The size is perfect for someone that wants something between a car and a full-size SUV. It is perfect for hauling larger items without being too bulky. I love that it drives and handles just like a sedan and does not feel too large. At the same time, I sit up higher, and so I feel safer than in a small car. Mazda did a great job on the trim, making it look nice and giving it a fancier feel without a hefty price tag. Road noise can be a problem at times as it is not the quietest vehicle I have ever been in, but it is not completely unacceptable. It is great in bad weather on wet and snowy roads. It is one of the better all-wheel drive vehicles out there. Mazdas are also very reliable cars, and this one is no exception. The gas mileage could be better, but for an SUV, it falls in an acceptable range. Even though it is not a luxury vehicles, it offers some great features, such as a back-up camera and side sensors in the mirrors, which increases the safety of the vehicle without being obnoxious or distracting. It is a very attractive car in its body style and shape. It is easy to park due to its smaller size, but there is plenty of leg room for everyone on the inside of the vehicle. The seats are on the firmer side, which could be a problem for some people who like very plush car seats.

My Mazda CX5 performs extremely well. Even after having bought it used with 18,000 miles on it, I've had no trouble during the time that I've owned it. I drive it to and from work around 20 miles every day. The interior quality is great -- and is the main reason we went with the CX5 over the Rav4. The dash display is sleek and most everything is digital. The fabric on the seats is very nice. The exterior shape is nice and there is plenty of trunk space. Unfortunately, unlike some other brands we looked at, the CX5 doesn't come with rubber floor mats, which would have been nice. Also, the pick-up (acceleration) from a stop isn't the best.