The Mazda CX-5 stands out amongst other subcompact SUVs for its performance and reliability. Just like any one of its siblings, it’s notable for having sporty handling that isn’t always common in this segment. Even with its spritely nature, it still manages to go easy on the fuel and provide roomy accommodation inside.

While the Mazda CX-5 doesn’t need a redesign just yet, Kelley Blue Book found a few great improvements for the 2022 model year. Those changes make the 2022 Mazda CX-5 around $530 more expensive than a brand-new 2021 vehicle. Are these tweaks worthy enough to warrant the extra dough?

Everything you should know about the 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 itself also got a slew of welcome changes. According to Mazda, all new models come standard with smartphone integration, operating on a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. Some new optional safety features were also added, as well as the Carbon trim with its exclusive Carbon-Gray paint color option.

The standard Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder capable of 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Having so much torque on tap makes the SUV quite zippy, even without any turbo power. The engine produces a lot of vrooms when you’re accelerating to highway speeds, but overall it has plenty of stamina.

Higher trims are a little quicker thanks to an optional turbo engine, capable of 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which generally gets good reviews from critics. All-wheel drive (AWD) can be added to all models, but it’s standard on the two highest trim levels.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Sport has a generous array of both convenience and safety technology, making it a good deal at $25,370. The Touring model features leather seats with heating, plus the optional Touring Preferred SV package. This bundle includes an upgraded stereo system, a moonroof, and real leather upholstery for the seats.

The Carbon Edition is almost the same car, except it has a unique exterior and a red interior. The Grand Touring Edition gets the contents of the Preferred SV package as standard equipment, plus paddle shifters.

Lastly, the Grand Touring Reserve adds ventilated seats, a Heads-Up Display, and a heated steering wheel. The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature has every optional feature, plus real wood trim and upgraded leather seats. This fully-loaded trim starts at $37,505.

What did the CX-5 get for 2022?

The Mazda CX-5 gets a subtle new face for the 2022 model year, with reshaped headlights and a three-dimensional mesh grille. AWD is also now standard for each trim, and all of them also underwent transmission tweaks. Mazda also enhanced the CX-5’s suspension, which should give drivers an even smoother and quieter ride.

Many of the trims have been renamed, but should retain the same features. The turbo engine has also been upgraded, adding six extra ponies when supplied with premium fuel. Mazda also says it made the seats more comfortable, though KBB never found any faults in the 2021 model’s seats.

Is the 2022 Mazda CX-5 a better value?

Mazda says that the 2022 CX-5 starts at $25,900 and will be released sometime this winter. That extra $530 is presumably only for the improved driving dynamics, upgraded seats, and AWD. Considering that AWD on the 2021 CX-5 costs $1,400, we’d say that’s a pretty good deal. However, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature will cost at least $39,045, a $1,540 difference between the fully-loaded trims from both years. 

Given its good value and upgraded mechanics, we’d say the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S is unquestionably worth the money. However, if you want a Carbon Edition or higher, you may be better off with the 2021 model.