The 2020 Mazda CX-5 GT represents the pinnacle of the brand’s commitment to sporty, driver-focused compact luxury SUVs. Combining a refined turbocharged engine with a beautifully composed chassis, this specific trim level strips away the mundane to deliver a genuinely engaging experience. It is a vehicle designed not just to get from point A to point B, but to make the journey itself feel special.
Design and Exterior Presence
Visually, the 2020 CX-5 GT distinguishes itself with a bold and aggressive stance. The signature LED headlights are more pronounced, featuring a distinctive LED light bar that flows into the front bumper. This bumper houses a larger grille and unique honeycomb inserts, signaling its performance-oriented status. The addition of blacked-out chrome accents, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch dark grey alloy wheels completes the package, giving the SUV a presence that is both sophisticated and athletic.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the GT is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent exclusively to the front wheels through a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. The result is a significant improvement over the base trims, with the GT accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds. The handling is where the GT truly shines; it comes with a Bilstein-branded shock absorber and a rear stabilizer bar that is 15% thicker than standard. This setup provides exceptional body control, allowing the driver to confidently thread through traffic and carve through corners with minimal lean.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside, and the focus shifts to a cabin that is both luxurious and functional. The GT features premium leather-trimmed seating surfaces with contrast stitching, offering excellent support for long drives. The front seats are power-adjustable with memory settings, ensuring the perfect driving position is always just a button away. The interior is quieter than ever, thanks to enhanced sound insulation, creating a serene environment where the sophisticated Bose audio system can truly shine. This system, featuring a 10-speaker, 710-watt setup, delivers concert-hall quality sound that is rare in this class.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology is seamlessly integrated into the center console, dominated by a large 8.8-inch wide-center display. This screen is both bright and responsive, running Mazda’s latest infotainment system. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easy access to navigation, music, and apps. A premium Bose sound system is standard, filling the cabin with rich, clear audio. The system also includes a heads-up display that projects key information like speed and navigation cues onto the windshield, enhancing safety by keeping the driver’s eyes on the road.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
While the GT prioritizes performance, it does not completely abandon efficiency. The turbocharged engine, combined with an i-ELOOP regenerative braking system and a stop-start function, helps the 2020 CX-5 GT achieve an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. This makes it a practical choice for daily driving, reducing the frequency of fill-ups without sacrificing power. The cargo space is also generous, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, providing ample room for groceries, luggage, or weekend adventure gear.
