#Honda compact suvs driver

Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models and you might think you've been abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes. For more information about the CX-5's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. We've tested both on our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and the standard engine returned 32 mpg compared with the turbo four's 30 mpg result. The more powerful turbocharged engine is rated at 22 mpg city and 27 highway. The base 2.5-liter engine is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. With two engine options, the CX-5 has two fuel-economy ratings.

Tested: 2022 Mazda CX-5 Stays the Course.

2024 Mazdas Add Brown-on-Brown Carbon Turbo Model.

The Signature model we tested had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated without delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes. The electrically assisted steering provides satisfying responses. At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads. Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal, and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivaled by its competitors. But it also soaks up rough roads without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much. Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for one helluva Sunday cruise. You don't need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy it or to appreciate its excellence. Both engines pair with a snappy six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The 256-hp turbocharged version we tested provided much quicker acceleration. It's at higher speeds, such as when trying to pass or merge onto the freeway, that it feels underpowered. The CX-5's standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine has great throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling around town, so it feels quicker than it actually is.

Its interior mirrors that sportiness with red accents and stitching. Its exterior is elegantly sporty with trim-specific gloss-black accents. With the upgraded 256-hp turbocharged engine, its quickness better corresponds with its athletic handling. We think the Turbo Premium trim best exemplifies the CX-5. For space, we'd stick with the newer Honda CR-V or the slightly larger CX-50, but despite its age, the CX-5 still drives like it's out to prove something. While it gives up some space for the sake of style, sitting in a CX-5 is enough to convince you of its luxury. The optional 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter is the powertrain to get, but thankfully Mazda has decided against the popular CVT and instead uses a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, which sweetens the CX-5 driving experience. Under the hood is a 187-hp inline-four engine with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

#Honda compact suvs driver

It's still a better driver and far more luxurious than the train of competitors behind it, but the new kids on the block have quickly outshined its trophy cabinet. It's got as many Car and Driver 10Best awards as it does tires, but after seven years of one of our favorite crossovers, the CX-5 is due for a rejuvenation. Taking a look back at the Mazda CX-5's history is a good way to understand where it stands today.