Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium. If you're considering this compact SUV, you're in the right place. We're going to cover everything from its sleek design and comfortable interior to its performance and tech features. By the end of this review, you'll have a solid understanding of whether the CX-5 S Premium is the right fit for your needs and budget.

Overview of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 has been turning heads for years, and the S Premium trim takes things up a notch. The CX-5 S Premium is designed to offer a blend of style, comfort, and performance. It's positioned in the lineup to provide more luxury features than the lower trims while remaining accessible to a broader range of buyers. This model typically includes leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a refined driving experience without breaking the bank. The CX-5 stands out in the crowded compact SUV market due to its upscale interior, engaging driving dynamics, and distinctive Kodo design language. Mazda has consistently focused on creating vehicles that are enjoyable to drive, and the CX-5 is a prime example of this philosophy. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey. With the S Premium trim, you get a taste of luxury that elevates the overall experience, making it a strong contender against rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester.

The exterior of the CX-5 S Premium is marked by Mazda's signature Kodo design, emphasizing a sense of motion and sophistication. The flowing lines and sculpted curves give it a premium look, setting it apart from the more utilitarian designs of some competitors. The S Premium trim often includes features such as LED headlights and taillights, adding to its modern appeal. The interior is where the CX-5 S Premium truly shines. High-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail create an inviting and comfortable cabin. Leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and soft-touch surfaces are common features that enhance the sense of luxury. The layout is driver-focused, with intuitive controls and a well-organized dashboard. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and a rotary dial for easy navigation. The S Premium trim also typically includes a premium sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. In terms of practicality, the CX-5 offers a decent amount of cargo space, making it suitable for everyday errands and longer trips. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more room, allowing you to carry larger items with ease. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium is a well-rounded package that combines style, comfort, and functionality, making it a compelling choice in the competitive compact SUV segment.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium doesn't disappoint. It typically comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. This engine provides ample pep for everyday driving, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The CX-5 is known for its responsive handling, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering. It feels more like a sporty sedan than a typical SUV, making it a joy to drive. The ride quality is also commendable, as it absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC+) system further enhances its handling capabilities by subtly adjusting engine torque and braking to improve stability and cornering. This technology makes the CX-5 feel more planted and confident on the road, especially in challenging driving conditions. The transmission is smooth and responsive, offering quick and seamless gear changes. It works in harmony with the engine to deliver a refined and engaging driving experience. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium offers a compelling blend of performance and handling that sets it apart from many of its competitors.

The CX-5 S Premium isn't just about straight-line speed; it's about the overall driving experience. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing excellent feedback from the road. This allows you to confidently tackle corners and curves, making the CX-5 feel agile and responsive. The suspension is tuned to strike a balance between comfort and control, ensuring that the ride is smooth and composed without sacrificing handling prowess. The G-Vectoring Control Plus system is a standout feature, as it subtly enhances the CX-5's stability and cornering ability. By adjusting engine torque and braking, it helps to reduce body roll and improve grip, making the CX-5 feel more planted and confident on the road. This technology is particularly beneficial in wet or slippery conditions, where it can help to prevent loss of control. The transmission is another highlight of the CX-5's powertrain. It offers smooth and seamless gear changes, contributing to a refined and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you're accelerating from a stop or cruising on the highway, the transmission responds quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the engine is always in the optimal gear. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium offers a compelling combination of performance and handling that makes it a standout choice in the compact SUV segment.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium, you'll immediately notice the attention to detail and the high-quality materials. The seats are typically upholstered in leather, providing a comfortable and supportive seating experience. The cabin is well-insulated, minimizing road and wind noise, creating a serene and relaxing environment. The layout is driver-focused, with intuitive controls and a well-organized dashboard. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a responsive touchscreen and a rotary dial for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. The S Premium trim also includes a premium sound system, delivering crisp and clear audio quality. The climate control system is efficient and effective, keeping the cabin at a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium is designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both the driver and passengers.

The technology in the CX-5 S Premium is another area where it shines. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a clear and responsive touchscreen display. The rotary dial provides an alternative way to control the system, which can be particularly useful while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allow you to access your favorite apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display. The premium sound system delivers immersive audio quality, making your favorite tunes sound even better. The advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, provide added peace of mind on the road. These technologies help to prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. The heads-up display projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road while staying informed. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium is packed with technology that enhances both the driving experience and safety.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium is well-equipped with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety equipment typically includes anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. In addition to these standard features, the S Premium trim also includes advanced safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and alert the driver to potential hazards. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, while lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. Blind-spot monitoring detects vehicles in the driver's blind spots, and rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing up. These features work together to create a safer and more confident driving experience. The CX-5 has also earned high marks in government and independent crash tests, further demonstrating its commitment to safety.

The advanced safety technologies in the CX-5 S Premium provide an extra layer of protection on the road. The adaptive cruise control system is particularly useful on long highway drives, as it helps to reduce driver fatigue and maintain a safe following distance. The lane departure warning system can help to prevent accidents caused by distracted driving, while the blind-spot monitoring system can alert the driver to vehicles that may not be visible in the mirrors. The rear cross-traffic alert system is especially helpful when backing out of parking spaces, as it can detect approaching vehicles that may be difficult to see. These safety features are designed to work seamlessly together, providing a comprehensive safety net for the driver and passengers. The CX-5's strong performance in crash tests further reinforces its commitment to safety, giving you peace of mind knowing that you're driving a vehicle that is designed to protect you in the event of an accident. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium is a safe and reliable choice for those who prioritize safety.

Pricing and Value

When considering the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium, pricing and value are crucial factors. The S Premium trim is positioned to offer a balance of luxury features and affordability. While it's more expensive than the base models, it provides a significant step up in terms of comfort, technology, and convenience. Compared to other compact SUVs in its class, the CX-5 S Premium offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on quality. The value proposition is further enhanced by Mazda's reputation for reliability and strong resale value. Owning a CX-5 can be a smart financial decision in the long run, as it's likely to hold its value better than some of its competitors. Additionally, the S Premium trim includes many features that are optional on other vehicles, making it a well-equipped and cost-effective choice. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium offers excellent value for the money, providing a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability.

The long-term cost of ownership is another important consideration when evaluating the value of the CX-5 S Premium. Mazda vehicles are known for their reliability, which can translate to lower maintenance costs over time. The CX-5 also offers competitive fuel economy, helping you save money at the pump. The S Premium trim includes many features that enhance the driving experience and provide added convenience, such as leather seats, a premium sound system, and advanced safety technologies. These features can make the CX-5 a more enjoyable and comfortable vehicle to own, adding to its overall value. The strong resale value of Mazda vehicles is another factor that can save you money in the long run. When it's time to trade in or sell your CX-5, you're likely to get a better price than you would for some of its competitors. Overall, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium offers excellent value for the money, providing a compelling combination of features, performance, affordability, and long-term cost of ownership.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Premium worth it? Absolutely! It offers a fantastic blend of style, performance, comfort, and technology, all at a competitive price. If you're looking for a compact SUV that's fun to drive, packed with features, and won't break the bank, the CX-5 S Premium should definitely be on your shortlist. Its upscale interior, engaging driving dynamics, and comprehensive safety features make it a standout choice in a crowded market. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, the CX-5 S Premium is a versatile and capable vehicle that's sure to impress. So go ahead, take it for a test drive and see for yourself why the Mazda CX-5 S Premium is a top pick in the compact SUV segment. You won't be disappointed!