbo premium stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking a balanced blend of features and affordability.
With its combination of enhanced performance from the turbo engine and reasonable pricing, the turbo premium model offers a compelling value proposition.
So, if you’re looking for a CX5 that delivers on both features and price, the turbo premium trim is definitely worth considering.
