If you’re in the market for a brand-new compact SUV, you currently have around 16 different models to chose from, including the Mazda CX-5, the Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4. The problem consumers struggle with while shopping for a new SUV is that on paper, there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between each vehicle. While they look quite similar, when you slide behind the wheel of the 2020 Mazda CX-5, you’ll discover a key difference that gives the Mazda SUV a considerable edge on the competition.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is fun

The key difference between the 2020 Mazda CX-5 and the other SUVs on the market is that the CX-5 is exceptionally fun to drive. Somewhere along the way, SUV designers decided that SUVs were a family vehicle, and as such, they shouldn’t encourage drivers to have fun while they’re behind the wheel.

Mazda threw that concept away. The incredibly agile performance and zippy acceleration of the Mazda CX-5 are just what you need to feel excited about doing otherwise mundane things, like picking kids up from band practice, running to the grocery store, and taking your dog to the vet. Considering how mundane daily life can become, it’s nice to have a vehicle that shakes things up with some good, wholesome fun.

Features that combine to make the Mazda CX-5 a fun vehicle include: 

• Reduced road noise
• Responsive handling
• Turbo-boost engine
• SKYACTIV-X 
• i-Activsense suite 

Other reasons to love the 2020 Mazda CX-5

Mazda has been selling the CX-5 since 2013 Since that time, the SUV has become a mainstay in the Mazda lineup. There are several reasons drivers love this fun SUV.

One of the biggest changes was the addition of the SKYACTIV-X which is the first time the world has seen technology that allows Mazda to use a pressure start system that combines the perfect amount of air and fuel in a formula that’s called the Spark Controlled Compression Ignition. The technology allows gas-powered CX-5 models to consolidate fuel resources in a way that allows drivers to experience improved power, smoother and more fuel-efficient acceleration, and additional power while driving.

The Mazda CX-5 comes with a standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine that is designed with a quick throttle response that provides the zoom needed to quickly pull away from stoplights, easily merge into traffic, and zip around sharp corners, making this a great choice for drivers who have heavy traffic commutes. Other engine choices include the 250-hp turbocharged engine and the diesel 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. 

Mazda made driver comfort a priority when designing the CX-5. They wanted this to be a vehicle that was fun in city driving and inviting on long road trips. To improve the driver experienced, they’ve equipped the vehicle with standard and available features such as:

• A 360-degree surround-view camera system that eases parking lot anxiety
• The MAZDACONNECT infotainment system that includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• A reconfigurable driver information display
• Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus
• SiriusXM Travel Link services
• Ventilated front seats

What Consumer Reports thinks

Taking a peek at Consumer Reports is one of the best ways to get an accurate idea of how well the Mazda CX-5 stacks up next to other 2020 SUVs. Based on early reports and previous versions of the CX-5, Consumer Reports has given the vehicle a score of 84 out of 100 and considers it the best compact sport utility vehicle currently on the market. The Mazda CX-5 was awarded an 80 out of 100 on the road test, has a consumer satisfaction score of four out of five, and has a reliability score five of out of five.