2024 Mazda CX-5: Preview, Specs, Features, Redesign

Although the brand-new, similarly-sized CX-50 has just been released, the Japanese carmaker decided to carry on with the CX-5. However, everything comes to an end, so the current generation of this dynamic compact crossover will probably end in the near future. At this point, it’s still unclear whether we are about to see the next generation or not, but it looks like the current model will remain in production for a few more years. Allegedly, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 will represent the final production year of the generation and, therefore, we don’t expect to see bigger changes.

We count on a familiar design and that’s not an issue, considering that the current model still looks amazing, despite the age. It offers a stylish exterior, luxurious interior and pretty impressive ride quality. On the other hand, it lacks practicality, as the cargo area and second-row seats are less generous compared to classmates.

As there are no significant updates to come, we expect that the 2024 Mazda CX-5 will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2023.

2024 Mazda CX-5 Design

The current generation has been around since 2016 and it has only received minor updates so far. However, it is still more than competitive in most aspects. Based on the KODO design language, it still features one of the nicest exterior designs in the class, with lots of smooth edges and round lines. We doubt that the 2024 Mazda CX-5 could bring any bigger changes, though new color options are always possible.

The CX-5 looks great and drives equally well. This is one of the rare models in the class that’s actually fun to drive. The handling is great, while the steering is very precise. Combine with capable engine options, the driving experience is pretty impressive.

Interior

The interior quality is also one super-strong point of this SUV. The cabin looks very elegant, thanks to its simplistic design, which comes in a combination with super-fine materials. There is a lot of attention to detail, while the list of standard and available equipment is pretty generous. All this makes this Mazda look as luxurious as any premium SUV of this size.

Although this cabin is very luxurious and cozy, it isn’t without flaws. Compared to classmates like Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, this model offers significantly less space in the second row of seats, whether it’s about leg or headroom. The cargo area is also pretty small by class standards. It offers around 29.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear row and 58.1 cubic feet with the rear row folded down. Most rivals offer way over 30 cubic feet behind the second row and way over 70 cubic feet of the total cargo space.

Features

Considering that we are talking about the final production year, it’s hard to expect bigger updates, even in terms of standard and available equipment. We expect that most things will remain the same. For reference, the current model comes standard with goodies like a 10.25-inch display, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Mazda Connected Services, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a four-speaker stereo, and HD Radio. Among options, you can find a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, a moonroof, a universal garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and ambient interior lighting. Among available features, you can also find goodies like two rear USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, a 10-speaker Bose sound system, satellite radio, and navigation.

When it comes to safety features, base models should come standard with goodies like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, rearview camera etc.

2024 Mazda CX-5 Engines

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 will continue with two familiar engine options. Base models will continue with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, which puts out 187 horsepower. That’s more than enough for daily commuting, while things aren’t all that bad on the highway either. Still, we would rather opt for a 2.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out 256 horsepower (with premium fuel) and offers pretty impressive driving dynamics. Both models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission which is very smooth and shifts pretty quickly. Also, all models come standard with all-wheel drive.

When it comes to fuel economy, the base engine returns around 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the turbo-four is good for about 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.