Mazda CX-5 Struggles in Moose Test, Showing More Body Roll Than Expected

The moose test, a demanding emergency maneuver popularized in Scandinavia, challenges a vehicle to swerve into another lane and back quickly, simulating avoidance of a large obstacle. Given Mazda's sporty reputation, one might expect the new CX-5 to excel. But when Spanish outlet km77 put it through the paces, the results were underwhelming.

3 seconds matched the much larger Land Rover Range Rover plug-in hybrid. It also trailed the similarly sized Mini Countryman and Renault Scenic by a tenth of a second. 8 mph for the larger CX-60 in a prior test. On the positive side, the vehicle was predictable and consistent, remaining controllable if not quick or particularly engaging.

CarBuzz's own experience with the CX-5 aligns with these findings, noting a softer suspension that increases roll and reduces responsiveness compared to previous generations. However, this tuning improves ride comfort on rough roads. The car still feels composed with sharp steering, keeping it enjoyable on twisty roads, though a lack of power remains a key complaint.

Styling, interior quality, crash test performance, and affordability are praised, while the new touchscreen-focused infotainment system draws criticism.

The CX-5 is Mazda's top seller, but sales have dipped this year, slightly trailing the CX-50. It's unclear whether this decline stems from availability issues during the model changeover or buyer dissatisfaction, possibly due to the softer handling or the new interior controls. If handling is the issue, a suspension retune in a future update could help, though infotainment changes would be more complex.

Mazda isn't in panic mode yet, but close monitoring is warranted.