2022 Mazda CX-5

No one looks to small crossover SUVs for distinctive style or grand times behind the wheel. These are vehicles that emphasize the "utility" in SUV and wring maximum space for people, pets and personal effects in a quest for daily-driven competence. So how does the 2022 Mazda CX-5, with its tight rear quarters and skimpy cargo space, manage to rise near the top of the class? Simple: The CX-5 delivers joy to its driver. Not mere satisfaction for a job well done, but the same pleasure you might get from a small sport sedan and open highway, with the added benefit of room for supplies from the home improvement store.

The CX-5's base four-cylinder engine is a good introduction, but the car comes alive with its optional turbocharged counterpart. For 2022, the turbo engine gets a slight boost, up 6 horsepower from last year's model when filled with premium gas. The CX-5 has always deftly balanced ride comfort and responsive handling, but this year's minor suspension updates aim to reduce road noise and vibrations and tighten up control. Finally, subtle revisions to the front and rear bumpers, headlights and sundry panels give the CX-5 a dose of fresh style.

Rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Rogue offer more rear legroom and cargo volume, but the CX-5 is unmatched when it comes to combining performance and refinement in such an affordable package. Read our test team's Expert Rating below for a deeper analysis on what makes the CX-5 a top pick for a small crossover SUV.

What's it like to live with?

We spent a year and 20,000 miles with a 2018 CX-5 that remains comparable to the 2022 model. See what we thought about Mazda's fun-to-drive compact SUV after a year of experience behind the wheel in our long-term road test.