Mazda Adds Standard AWD to All CX SUVs, Cushier Ride for 2022 CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is the brand’s top-selling vehicle, with a sporty performance that stands out among compact SUVs. Agile handling and an available turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder with up to 250 horsepower culminate in a fun-to-drive experience rarely found in the class. But the positives accompany some character flaws, including an overly firm ride, questionable seat comfort, a noisy engine and frustrating multimedia system.

Related: 2021 Mazda CX-5 Review: A Decent Compact SUV With Deal-Breaking Tech

For 2022, Mazda has refreshed the CX-5 to potentially address three out of the four complaints (no updates to the multimedia system are mentioned). Another key change is the addition of standard all-wheel drive — not just for the CX-5, but across Mazda’s entire CX line of SUVs. Here’s what to expect from the CX-5 and its smaller (CX-30) and larger (CX-9) siblings for 2022.

Styling Tweaks

Visually, the 2022 CX-5 gets minor changes to the front and rear. Mazda irons out the SUV’s character lines, updates the grille with a three-dimensional design to replace the mesh in the 2021 model, and freshens the headlights and taillights. The 2022 CX-5 will also ride on restyled alloy wheels.

Turbo-equipped trim levels get unique styling and new naming schemes. The Grand Touring Reserve, which sits just below the top Signature trim, gets renamed 2.5 Turbo; it adds gloss-black exterior finishes plus red accents and stitching inside. The range-topping 2.5 Turbo Signature, meanwhile, adds body-colored cladding and contrasting silver wheels, with Nappa leather and woodgrain trim inside.

Improved Ride Quality and Comfort

The tradeoff for the 2021 CX-5’s sporty performance is a harsh ride, uncomfortable seats and a noisy cabin. The automaker claims improvements in all three areas. To create a smoother, quieter driving experience, Mazda says it improved the CX-5’s suspension with dampening control and increased frame rigidity. The changes aim to reduce vibration and road noise, and improve the SUV’s ride quality. Floaty-feeling front seats were another sore spot for the outgoing CX-5. Mazda has redesigned the seats in the 2022 model to improve stability and comfort. Finally, the CX-5 gets new adjustable drive modes and a more responsive six-speed transmission.

AWD for All

Mazda’s latest news isn’t limited to the compact CX-5. All CX models will come standard with Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system. In the 2021 CX-5, only the top two trims had an AWD system standard, while all lower trims offered front-wheel drive standard with the option to add AWD.

Opting for AWD in the 2021 CX-5 and CX-30 adds $1,400 to the vehicles’ starting prices. The CX-9, a three-row mid-size SUV, offers standard AWD only on the highest trim for 2021, while lower trims can be had with AWD for an additional $1,900.

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Pricing

Pricing for the 2022 CX-5 has not yet been announced. In its base trim, called Sport, the 2021 CX-5 comes with a 187-hp four-cylinder and FWD; it starts at $26,545 (all prices include destination fees). The turbo engine is available on higher trims, starting with the Carbon Edition Turbo that’s priced from $31,935.

Related Video: Mazda CX-30

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