2024 Mazda CX-5 Suna Edition Video, Review, And Pricing

By: Peter Gregorian
April 17, 2024

In true Mazda fashion, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Suna Edition effortlessly packs style, practicality, and performance into a midsize SUV. After spending a week behind the wheel, courtesy of Mazda Canada, it’s evident that the CX-5 Suna Edition does not compromise on offering an enjoyable drive.

2024 Mazda CX-5 Suna Edition - Driveman.ca

The Suna Edition’s upgrades are primarily cosmetic, with the exterior being finished in a Suna Edition exclusive Zircon Sand Metallic paint which is further enhanced by contrasting Brilliant Black trim and striking 19-inch black gloss wheels. The design strikes a perfect balance of sportiness and adventure. The LED lights adorning the front add an aggressive demeanor to the CX-5 and feature an adaptive front-lighting system with automatic leveling which perform excellently during night driving.

Stepping into the cabin of the CX-5 Suna Edition, one is greeted by a sumptuous cabin adorned with terracotta leather and black suede-like trimmed upholstery inserts. The attention to detail is remarkable, with contrast stitching, nicely padded plastics, and soft touch points which make the cockpit a comfortable place to be.

Practicality remains a priority with three-way split folding seats in the rear. Cargo space behind the rear seat back is a generous 871 liters (30.7 cubic feet) and, with the 2nd row folded flat, 1,680 liters (59.3 cubic feet) of space provides ample room for hauling groceries, furniture, and sports equipment. Unfortunately, the electrically-powered tailgate skimps on a central locking button which would have been a welcome addition for convenience.

The double-paned windows, which came as a surprise on a vehicle in this segment, provide excellent isolation from the outside world, ensuring a serene driving experience while providing a boost to cabin acoustics. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, with three-position adjustability.

The 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings and the 6-way power-adjustable passenger seat provide ample opportunity to find a comfortable position. However, at times it felt like the seats could use a little more thigh support. The heated steering wheel with premium cross-stitching detail was the right size, allowing for a comfortable grasp.

Powering the CX-5 Suna Edition is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel. However, the real magic happens when you fill the tank with 91 octane, unleashing the engine’s full potential of 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The power delivery is smooth and satisfying, making for an engaging drive everytime.

The SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission and i-ACTIV all-wheel drive system work in harmony to provide a refined and confident ride. At higher speeds, the vehicle exhibited a tendency to understeer, but the Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus quickly distributed power to the rear wheels to help rebalance the power distribution and rotate the vehicle through turns. Despite its curb weight of 1,754 kilograms (3,868 pounds) and the Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 Tires, the CX-5 handles corners with impressive agility.

The CX-5 Suna Edition is equipped with a crisp and clear 10.25-inch color display featuring Mazda Connect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. While the infotainment system occasionally froze when using Android Auto during our testing, it still remained operable at all times via the control wheel. The windshield-projected color Active Driving Display displayed navigation, signage, and speed readings crisply on the windshield, helping observe key information while maintaining eyes on the road.

Another standout feature of the CX-5 Suna Edition is the Bose premium audio system boasting 10 speakers. This system is well-tuned and fills the cabin with clear vocals and deep bass, with treble remaining slightly soft.

Mazda prioritizes safety with its suite of advanced features. Most notably, the Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go follows the ebb and flow of traffic with ease; however, lane keeping was not a strong suit.

The CX-5 Suna Edition is estimated to have a fuel economy of 10.8L/100KM in the city, 8.7L/100KM on the highway, with a combined 9.8 L/100km. A real-world combined fuel efficiency of 12.3L/100KM may have been slightly compromised due to the exhilarating nature of the turbocharged engine and the desire to rev it out when the traffic and road allowed to do so – a small price to pay for sheer driving pleasure.

The 2024 CX-5 model line-up starts at $32,250 for the GX trim; GS at $36,100; Kuro at $39,700; and the GT at $41,050. To get a CX-5 with the potent turbocharged engine, you’ll need to opt for the Sport Design trim or higher, which starts at an MSRP of $43,950, followed by the Suna Edition at $44,200, and the range-topping Signature at $44,950.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Suna Edition represents the sportier choice in this segment and will appeal to those who appreciate driving something engaging without sacrificing power or practicality. While there are a few minor drawbacks, such as the lack of a dedicated traction control button and no sensor-based comfort access system, this is easily overshadowed by the vehicle’s numerous strengths. The CX-5 Suna Edition’s impressive handling, powerful engine, and meticulously crafted interior make it an irresistible choice for discerning buyers who refuse to compromise on their daily driver. From the moment you slide behind the wheel, it’s evident that the CX-5 Suna Edition is a vehicle that will leave you feeling content every time you hit the road.