5 - Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5, 100th Anniversary Edition | Photo: D.Heyman
Widely considered to be the most dynamic-to-drive of the compact SUVs on the market, the CX-5 continues on its merry way year after year, happy to have the drivable-family-compact-crossover category pretty much to itself. While C&D acknowledges its habit of trashing the dullness of models in this segment, it makes an exception for the nervy Mazda. Why? Because it drives “like a premium brand’s sports sedan”, so much so that “even the indifferent will notice the difference”.
What C&D liked:
- Sharp steering
- Road-hugger
- Firm suspension
- Brakes with bite
- Savvy 6-speed automatic transmission
- A good-enough interior, particularly in the Signature version
- Good exterior design
Mazda CX-5, 100th Anniversary Edition, front | Photo: D.Heyman
Mazda CX-5, 100th Anniversary Edition, interior | Photo: D.Heyman