Changes To the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Further Its Migration To the Premium Segment

Mazda’s refresh of the CX-5 crossover for 2022 continues Mazda’s transition from the mainstream to the premium segments.

For the 2022 model year, Mazda will make meaningful changes to its top-selling CX-5 crossover. These changes will include interior and exterior upgrades, changes to the suspension, and drive modes. One of the most interesting changes is that every CX product offered by Mazda will now come with standard i-Activ AWD.

Related Story: Why I switched From the BMW X3 to Mazda CX-5

Mazda’s line of vehicles is transitioning to the premium segment. This process began over the past decade. Quality, fit and finish, and styling were the first aspects of the Mazda line to elevate beyond the mainstream vehicle segments in which its vehicles compete. Then, Mazda began offering is vehicles with premium turbocharged engines that offer more torque than most of the premium segment contenders.

Related Story: Mazda Is America's New "High-Volume" Premium Crossover Automaker

Heading into 2022, Mazda fans will notice that the turbocharged trims of the CX-5, the Turbo and Turbo Signature, will stand further apart from the normally-aspirated (non-turbo) siblings. For example, the fender cladding will be color-matching on the turbo trims. Those who know the Mazda CX-5 will notice that for 2022 Mazda has added switch-selectable drive modes to allow the driver to select the mode best suited to the conditions.

Three Things Shoppers Should Know About the Mazda CX-5:
Mazda’s CX-5 Is an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award winner
Mazda’s CX-5 has earned the highest-possible reliability score from Consumer Reports for five straight years.
Mazda’s CX-5 Turbo offers more torque than most premium-segment competitors

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990 when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin