2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 mid-size crossover is fun and functional 

Price: $37,055

The refined 2020 Mazda CX-5 mid-size crossover is for those who like to drive but don’t want to sacrifice utility.

Mazda’s vehicles show that “driving enjoyment” is its middle name and the CX-5 shows you need buy a Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car to get it.

The CX-5 is Mazda’s top-selling vehicle in America. It’s a mid-size crossover (or “SUV”, if you will) hatchback with more sporty flair than some rivals.

Improvements for 2020 include refinements, more safety features and quieter operation, especially less road noise, although the engine is noisy during hard acceleration.

I tested the top-line, equipment-loaded $37,055 CX-5 with all-wheel drive. It’s the most expensive CX-5. The base front-drive CX-5 is priced at $25,090. It’s got better fuel economy than the Signature but has less equipment and a 187-horsepower engine that provides just so-so highway performance.

The CX-5 Signature is no fuel miser, but isn’t a gas hog, either, for this type of vehicle. Its turbocharged 2.7-liter engine provides 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque while delivering an estimated 22 miles per gallon in the city and 27 on highways. It’s got strong acceleration in the city and on highways and only calls for 87-octane gasoline.

The responsive six-speed automatic transmission can be manually shifted, and a driver can switch from regular to “sport” mode via a console shift if a little faster acceleration is needed, although that drive mode lowers fuel economy a bit.

The responsive electric power-assisted steering has a firm feel, and the ride is supple, although some may feel it’s a little too firm.

Handling is athletic, thanks to an all-independent suspension, dynamic stability and traction controls, front/rear stabilizer bars, G-vectoring control and the clever all-wheel-drive system.The brake pedal has a reassuring feel. 

The Signature is loaded with convenience and safety equipment. However, my test vehicle’s striking “Soul Red Crystal Metallic” paint cost an extra $595. The Signature also has special aluminum alloy wheels, heated power mirrors with turn signals that fold against the windows to prevent parking lot damage, a power moonroof, “Signature” badging and nifty twin exhaust outlets.
 
As with many crossovers, it takes a little extra effort to enter the CX-5, but once aboard occupants sit high in the Signature’s upscale interior. It has such features as supportive power Nappa leather heated and ventilated front seats, detailed stitching throughout, soft-touch surfaces and genuine layered wood trim. The console takes up a lot of space, but there’s good room for four tall adults, although the center of the rear seat is too hard for a third occupant back there; it’s best left to the fold-down armrest, which has twin cupholders and controls for the heated rear seats.

The power hatch works efficiently, and the cargo floor is low and wide. The cargo area is moderately large, and 60/40 split rear setbacks easily fold forward to greatly increase the cargo area. The MX-5 cabin has a good number of storage areas, including pockets in all doors.
 
Interior features also include a push-button start, which is somewhat buried behind the heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel, which has audio and cruise controls, automatic door locks and a decent sound system.

The large gauges can be quickly read, and a heads-up windshield display even provides traffic sign recognition. The rather outdated infotainment system is challenging to work, but there are a good number of manual switches on the dashboard for those who don’t want to bother with the console dial to get vehicle information.

Safety features include radar cruise control with stop-and-go, a 360-degree view monitor with front and rear parking sensors, advanced dual front air bags, front/rear side curtains and smart brake support.

The CX-5 Signature won’t deliver the “zoom-zoom” of a Mazda sports car, but you can tell it’s from the same outfit.