7 Reasons Why the 2022 MAZDA CX-5 Carbon Edition Stands Out

When you’re in the market for a compact SUV that combines sleek styling, advanced tech, and a sprinkle of sportiness, the 2022 MAZDA CX-5 Carbon Edition checks all the boxes and then some. With its eye-catching Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, stylish black accents, and peppy performance, this edition of the CX-5 is a head-turner. But don’t be fooled by its sleek exterior—there’s more to this SUV than just good looks.

Let’s dive deep into what makes the 2022 CX-5 Carbon Edition special, what quirks might give you a chuckle, and why it could be the SUV you didn’t know you needed.

The Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition: A Quick Overview

Before we zoom in on the Carbon Edition, it’s important to get the broader picture of the Mazda CX-5 lineup. Mazda’s compact SUV has been a fan favorite for years because it blends a premium feel with sporty handling in a segment filled with ho-hum competitors. For 2022 Mazda gave the CX-5 a few notable updates across the board like improved suspension tuning for a more comfortable ride and sharper steering.

Now about the Carbon Edition—this isn’t just a sticker package. It’s a mid-level trim with unique features that set it apart. Polymetal Gray paint? Check. Black alloy wheels and mirror caps? Yep. Red leather seats? Absolutely.

Unique Features of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition

Let’s break down what makes the Carbon Edition stand out in the crowded SUV market.

1. Striking Exterior Design

The Carbon Edition lives up to its name with its stealthy look. The Polymetal Gray Metallic paint job is unlike anything else on the road. This color strikes a balance between being bold but not overly loud. Plus those black 19-inch alloy wheels and black mirror caps add just enough edge to make you feel like you’ve got a sporty vehicle even when you're just driving to the grocery store.

It’s as if Mazda designed the car for people who want a "stealth fighter" vibe but still need room for groceries.

Potential Drawback: You might have to explain to your friends that "no, it’s not just another gray car."

2. Luxurious Interior

Open the door and you’re greeted by red leather seats with contrast stitching—definitely not what you’d expect in a vehicle at this price point. Mazda’s known for punching above its weight when it comes to interior quality and the CX-5 Carbon Edition is no exception. You’ll find soft-touch materials and a minimalist dashboard layout that gives off luxury car vibes without the luxury car price.

And those red leather seats? They scream “I’m stylish but I don’t take myself too seriously.”

Potential Drawback: If you're a "white jeans" kind of person watch out—those red seats can sometimes rub off a bit if you aren’t careful.

3. The Infotainment System

The 10.25-inch infotainment screen in the CX-5 Carbon Edition is crisp clear and well-integrated into the dashboard. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The screen is controlled via a rotary dial on the center console which some folks love and others...well they’ll probably wonder why it’s not a touchscreen.

It does make for fewer fingerprints on your screen but be prepared to explain to your passengers that they can’t just tap to change the playlist.

4. A Balance of Power and Efficiency

Under the hood of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition you’ll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 187 horsepower. It’s not exactly going to blow your socks off but it’s more than enough for daily driving and the occasional spirited run down a twisty road. And with SkyActiv technology, it delivers decent fuel efficiency at around 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway.

Potential Drawback: Don’t expect to dust off any speed demons at the stoplight. You’ll get there eventually but they’ll probably be sipping their coffee by the time you do.

5. Responsive Handling

What the CX-5 lacks in raw power it more than makes up for with its handling. Mazda has always prioritized driving dynamics and the CX-5 Carbon Edition is no different. The steering is sharp and responsive and the suspension does a great job balancing comfort with sportiness.

In short this isn’t your typical boring SUV that leans like a boat every time you take a corner too fast. If you want an SUV that’s actually fun to drive you’ve come to the right place.

6. Safety Features You’ll Appreciate

Mazda packed the 2022 CX-5 Carbon Edition with its i-Activsense suite of safety features. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Essentially the car is constantly watching your back—and your front and your sides—so you can feel confident on the road.

Potential Drawback: The beeps. Oh the beeps. If you’re not used to modern safety tech prepare yourself for a lot of "dinging" and "bonging" when the car thinks you’re about to do something dumb.

7. Practicality and Comfort

Despite its stylish appearance and sporty feel the CX-5 Carbon Edition doesn’t skimp on practicality. With 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down you’ll have plenty of room for all your gear whether it’s luggage a stroller or a weekend’s worth of camping supplies.

The rear seats are also quite comfortable with ample legroom for adult passengers—although the sloping roofline might make it a bit tight for taller folks.

Potential Drawback: You might have to explain to your passengers why there’s less headroom in the back. “It’s for the sake of the design!” you’ll say. They might not care.

