“The CX-5 doesn't drive like any other existing compact SUV. It's more lively, more involving, more steeped in the sports-car character that Mazda harps on about in its Zoom-Zoom advertising.” — Car and Driver
“We think best-in-class also applies to the new electric power rack-and-pinion steering system.” — New Car Test Drive
“Few corrections are needed while driving down a bumpy road. The CX-5 felt more stable than the Honda CR-V. ” — New Car Test Drive
“The CX-5's engine does nearly match the Escape's lesser engines (a non-turbo 2.5 and a turbo 1.6) in performance, but still trails in sound quality.” — The Truth About Cars
“If you've come out of a sports sedan or a hot hatch and are moving up to a compact crossover, this is probably the way to go.” — The Car Connection
“...the CX-5 is quiet under most circumstances--though hard acceleration and engine revving bring out more engine noise than we'd expected.” — The Car Connection
