Sporty handling? Check. A dynamic engine? Check. Premium features? Check. The 2020 Mazda CX-5 seems to have it all. Or does it? That depends on what type of driver you are. 

The 2020 CX-5 is one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs on the market. Plus, it offers luxury equal to some BMWs. However, drivers will be out of luck if they want to make the most out of the “utility” aspect of this SUV.

After all, don’t people buy SUVs for the extra space rather than to get behind the wheel of a sporty ride? If any vehicle can break the mold, it might just be the 2020 Mazda CX-5. 

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has a lot to offer, except in terms of cargo space

The 2020 CX-5 received a glowing review from Consumer Reports and topped its ‘Best Compact SUV Rating’ list. The vehicle scored exceptionally well in predicted reliability, comfort, performance, and value. The lowest score the CX-5 received was for its cargo area, which was rated just 2/5.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has just 30.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind its second row of seating. That space opens up to 59.6 cubic feet when the rear row is folded down, but this maximum space falls significantly short of some of its rivals. For instance, the base model of the Subaru Forester offers 16.5 cubic feet of extra cargo room.

This issue may be a nuisance when trying to puzzle together luggage before heading to the airport. However, it’s important to note most drivers won’t stretch the limits of the Mazda CX-5’s cargo area on a daily basis.

Size isn’t everything

This one downfall isn’t a reason to sleep on the 2020 Mazda CX-5. This compact SUV delivers a lot of bang for your buck at a starting MSRP of just $25,190. 

The CX-5 has standard driver-assistance features like smart cruise control and blind spot monitoring, which are typically upgrades in rival SUVs. Meanwhile, its upper trims offer luxuries like Nappa leather-trimmed seats and genuine wood trim.

Meanwhile, the 2020 CX-5 is one of the sportiest vehicles in its class. It offers two dynamic engines – a standard 187-hp four-cylinder and an available 250-hp turbo four-cylinder. Notably, Mazda disclaims drivers must use 93 octane premium unleaded fuel to unlock its available engine’s true potential.

The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base trim is an eyebrow-raiser since it’s standard equipment on most competing models. Although, these features are included on the Touring trim, which costs around $1,600 more than the entry-level Sport.

Is the Mazda CX-5’s biggest flaw a dealbreaker?

It’s not ideal that the 2020 Mazda CX-5 lacks some of the utility for which SUVs are known. However, it certainly makes up for it with all the extra sport.

Many owners might not even notice the lack of storage space with everything that the CX-5 has going for it. Besides, it doesn’t hurt that most trims, beginning with the Touring model, come with a power liftgate, which makes loading and unloading the SUV less burdensome.

All-in-all, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is still a great buy, provided that you’re not going to be opening a delivery business any time soon.