Mazda has announced significant updates to its best-selling vehicle in the U.S., the Mazda CX-5. This popular crossover is set to maintain its appeal with enhanced quality, sophisticated styling, and improved driving dynamics. A key announcement for the 2022 model year, which effectively impacts the 2021 Mazda CX-5 planning and consumer expectations, is the standardization of i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) across the entire CX lineup in the U.S. market. These changes aim to further solidify the CX-5’s position in the competitive crossover segment.
The Mazda CX-5 has garnered widespread acclaim since its introduction nearly a decade ago, recognized for its blend of striking design, quality craftsmanship, excellent performance, and fuel efficiency. The award-winning crossover has consistently earned accolades, including the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award since its inception. The 2022 CX-5, building upon this legacy and relevant to consumers considering the 2021 models and future purchases, showcases further evolution in design and driving performance. These enhancements are intended to ensure the CX-5 remains a leader in its class, aligning with Mazda’s latest generation vehicle aesthetics and driving feel.
Refreshed Exterior Styling for a Sophisticated Look
The most immediately noticeable updates to the 2022 Mazda CX-5 range, pertinent to understanding the direction of the 2021 and subsequent models, are the refreshed exterior styling cues. Mazda designers have refined both the front and rear fascias, minimizing character lines to emphasize reflective body surfaces, resulting in a more distinguished and elegant appearance. The front fascia features a new signature wing design that extends from the updated front grille, which now boasts a three-dimensional texture replacing the previous mesh pattern. Significant changes are also evident in the headlights and taillights, each incorporating horizontally spaced, rectangular LED lights for a sleek and modern aesthetic. New aluminum alloy wheels complete the visual transformation, enhancing the crossover’s urban and sophisticated appeal.
Turbo Models Get Unique Styling Enhancements
The 2022 CX-5 turbo models, relevant for those seeking premium features in the 2021 and future CX-5 iterations, receive distinct styling enhancements to differentiate them from non-turbo variants. The new 2.5 Turbo model, previously known as Grand Touring Reserve, offers a contemporary and sporty design. It features gloss black finishes across the exterior to emphasize its athletic character, while the interior is accented with red details and stitching, creating a dynamic and engaging ambiance. In the upscale 2.5 Turbo Signature model, thoughtful design modifications enhance the CX-5’s sense of luxury. The exterior cladding adopts a unified body color scheme, contrasted by bright silver finished wheels. The interior is further elevated with premium materials such as Nappa leather and genuine woodgrain trim.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort
Complementing the refined design, the 2022 CX-5, building upon the foundations of the 2021 model, features evolved driving dynamics and ride quality. These improvements are achieved through updates to drive modes, seats, body construction, and suspension, technologies also influencing the experience in models around the 2021 timeframe. The 2022 CX-5 introduces Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), allowing drivers to easily select the optimal drive mode for various conditions. Redesigned seats, aligned with Mazda’s human-centric design philosophy, provide improved stability for both the driver and passengers, promoting a more natural and comfortable experience. The six-speed automatic transmission is tuned for more responsive and smoother accelerations. Suspension updates include enhancements to the damping control structure and increased frame rigidity, working to minimize vibrations, reduce road noise, and create a quieter cabin and a higher level of ride comfort. Collectively, these enhancements are designed to strengthen the driver’s connection to the enjoyable driving experience Mazda is known for.
Standard i-Activ AWD Across All CX Models
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system, engineered to boost both performance and driver confidence, becomes a standard feature across all Mazda CX models starting with the 2022 model year, impacting perceptions and value considerations for the 2021 Mazda CX-5 as well. This commitment to providing i-Activ AWD as standard underscores Mazda’s dedication to delivering an unmatched driving experience for all its customers and highlights the brand’s move towards the premium segment.
Mazda’s engineering philosophy emphasizes engaging driving dynamics in every aspect of vehicle development to foster a strong connection between driver and car. The unique i-Activ AWD system constantly monitors weight transfer based on acceleration and cornering forces, intelligently distributing power to the appropriate wheels for near-instantaneous response to driver inputs. By refining turn-in response and control relative to vehicle speed, the i-Activ AWD system enhances vehicle performance while also providing an added layer of safety across diverse driving conditions. This standardization for the 2022 CX models marks a significant step, influencing the perception of value and features associated with the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the broader CX lineup.
