2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature Review

Mazda's been making a lot of headlines lately for some all-new models - namely the new CX-90 and CX-70 SUVs. But this week I bring you something familiar. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 - which is currently the automaker's best-selling model in the U.S. My test vehicle is the top-of-the-line Turbo Signature trim. 

Exterior

The CX-5 is a sharp and sophisticated looking 5-passenger SUV, especially in my test vehicle's premium hue: Machine Gray Metallic.   It looks great with the silver finished 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.  

 

 

 

 

 

The Turbo Signature features aluminum silver-finished front and rear bumper trim, along with a gunmetal front grille.

It's outfitted with LED headlights and daytime running lights along with adaptive front lighting. In back you find LED combo taillights along with a body-color rear spoiler.

Performance  

Mazda's 2.5 Turbo engine is sporty and powerful. The powertrain delivers 227 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel. But for the best performance you'll want to use premium which gives you a boost to 256-hp and 320 lb.-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth acceleration.  i-Active AWD is standard across the lineup.

Interior

Mazda's craftsmanship and near-luxury materials are the best-in-class - though I will say the gap is narrowing with other automakers stepping up their game in that department.  (For all-new models, Mazda ups its own game with models like the first-ever three-row CX-90.)

 

 

 

The Turbo Signature features a sophisticated cabin with Caturra Brown Nappa Leather, genuine woodgrain and nice stitching. ( I have to say the brown leather looks better in person than in photographs.)

The 8-way power driver's seat is cushiony, comfortable and supportive all at the same time. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. The leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters is heated as well and the leather feels great.

The center stack isn't too tech-forward as Mazda opts for traditional climate controls.  Underneath, a slim center console hosts your leather-wrapped gear shifter, multimedia controller, Mi Drive select and various other things like auto brake hold and an electric parking brake.  There are cupholders too along with a wireless phone charger. 

 

 

The 40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down rear seats slightly recline. Slightly raised seating doesn't threaten headroom in the roomy second row.  Rear seat passengers are treated to heated and ventilated seats, A/C vents and a drop down center console.

Standard equipment includes push-button start, dual-zone climate, an electronic parking brake, one-touch power windows, rain-sensing wipers, windshield wiper deicer,  a power moonroof and two USB ports up front and two in back.

Utility

You open the power liftgate to an impressive amount of cargo space and levers in the cargo area operate the folding seats.

Technology

A 10.25-inch multimedia display is standard across the lineup.  I'd love to see Mazda update its infotainment system itself as I find it somewhat outdated and cumbersome to operate via the multifunction commander control on the center console. You can also use steering wheel controls or voice command. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,  which now feature touchscreen functionality.  The CX-5 system also has HD Radio (a must for CarPro Show host Jerry Reynolds.) The 10-speaker Bose sound system sounds great. And here's more great news - the system now gives the CX-5 two USB-C ports.

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The screen offers great real estate for the nice back up camera and mapping. The navigation system in this top-ranging model also features Off-Road Navigation, and the 7-inch LCD Active Driving Display includes Traffic Sign Recognition, a feature I love.

Ride and Drive

The ride and drive of the Mazda CX-5 is unarguably terrific. It is definitely a SUV for driving enthusiasts. It's fun and engaging to drive with great handling. It's ride quality is also superb though it's on the sportier side with a tighter suspension. The  Mi Drive mode selector that Mazda introduced back in 2022 gives you multiple drive mode options.   

Safety 

The 2024 CX-5 Turbo Signature is equipped with Mazda's latest i-Active Safety features which add a 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, Smart City Brake Support Reverse, and Driver Attention Alert.  Additionally, the Turbo Signature's color Active Driving Display looks great.

Options and What You'll Pay

My model features just a couple of options:  a Rear Bumper Guard  ($135) and the premium Machine Gray Metallic paint ($595.).  Total MSRP on my test vehicle as equipped is $42,705.

Verdict

The CX-5 may not be Mazda's latest SUV, but that doesn't mean we should forget about it.  Its sporty, powerful and engaging drive coupled with its terrific handling, sophisticated style and near-luxury interior all make this a tried-and-true SUV that continues to impress.