Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport. This SUV is a serious contender in the compact SUV segment, and for good reason. Mazda has a knack for blending sporty handling with a touch of luxury, all wrapped up in a stylish package. So, let's break down what makes the Premium Sport trim so appealing, from its performance and features to its overall value. We'll explore why this car stands out and if it's the right fit for you. Buckle up, and let's get started!

Performance and Driving Experience

Alright, let's talk about what's under the hood and how the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport actually drives. Mazda is known for putting an emphasis on driving dynamics, and the CX-5 Premium Sport definitely delivers on that front. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides a good balance of power and efficiency. This engine delivers a peppy performance that's more than adequate for daily driving, merging onto highways, and tackling those weekend road trips. This engine generates 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. But that's not all; Mazda offers an optional engine that truly enhances the driving experience.

For those who crave a bit more excitement, the Premium Sport trim offers an available turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine. This turbocharged engine is where the CX-5 Premium Sport really shines. It cranks out a much more impressive 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. The difference in acceleration is noticeable, making passing on the highway and merging into traffic a breeze. Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the Premium Sport trim. This system constantly monitors road conditions and adjusts power delivery to each wheel, ensuring optimal traction and stability, whether you're driving on dry pavement, in the rain, or even in light snow. This gives the CX-5 a confident feel in various weather conditions and enhances the overall driving experience. The six-speed automatic transmission, while not the newest on the market, is well-suited to the engine and provides smooth and responsive gear changes. It's tuned to prioritize both performance and fuel efficiency, making the most of the available power. Steering is another area where the CX-5 excels. It's precise, with good feedback, giving the driver a real sense of connection to the road. The suspension is well-tuned, striking a great balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road without feeling overly soft, while still providing a composed and engaging driving experience.

Overall, the driving experience in the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport is a step above many of its competitors. It's engaging, fun to drive, and offers a level of refinement that's often associated with more expensive vehicles. If you appreciate a vehicle that prioritizes the driving experience, the CX-5 Premium Sport is definitely worth a look.

Interior and Technology

Let's step inside the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport and see what it has to offer in terms of interior design and technology. Mazda has done a great job of creating a cabin that feels both premium and functional. The interior design is clean, uncluttered, and focuses on the driver. The materials used throughout the cabin are of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and attention to detail that's evident everywhere you look. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives a pleasure. The Premium Sport trim adds features like leather upholstery, which further elevates the feeling of luxury. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, and both front seats are heated, providing added comfort in colder weather.

The infotainment system is a key part of any modern vehicle, and the CX-5 doesn't disappoint. It features a user-friendly 10.25-inch center display screen that is controlled via a rotary dial on the center console. While some might prefer a touchscreen, the rotary dial system is easy to use and minimizes distractions while driving. The system includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. A premium Bose sound system is standard on the Premium Sport trim, delivering excellent audio quality and enhancing the overall listening experience. The CX-5 also comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The CX-5 also offers a good amount of space for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, making them comfortable for adults. The cargo area is spacious and versatile, with a decent amount of storage space for everyday needs. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more cargo capacity when needed.

Overall, the interior of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport is a standout feature. It offers a combination of premium materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, advanced safety features, and a comfortable and spacious cabin. Mazda has created an interior that feels upscale and well-designed, making it a pleasant place to spend time.

Exterior Design and Styling

Now, let's take a look at the exterior of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport and see what it brings to the table in terms of design and styling. Mazda has consistently produced vehicles with attractive and sophisticated designs, and the CX-5 is no exception. The exterior design is sleek, stylish, and instantly recognizable. The front end features Mazda's signature Kodo design language, with a prominent grille, sleek headlights, and a sculpted hood. The overall look is refined and elegant, without being overly flashy. The Premium Sport trim adds a few sporty touches that enhance its appearance, such as unique alloy wheels and gloss black exterior accents. These details give the CX-5 a more athletic and upscale look. The side profile of the CX-5 is clean and flowing, with a well-defined character line that runs along the side of the vehicle. The roofline slopes gently towards the rear, giving the CX-5 a sporty stance.

At the rear, the CX-5 features sleek taillights and a sculpted liftgate. The overall design is cohesive and well-proportioned, giving the vehicle a premium feel. The available exterior colors further enhance the CX-5's appeal. Mazda offers a range of colors, including classic options like Soul Red Crystal Metallic, which really highlights the vehicle's curves and design details. The CX-5's exterior design is not just about aesthetics; it also contributes to the vehicle's aerodynamics. The sleek shape helps to reduce wind resistance, improving fuel efficiency and reducing wind noise. The CX-5's size is also a factor in its overall appeal. It's a compact SUV, which means it's easy to maneuver in tight city streets and park in crowded parking lots. However, it still offers a good amount of interior space for passengers and cargo. Mazda has clearly put a lot of thought into the CX-5's exterior design, creating a vehicle that is both stylish and functional. It's a design that stands out from the crowd and makes a statement. The CX-5's exterior design is a key selling point, making it a desirable option for those who appreciate a well-designed and stylish SUV.

