Yes Virginia, there is an SUV that’s actually fun to drive.

In fact, as we celebrate the holiday season, there’s actually a brand that is fully embracing a lineup that is far from bland, and aimed at people who love to drive well-handling cars that have some power under the hood.

I’m talking about Mazda, and more specifically it’s CX-5 compact SUV, the brand’s best-selling vehicle. There’s a ton of competition in this category, including some major top-sellers, but none of the CX-5’s top rivals can hold a candle to the genuinely fun and sporty drive quality offered by the CX-5 (which, FYI, is different than the CX-50 model that was more recently introduced by Mazda, and exists alongside the CX-5 in Mazda’s lineup).

I recently tested the 2025 Mazda CX-5 (a Carbon Turbo trim offering), and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up against the other small SUVs of today’s automotive world.

Though the current design is starting to get a bit long in the tooth, the CX-5’s looks, performance and fun factor are strong enough to make it stand out in the crowd vs. other less daring competitors in the segment.

As Mazda continues to redefine its SUV lineup with newer vehicles like the CX-30, CX-50 and CX-90, there is one holdover from its past SUV lineups that keeps going strong.

The CX-5, a compact SUV, remains the brand’s biggest seller, and for good reasons. Between the sporty drive quality, exquisite interior, strong tech and attractive exterior design, there’s a lot to like. 

I recently spent time beyond the wheel of a 2023 CX-5 Turbo Signature model — and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up in the current SUV landscape.

When it comes to sporty compact SUVs, Mazda has no shortage of offerings for potential customers — all providing the rare SUV combination of driving enjoyment and vehicle utility.

In addition to their long-standing CX-5, Mazda recently introduced the CX-50 — a more off-road inspired offering with higher ground clearance.

For the 2022 CX-5, Mazda has made all-wheel drive standard, improved engine options, made minor exterior design changes, and also upgraded the suspension.

I recently tested out the 2022 CX-5, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up to its competition both outside and inside the Mazda lineup.

Before we start, the question must be asked: What exactly is the Mazda CX-30 and why did Mazda add it to their lineup of crossovers in 2020?

Do not confuse it with Mazda’s CX-3, which is a different crossover offering from the automaker. The CX-30 is longer and more powerful than the CX-3, and it is ultimately a slightly raised version of the Mazda3 sedan/hatchback offering. On the grand scale of Mazda offerings, the CX-30 falls squarely between the smaller CX-3 and the larger CX-5.

While it may seem like overkill, automakers know that SUV buyers can be very particular, so having an option at every possible size offering is becoming the norm. (Though the naming of this model does admittedly create some confusion).

The CX-30, a very stylish vehicle, is one of those modern rides threading the needle between a car and an SUV, and hoping to provide you with the raised SUV look and versatility but smoother driving of a sedan. To entice buyers for the 2021 model, the CX-30 upgrades in its sophomore year include a new turbocharged engine option, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Finding an SUV that offers a truly enjoyable driving experience is harder than you might think. Too often, in the process of improving other areas of the vehicle, the drive quality becomes a neglected area on many of the top-selling SUVs.

The good news is that some companies, such as Mazda, don’t go that route. They recognize that people want to enjoy their drive time and offer a vehicle that allows people to do so.

For 2021, the CX-5 retains this feature, which separates it from the competition in the compact SUV category, while also improving its technology offerings by adding a new standard 10.25-inch center display as part of Mazda’s infotainment system.

I recently tested a 2021 CX-5 and I’m back with a full report.

Some vehicles look great, but suffer when it comes to performance.

Others drive great, but their design looks like the back side of a dog.

The best vehicles do both things just right.

One of that rare group is the redesigned 2019 Mazda CX-5, a vehicle which I recently spent some time in. Read on for a full rundown of how it compares to the sea of SUVs on the market.