The Driving Experience

Driving the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition is where things get interesting. Mazda’s engineers put a lot of effort into making sure this SUV handles more like a sporty sedan than a traditional family hauler. The G-Vectoring Control Plus system makes steering inputs feel smooth and responsive while the newly tuned suspension keeps things comfortable over bumps and rough roads.

But let’s be real—it’s not a Porsche Macan. It’s a Mazda SUV. However, for what it is it delivers a surprisingly engaging driving experience.

Potential Drawback: You might find yourself carving through corners a bit more enthusiastically than you should in a family SUV. Just make sure the kids are buckled up tight.

Fuel Economy and Daily Usability

Fuel efficiency is solid for the segment with the 2.5-liter engine delivering around 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. It’s not groundbreaking but it’s efficient enough that you won’t have to cringe every time you pull up to the gas pump.

In terms of daily usability the CX-5 Carbon Edition is a great all-arounder. Whether you’re commuting running errands or hitting the highway for a road trip it’s got the comfort and features to make your drive enjoyable.

Fuel Economy Ratings

• City MPG: 24
• Highway MPG: 30
• Combined MPG: 26

Potential Drawback: Just don’t expect hybrid-level fuel savings. You’re still driving a gas-powered SUV after all.

Tech and Connectivity: Easy to Use but Not Groundbreaking

Mazda's tech isn't necessarily cutting edge but it’s solid. The 10.25-inch screen is bright and clear and the Bose sound system in the Carbon Edition bumps pretty hard for those who care about their tunes. Plus with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you can easily connect your smartphone and get going.

But there’s a catch. Mazda’s insistence on using a rotary dial for controlling the infotainment system can be a bit frustrating—especially when you’re trying to type out an address in Google Maps or change the song in a hurry.

Potential Drawback: “But why isn’t it a touchscreen?” you might find yourself grumbling after the 20th time you’ve twisted the dial instead of just tapping.

Alex Collantes’ Take on the Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition

We reached out to Alex Collantes an automotive enthusiast and owner of a 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition to get his perspective on living with this stylish SUV.

"I’ve had the CX-5 Carbon Edition for about six months now and it’s been great overall" says Collantes. "The red seats are definitely a conversation starter—every time someone new gets in they’re like ‘Whoa what’s going on in here?’ But I really love the way it drives. It’s responsive and fun without feeling like I’m in a full-blown sports car. The infotainment system takes some getting used to though. My wife constantly complains about the rotary dial but I don’t mind it that much anymore."

How Does It Compare to the Competition?

When considering the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition it’s important to look at its rivals. You’ll find strong contenders like the Honda CR-V Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape in this category. Each of these models brings something to the table but here’s where the CX-5 Carbon Edition sets itself apart.

Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition vs Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is renowned for its practicality and fuel efficiency but it lacks the sporty styling and premium interior feel of the Mazda. Plus let’s be honest—nobody’s getting excited about red leather seats in a CR-V.

Potential Drawback: Honda’s hybrid option makes it more appealing for the eco-conscious crowd.

Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition vs Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 has rugged looks and a more extensive lineup of powertrains including a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. However, it falls short in the luxury department compared to the Mazda’s interior. Also the RAV4’s ride quality can feel a bit harsher than the CX-5’s smoothness.

Potential Drawback: If off-road capability is a priority the RAV4 might have a slight edge.

Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition vs Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is another strong competitor but it doesn’t quite match the CX-5 in terms of interior materials or driving dynamics. The Escape does have more engine options including a turbocharged model but the CX-5 delivers a more engaging drive overall.

Potential Drawback: Ford’s infotainment system is more user-friendly thanks to its full touchscreen interface.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition is a stylish well-rounded compact SUV that brings a dash of excitement to your daily drive. Sure it has its quirks (like that rotary dial) but overall it’s hard to find a better combination of design driving dynamics and value in this price range.

For those looking to stand out a bit on the road—without sacrificing practicality—the CX-5 Carbon Edition is definitely worth a closer look.

Remember while it might not blow the doors off a Porsche it’ll certainly make you feel like a million bucks without actually costing a million bucks. And let’s be real who doesn’t love red leather seats?

FAQs

1. Is the Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition worth it?

   • If you love stylish looks and want a premium interior at a non-premium price absolutely.

2. Does the CX-5 Carbon Edition have good fuel economy?

   • It’s decent with around 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. Not hybrid levels but not terrible either.

3. What are some drawbacks of the CX-5 Carbon Edition?

   • That rotary dial might drive you nuts at first. And if you’re looking for turbocharged power you’ll need to step up to a higher trim level.

References:

• Collantes, Alex. (2023). Personal interview on driving experience with the 2022 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition.

• Mazda USA. (2022). 2022 Mazda CX-5 specifications and features. Mazda official website.