Features and Trim Levels

Let's get into the specifics of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport and what features it offers. The Premium Sport trim sits in a sweet spot within the CX-5 lineup, offering a great balance of features and value. As we've mentioned, the Premium Sport trim includes a host of features that elevate the driving experience and enhance comfort and convenience. Standard features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, a premium Bose sound system, and a 10.25-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Premium Sport trim also comes standard with Mazda's i-Activsense suite of safety features, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features provide added peace of mind and help to prevent accidents.

In addition to the features mentioned above, the Premium Sport trim also offers a number of other features that add to its appeal. These include a sunroof, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a power liftgate. The Premium Sport trim is positioned as a step up from the base trims, offering a more luxurious and well-equipped experience. While it's not the top-of-the-line trim, it provides a great value proposition, offering a wealth of features without breaking the bank. Mazda typically offers a range of trim levels for the CX-5, starting with a base trim that offers essential features and moving up to higher trims that add more luxury and technology. The Premium Sport trim is typically positioned in the middle of the range, offering a balance of features and value. By offering different trim levels, Mazda allows buyers to choose a CX-5 that best suits their needs and budget. The Premium Sport trim is a popular choice for those who want a well-equipped SUV with a touch of luxury and a focus on driving enjoyment. It offers a compelling package that combines performance, features, and value, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

Safety and Technology

Let's talk about safety and technology in the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport. Mazda has always been committed to safety, and the CX-5 is no exception. The Premium Sport trim comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents. This includes Mazda's i-Activsense suite of safety technologies, which encompasses a range of advanced driver-assistance systems. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and provide assistance to the driver. Adaptive cruise control helps to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting the speed to match traffic conditions. Lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist help to keep the vehicle in its lane, alerting the driver if they start to drift and gently correcting the steering if necessary. Blind-spot monitoring alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots, helping to prevent collisions when changing lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space or driveway.

The CX-5 has consistently received high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings are a testament to Mazda's commitment to safety and the effectiveness of the CX-5's safety features. In addition to these advanced driver-assistance systems, the CX-5 also includes a range of other safety features, such as airbags throughout the cabin, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. The infotainment system in the CX-5 also incorporates technology that enhances safety and convenience. The 10.25-inch center display screen is easy to use and provides access to a variety of features, including navigation, smartphone integration, and audio controls. The rotary dial on the center console minimizes distractions while driving, making it safer to interact with the infotainment system. Overall, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport offers a comprehensive and impressive array of safety features and technology. Mazda has prioritized safety, ensuring that the CX-5 provides a secure and confident driving experience. The combination of advanced driver-assistance systems, high safety ratings, and user-friendly technology makes the CX-5 a top choice for those who prioritize safety.

Value and Competition

Okay, let's talk about the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport's value proposition and how it stacks up against the competition. In the compact SUV segment, there are a lot of great options to choose from, so it's important to consider how the CX-5 compares in terms of price, features, and overall value. The Premium Sport trim offers a compelling value proposition. It's positioned in the middle of the CX-5 lineup, offering a good balance of features, performance, and price. When compared to its competitors, the CX-5 Premium Sport often stands out for its combination of features and driving experience. The interior quality, the sporty handling, and the long list of standard features make it a strong contender. Some of the main competitors for the CX-5 include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson, as well as the Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Kia Sportage.

When comparing the CX-5 Premium Sport to these competitors, it's important to consider factors such as price, fuel efficiency, available features, and overall driving experience. The CX-5 often offers a more engaging driving experience than some of its competitors, thanks to its responsive handling and precise steering. It also tends to have a more premium interior, with high-quality materials and a well-designed cabin. While the CX-5 may not always be the cheapest option in its class, its combination of features, performance, and style often makes it a great value. Mazda has built a reputation for offering vehicles that provide a lot of bang for your buck. For those who prioritize driving enjoyment and a premium feel, the CX-5 Premium Sport is often a top choice. It offers a level of sophistication and refinement that's often associated with more expensive vehicles. The value proposition of the CX-5 Premium Sport is a key reason for its popularity. It offers a well-rounded package that delivers on performance, features, and style, all at a competitive price. If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a great driving experience and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, the CX-5 Premium Sport is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Premium Sport? Overall, it's a fantastic option in the compact SUV segment. It has a lot going for it. Mazda has done an excellent job of creating a vehicle that appeals to both your head and your heart. The driving experience is engaging and fun, the interior is well-designed and comfortable, and the exterior styling is sleek and sophisticated. The Premium Sport trim offers a great balance of features and value, making it a compelling choice for those looking for a well-equipped SUV. If you're looking for a compact SUV that prioritizes driving enjoyment, offers a premium feel, and provides a good level of features, the CX-5 Premium Sport should definitely be on your list. Go test drive one and see for yourself. You might just fall in love with it, like many others have! Thanks for reading, and happy car hunting, guys!