Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2020 Mazda CX-5, comparing the Sport and Touring trims to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your needs. Let's break down the key differences, similarities, and what makes each trim stand out. Understanding these nuances will ensure you make an informed decision and drive away with the CX-5 that suits you best. Whether you're prioritizing budget, features, or overall value, we've got you covered.

Overview of the 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV known for its sleek design, engaging driving dynamics, and upscale interior. It consistently ranks high in its class, offering a blend of practicality and premium features. Both the Sport and Touring trims provide a solid foundation, but they cater to different preferences and budgets. Before we get into the specifics, let's take a quick look at what makes the CX-5 such a popular choice. The CX-5 boasts Mazda's signature KODO design language, giving it a sophisticated and sporty appearance that stands out from the crowd. Its refined interior features high-quality materials and comfortable seating, making it a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip. Under the hood, the CX-5 offers a responsive engine and precise handling, delivering a driving experience that's both enjoyable and confident. With its combination of style, performance, and practicality, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a compelling option for anyone in the market for a compact SUV.

Mazda CX-5 Sport: The Entry-Level Option

The Mazda CX-5 Sport is the base trim, offering a compelling entry point into the CX-5 lineup. It’s designed for buyers who want the essential Mazda experience without breaking the bank. The Sport trim includes a range of standard features that provide a comfortable and connected driving experience. On the exterior, the CX-5 Sport features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a rear roof spoiler, giving it a sporty and stylish appearance. Inside, you'll find cloth upholstery, a 7-inch infotainment display, and a four-speaker audio system. Standard safety features include Mazda's i-Activsense suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. While it may be the base trim, the CX-5 Sport doesn't skimp on the essentials. It offers a well-rounded package that's perfect for budget-conscious buyers who still want a stylish and capable SUV. The CX-5 Sport's value proposition is hard to beat, especially when you consider its combination of standard features, safety technology, and Mazda's renowned driving dynamics. It's a great choice for those who prioritize affordability and practicality without sacrificing style and performance.

Key Features of the Sport Trim:

• Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower.
• Infotainment: 7-inch infotainment display with Mazda Connect.
• Safety: i-Activsense safety suite including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Exterior: 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights.

Mazda CX-5 Touring: Stepping Up in Comfort and Convenience

The Mazda CX-5 Touring trim builds upon the Sport, adding a host of comfort, convenience, and aesthetic enhancements. This trim is geared towards buyers who are willing to spend a bit more for a more refined experience. One of the most notable upgrades in the Touring trim is the inclusion of leatherette seating with heated front seats, providing a more luxurious and comfortable interior. The infotainment system is also upgraded to a larger 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity. On the exterior, the Touring trim adds features like auto-leveling headlights and rain-sensing wipers, enhancing both convenience and safety. Additional features include a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear privacy glass. The CX-5 Touring strikes a balance between affordability and premium features, making it a popular choice among buyers who want a more upscale experience without breaking the bank. With its combination of comfort, convenience, and technology, the Touring trim offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking a well-equipped compact SUV. It's a step up from the Sport trim in terms of features and refinement, but it remains an accessible option for buyers who want a more premium experience.

Key Features of the Touring Trim:

• Seating: Leatherette seating with heated front seats.
• Infotainment: 7-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Convenience: Dual-zone automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers.
• Audio: Six-speaker audio system.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, both the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport and Touring trims share the same engine: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, delivering responsive acceleration and confident handling. Both trims offer the option of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), allowing buyers to choose the drivetrain that best suits their needs and driving conditions. The CX-5 is known for its engaging driving dynamics, with precise steering, minimal body roll, and a well-tuned suspension. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the CX-5 provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. While the engine is the same across both trims, the overall driving experience is consistent, with both the Sport and Touring trims offering a balanced blend of performance and comfort. The CX-5's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology further enhances handling by subtly adjusting engine torque in response to steering inputs, resulting in smoother and more confident cornering. This technology is standard on both trims, contributing to the CX-5's reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive compact SUVs on the market. Whether you choose the Sport or Touring trim, you can expect a responsive and engaging driving experience that sets the CX-5 apart from its competitors.

Interior and Technology

Inside the CX-5, the Sport and Touring trims offer distinct experiences. The Sport trim features a 7-inch infotainment display with Mazda Connect, while the Touring trim upgrades to a larger 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Both trims include standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Touring trim adds features like dual-zone automatic climate control and rear privacy glass, enhancing comfort and convenience. The Touring trim's leatherette seating with heated front seats is a significant upgrade over the Sport trim's cloth upholstery, providing a more luxurious and comfortable interior. The infotainment system in the Touring trim is also more user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity. While the Sport trim offers a solid foundation of technology and safety features, the Touring trim elevates the experience with its enhanced infotainment system, comfortable seating, and added convenience features. Both trims offer a well-designed and functional interior, but the Touring trim provides a more refined and connected experience.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority in both the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport and Touring trims. Both trims come standard with Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite, which includes a comprehensive range of advanced safety technologies. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control helps maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to avoid collisions. Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane, while automatic emergency braking can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision. Blind-spot monitoring alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots, and rear cross-traffic alert warns of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. In addition to these advanced safety features, both trims also include standard safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. The CX-5 has consistently earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it a safe and reliable choice for families and individuals alike. Whether you choose the Sport or Touring trim, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're driving a vehicle that prioritizes safety.

Price and Value

When it comes to price and value, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Sport and Touring trims offer different propositions. The Sport trim is the more affordable option, with a starting price that makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers. Despite its lower price, the Sport trim offers a solid range of standard features, making it a great value for the money. The Touring trim, on the other hand, commands a higher price due to its added comfort, convenience, and technology features. However, the Touring trim's leatherette seating, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and dual-zone automatic climate control make it a compelling value for buyers who are willing to spend a bit more for a more refined experience. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for an affordable and well-equipped compact SUV, the Sport trim is a great choice. If you're willing to spend a bit more for added comfort and convenience, the Touring trim offers a more premium experience. Consider your budget, your must-have features, and your overall preferences when making your decision. The CX-5's strong resale value further enhances its overall value proposition, making it a smart investment for the long term.

Which Trim is Right for You?

Deciding which trim is right for you depends on your priorities and budget. If you're looking for an affordable and well-equipped SUV, the Sport trim is a fantastic choice. It provides all the essentials with Mazda's signature driving experience. However, if you desire more comfort, convenience, and advanced tech, the Touring trim is worth the upgrade. Consider these questions to guide your decision:

• What is your budget?
• Are features like leatherette seats and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto important to you?
• Do you value additional convenience features like dual-zone climate control?

Answering these questions will help you determine which trim aligns best with your needs and preferences. Regardless of your choice, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 offers a compelling package of style, performance, and value. I hope this comparison helps you make the right choice, guys! Happy driving!