2017 Mazda CX-5 Photo Gallery

Thinner, more elegant headlights and a broader, classier grille distinguish the second-gen CX-5.

The front end of the 2016 CX-5, for comparison. Nothing upscale here.

Cleaner, more elegant body sides on the second-gen CX-5. Dramatic curvy character lines deleted.

The original CX-5's body sides have sportier but less elegant styling.

Honda's designers have been dialing its exteriors up to 11 lately. A bit much, even garish?

Awkwardly hunched-up areas over the front and rear wheels.

Long hood => lack of interior space. Somewhat justified by efficient exhaust manifold it permits.

Truncated tail. Elegant and sporty, but not good for cargo-hauling capacity.

A lot more going on with the Honda's rump, much of it to disguise additional rear overhang.

I was not a fan of the 2012-2016 CR-V's rear-end styling. Awful proportions. They sold many anyway.

Far more upholstered and stitched surfaces than you'll usually find at this price point. Very nice.

Nice interior in the new CR-V, but not nearly as nice as the Mazda's. More of a minivan vibe.

The instrument panel looks compact. It is compact. Note stitched surfaces and artful vents.

Classic if plain gauges. Controls generally well-designed, trip computer could be more intuitive.

Front seats provide little lateral support, especially with slippery leather.

The Mazda's rear seat remains much less roomy than the Honda's.

Handy releases to fold rear seats without having to walk around to the side or lean way forward.

Less cargo space than in many competitors. But possibly all you need.

Plain black plastic cover does little to silence engine. Long hood provides space for manifolds.

Good but not great power and economy. Engine noise is the least refined aspect of the new CX-5.