Which 2022 Mazda CX-5 variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

Since its introduction to the Philippine market back in 2017, the Mazda CX-5 has continued to be a very desirable luxury five-seater crossover. Now in 2021, it remains a common sight on Philippine roads, and so one can safely say that many are aspiring to get one as their next vehicle. 

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD Turbo

The Mazda CX-5 has three variants available locally. These are the CX-5 2.5 AWD Turbo, the CX-5 2.5 AWD Sport, and the CX-5 2.0 Sport. So, which of these is the right one for you? Let’s help you decide.

Mazda CX-5 Variants: Exterior 

In terms of size, the CX-5 2.5 AWD Sport and the CX-5 2.0 Sport both come with a length of 4,550mm, and a width of 1,840mm. The AWD mid-spec Sport variant stands slightly higher at 1,680mm, while the entry-level CX-5 2.0 Sport is 1,675mm high. 

The entry-level CX-5 Sport

The largest among the Mazda CX-5 trims however, is the CX-5 2.5 AWD Turbo, which is 4,575mm long, 1,845mm wide, and 1,680mm in height. It is also the heaviest in the range with a curb weight of 1,712kg. The mid-spec AWD mid-spec trim sits in the middle at 1,613kg, while the 2.0 Sport is the lightest at 1,589kg. 

For exterior equipment, all three CX-5 variants come standard with adaptive LED headlamps with auto-leveling and auto on/off function. All three also have rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, power-folding side mirrors, and dual exhaust tips. 

The top-spec CX-5 2.5 AWD Turbo is the only variant that gets quad LED daytime running lights and body-colored side cladding. The rest then gets standard LED daytime running lights, and black-colored side cladding. 

The mid-spec CX-5 2.5 AWD Sport

Moreover, the entry-level CX-5 2.0 Sport is the only trim that doesn’t come with an electric glass sunroof. It also uses a set of 17-inch alloy wheels, whereas the mid-spec and top-spec trims come with 19-inch alloy wheel sets.  

Mazda CX-5 Variants: Interior 

Inside, all three CX-5 trims can seat up to five occupants. Also present on all three is a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a 6-way power adjustable front passenger seat. On all trims, these are also ventilated. 

Furthermore, all three get a 40:20:40 split folding function for their rear seats. The seats on the top-spec CX-5 2.5 AWD Turbo though, are wrapped in Nappa Leather, whereas the mid-spec 2.5 Sport and 2.0 Sport use regular leather. 

Inside the CX-5 

Also common on all three trims is a center armrest and two USB ports for the rear cabin, a push-to-start button, a seven-inch LCD gauge cluster, a heads-up display, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and an automatic dual-zone climate control system with rear vents, among others. 

Mazda CX-5 Variants: Tech and Safety 

Handling entertainment for all three CX-5 variants is an 8-inch touchscreen head unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All three trims also get a 10-piece Bose speaker system. 

All do come with USB charging ports, though only the top-spec AWD Turbo gets wireless charging. In turn, only the mid-spec AWD Sport and the entry-level Sport get a DVD player, something of a throwback in an age where multimedia streaming is the norm.  

A closer look at the CX-5's Bose speakers

Safety-wise, all three CX-5 trims get anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, a 360-degree view camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert. 

Only the top-spec CX-5 2.5 AWD Turbo comes standard with lane departure alert, lane keep assist, the Mazda Smart City Brake support system, and driver attention alerts.  

All three also come standard with a total of six airbags.  

Mazda CX-5 Variants: Engine and Performance 

Under the hood, all three CX-5 trims come with Mazda’s Skyactiv-G gasoline engine. These come in slightly different configurations between variants. 

For the entry-level Sport trim, it’s a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that can make up to 154 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque. This engine then sends power to the front wheels. 

The CX-5's SkyActiv-G engine

Meanwhile, the mid-spec CX-5 AWD Sport gets a 2.5-liter inline-4 mill making 187 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque. For this trim, power is sent to all four wheels. 

The top-spec CX-5 gets a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-banger that can make up to 249 horsepower and 434 Nm of torque. It is also an all-wheel-drive model. 

All three trims use a six-speed automatic gearbox, along with the Mazda I-Stop engine start/stop idling system. 

Mazda CX-5 Variants: Price 

Mazda CX-5 Variants: Conclusion 

To conclude, the new top-spec CX-5 AWD Turbo is the one to get if you want a zippy five-seater crossover that also offers the best in-terms of safety. Think of it as a fun-to-drive daily driver. 

Then again, the mid-spec CX-5 Sport AWD is also there if you want something more affordable, and if you don’t mind the slightly lower horsepower output, and even less safety equipment. 

The top-spec AWD Turbo from the side

Lastly, the entry-level CX-5 Sport is great if you just want a practical crossover that’s comfortable. It has some compromises when compared to the other two, but it can still do the job as a daily driver.  

For more comparisons like this, keep it here on the Philippine’s largest automotive portal.