San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)

Mazda has three sporty crossovers, with AWD, available turbo engines

- By G. Chambers Williams III chambers@auto-writer.com

Mazda has moved into the world of crossover utility vehicles over the past few years, and offers three models in the U.S. market, ranging from the family-size CX-9 to the subcompact fivepassen­ger CX-30.

In between is the compact CX-5. Coming this spring is the new CX-50, which is similar to the size of the CX-5. There also is a battery-electric model, the MX-30, for 2022, but that vehicle for now is available only in California

A hallmark of Mazda vehicles throughout its history in the United States has been the driving experience, and today’s crop of SUVs is no exception.

Just like Mazda’s car models, the crossovers are fun to drive – which is a plus for vehicles that offer so much versatilit­y.

Mazda CX-30

Introduced for 2020, the CX-30 is a five-passenger small crossover designed for young people who are still single, or who are married and starting a family.

Eight trim levels are available: CX-30 2.5 S, $22,200; Select, $24,600; Preferred, $27,650; Carbon Edition, $28,290; 2.5 Turbo, $30,200; Premium, $30,500; 2.5 Turbo Premium, $32,800; and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, $34,400. I-Active all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, whereas it was a $1,400 option last year.

MAZDA CX-30

Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is a compact crossover with seating for up to five, and is known for its sporty driving characteri­stics.

For 2022, Mazda has updated the CX-5, and added the all-wheel drive as standard.

Mazda says the most-recognizab­le change is refreshed exterior styling, “focused on refining the front and rear ends, opting to minimize character lines in favor of reflective body surfaces that create a distinguis­hed and elegant appearance.”

Mazda CX-9

After getting some upgrades and styling tweaks last year, the

Mazda CX-9 midsize family crossover returns for 2022 with a new bonus: the i-Activ all-wheel drive is now standard across the lineup.

Last year, the all-wheel drive came at no extra cost only on the top-of-the-line Signature trim level, and was $1,900 extra on all other models.

Along with the all-wheel drive, the CX-9 also features off-road traction assist, which helps maintain traction automatica­lly on uneven surfaces. G-Vectoring Control Plus is also standard, designed to enhance steering response.

Read full reviews at mysananton­io.com/

cars/Truck&SUVGuide

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