Used 2020 Mazda CX-5 for sale 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

* 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.

Nosedive is decently contained and the superior brakes add to the thrill of pushing this Mazda into the corners.

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.

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.

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.

The Mazda CX-5’s otherwise above-average fuel efficiency figures are let down by its averagely sized fuel tank.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.