The 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature Edition AWD SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: In 1960, Mazda officially began exporting vehicles to the United States, and in 1971, Mazda Motor of America was established. By 1979, Mazda exports to North America surpassed 1 million vehicles.
In the following years Mazda became more and more popular in the United States, so much so that it established Mazda Motors Manufacturing in early 1985, and then a year later added the Mazda R&D Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Production in the U.S. began in 1987. September 1989 was a major milestone for Mazda, that’s when the Miata MX-5 Roadster was introduced. It went on sale in North America first, and was an immediate sales sensation.
Over the next decade, Mazda made major changes in its corporate thinking, including adding a recycling program, revamping the corporate symbol to what we see today, establishing an ethics committee, and streamlining operations.
These changes all contributed to the Mazda we know and love, one that is focused on achieving an ideally balanced car that delivers performance, efficiency, style and an enjoyable driving experience. Mazda then added Zoom Zoom to all it’s cars, crossovers and SUVS, to the point that now Driving is what really Matters.
This week Mazda sent me a top of the line Signature Edition CX-5 AWD SUV in Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, with Caturra Brown Nappa Leather trimmed seats, to test drive and review. What a fantastic looking color combination of bright red metallic paint with a supple brown leather interior, that just looks rich and comfortable, and it is.
The CX-5 is the number one selling vehicle in the Mazda lineup. In 2019 Mazda sold 154,543 compact CX-5 SUVS in 5 different models. The Signature Edition adds AWD all wheel drive to the car, and the window sticker lists over 100 standard and optional upgrades over the base Sport model, that costs only $25,190.
The starting price for a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Signature Edition AWD SUV is $37,055. Then you add in the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint job for $595, plus the rear bumper guard for $125. The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,045 destination charge, came to: $38,820.
This Mazda CX-5 Signature Edition is at the top of the list in the MX-5 model line up. It comes with every available option that Mazda builds into their SUV’S. To start with the CX-5’S Signature model adds several premium touches to the upscale designed interior. Like genuine layered wood trim, ventilated front seats and ambient cabin lighting, just to name a few, all combined to indulge the senses of both the driver and the passengers.
Next up is the i-activ AWD system that helps predict when all wheel drive might be needed by monitoring ambient factors, like outside temperature, plus throttle input, steering and braking patterns, and even windshield wiper usage. It can then optimize power to the wheels, helping maintain traction at all times. This happens without the driver even feeling a change. That’s how the i-activ traction system works, behind the scenes, all the time.
The CX-5 Signature Edition also has the more powerful and efficient Skyactiv-g 2.5T turbo 4 cylinder engine. With 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, it gives you the power to pursue your passions. It also features an innovative dynamic pressure turbocharger that responds instantaneously, nearly eliminating any turbo lag. This engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission with manual Sport Mode, and comes with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
In all the Mazda CX-5 models you can experience total mobile connectivity with the available Apple Carplay integration. Access your iphone’s maps, playlists, contacts and compatible apps with your voice through Siri. Siri will also read incoming text messages, and allow you to reply without taking your hands off the wheel. Android users can also connect through available Android Auto integration. Everything you care about in life is just a tap, or a voice command, away.
Safety and Security options include a group of standard i-activsense safety features, with up to date technologies that can help alert you to potential hazards. Features like Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and the Lane Departure Warning System that can help you avoid collisions, or lessen their impact. You want to be focused and engaged when you drive, and that starts with feeling confident behind the wheel.
While the option list is impressive, the fuel economy numbers are good too. The car gets 27 MPG miles per gallon of fuel on the highway, 22 MPG in the city, and gets 24 MPG in combined overall driving. The Greenhouse gas rating is a 5 out of 10, and it has a Smog rating of 5 out of 10 too. Solid mid grade numbers for a top of the line AWD Turbo powered compact SUV.
Mazda wants you to drive your car, and not worry about it. So they start with a 5 year / 60,000 powertrain warranty, then add a 3 year / 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. To eliminate your anxiety about being stranded, with even a flat tire, all Mazda’s come with a 24 hour roadside assistance program for the life of the warranty period. All for free, for your total piece of mind. That’s a tribute to Mazda for having the strength and confidence in their vehicles from day one.
The CX-5 is Mazda’s most popular selling vehicle in the US. With 5 models to choose from starting at $25,000, to just over $37,000, Mazda has a CX-5 in everybody’s price range. From style, to safety, to convenience, the CX-5 is one of the best compact SUVS for sale on the market today. And that’s why Driving always Matters in a Mazda.
A word to the wise is sufficient. Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe.
And remember “You Are What You Drive ©”
And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line Review is provided by: Tony Leopardo © Autowire.net.
“Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net or visit Autowire.net at www.autowire.net