Mazda announces the CX-5 CUV, the brand’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., will receive major design and driving-dynamics updates for 2022.
The automaker also says i-Activ all-wheel drive will be standard across the entire CX lineup (including the CX-30 and flagship CX-9) in the U.S. for the 2022 model year. The CX-3 is being discontinued in the U.S. for 2022.
Refreshed exterior styling will be the most recognizable change on all 2022 CX-5 models. Designers focused on refining the front and rear ends by minimizing character lines in favor of reflective body surfaces creating a distinguished and elegant appearance, Mazda says in a news release.
The front fascia adopts a new signature wing that extends outward from the grille, which is also updated with a 3D texture that replaces the outgoing mesh surface. The headlights and taillights receive significant design changes with each lamp featuring a pair of horizontally spaced, rectangular LED lights. All-new aluminum alloy wheels complete the transformation, the automaker says.
The ’22 CX-5 turbo models receive additional styling enhancements that help further distinguish them from non-turbos. The new 2.5L Turbo, formerly Grand Touring Reserve, offers an exterior featuring gloss black finishes and an interior complemented with red accents and stitching.
The 2.5 Turbo Signature model, meanwhile, incorporates design changes meant to help make the CX-5 feel more elegant. The exterior cladding adopts the same unified color scheme as the rest of the body and contrasts with bright silver finished wheels. The interior is appointed with premium materials such as Nappa leather and genuine woodgrain.
Complementing the new, refined design, the driving dynamics and ride quality of the ’22 CX-5 have evolved with updates to the drive modes, seats, body and suspension that were introduced in Mazda’s latest-generation vehicles.
The ’22 CX-5 introduces Mazda intelligent Drive Select, which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode with one touch of a switch. Advancing Mazda’s human-centric philosophy, the seats are redesigned to provide occupants with greater stability.
A more responsive 6-speed automatic transmission provides smooth acceleration. Updates to the suspension include improvements to the dampening control structure and increased frame rigidity, designed to help suppress vibrations, reduce road noise and provide a quieter cabin.
The CX-5’s competitors in Wards Intelligence’s Middle CUV segment include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The CX-5 and all other ’22 Mazda CX CUVs will have as standard the automaker’s
i-Activ AWD system, engineered to enhance performance and enjoyment in various driving conditions.
Newly standard AWD enhances driving dynamics and is part of the Mazda brand’s expansion into the premium space.
The i-Activ AWD system continuously monitors weight transfer, based on acceleration and cornering forces, and shifts power to the appropriate wheels, providing drivers a near-instant response to inputs.
By sharpening turn-in response and control based on vehicle speed, the i-Activ AWD system can enhance the vehicle’s performance while also providing additional safety in various road conditions.
’22 CX-5 features updates to drive modes, seats, body and suspension.
