“More tech-savvy than I've had before, but love the vehicle now. There is a bit of a blind spot from the post in the windshield that blocks a raised curb when turning, but I've adjusted.”
2020 Mazda CX-5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is that the full driver-assistance suite becomes standard on every trim. This is not a redesign, but it brings meaningful safety, cabin, and turbo-trim updates.
About the 2020 Mazda CX-5
2nd generation (2017-2021), fourth model year; no full redesign or facelift for 2020.
Mazda positions the CX-5 as a compact SUV for shoppers who want everyday family usefulness without giving up style or driving enjoyment. The brand leans hard on its sleek design, driver-focused feel, and human-centered cabin, while reviewers consistently note that the interior feels a class above many mainstream rivals. In practice, the CX-5 is the pick for buyers cross-shopping CR-V, RAV4, and Forester but wanting sharper steering, richer cabin materials, and a more premium overall feel.
The 2020 CX-5 ranges from the straightforward Sport, which has a 7-inch touchscreen and the full safety suite, to the leather-lined Grand Touring with Bose audio and a power liftgate. Grand Touring Reserve adds turbo power, AWD, and an 8-inch touchscreen, while Signature tops the range with Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, navigation, and a 360-degree camera system.
What changed, by category
Safety
The full driver-assistance suite becomes standard on every trim. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
Powertrain
The Signature Diesel is dropped. Turbocharged Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models gain off-road traction assist, an Engine Harmonics Enhancer that adds a sportier engine sound, and 10 lb-ft more peak torque when using premium fuel.
Tech
Grand Touring Reserve and Signature receive a larger 8-inch touchscreen, while Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring retain the 7-inch display. Navigation changes from standard to optional on Grand Touring and Grand Touring Reserve, and Grand Touring gains paddle shifters.
Structural
Additional noise and vibration tuning makes the cabin quieter.
Styling
The body carries over, but Mazda updates the interior and exterior badge lettering, switch fonts, and key fob.
2020 Mazda CX-5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, Turbo, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp | 227 hp | 187 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 59.6 cu-ft | 59.6 cu-ft | 59.6 cu-ft | 59.6 cu-ft | 59.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Head-Up Display | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Mazda CX-5?
The biggest change is that Mazda’s full driver-assistance suite becomes standard across the 2020 CX-5 lineup. Even the Sport has adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 a redesign?
No, the 2020 CX-5 is not a redesign. It keeps the second-generation body introduced for 2017 and receives safety, cabin, screen, and turbo-trim updates instead.
Which 2020 Mazda CX-5 trims have the turbo engine and AWD?
Grand Touring Reserve and Signature have the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and standard AWD. For 2020, both also gain off-road traction assist, a sportier engine-sound enhancer, and more peak torque when using premium fuel.
Does every 2020 Mazda CX-5 have the 8-inch touchscreen?
No. The 8-inch touchscreen is fitted to Grand Touring Reserve and Signature, while Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring use a 7-inch display.
Was the Signature Diesel carried into the 2020 Mazda CX-5 lineup?
No, the Signature Diesel was dropped for 2020. The remaining Signature uses the turbocharged gasoline engine with standard AWD.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
4.2
2020 Mazda CX-5
(357 reviews)
“The Mazda CX-5 is a powerful, reliable, smooth riding and shifting SUV with plenty of room, comfort and quiet to compete with those thousands more. It has all the latest tech and several models to choose from so you can get the exact one you want.”
“I switched from a Nissan to a Mazda and have not looked back! My Nissan had constant issues and I would get nervous driving it. My Mazda is safe with so many safety features and reliable!”