The 2020 Mazda CX-5, part of the 2017-2025 model range, has undergone rigorous testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to assess its safety performance. This compact SUV has been evaluated in various crash scenarios, providing valuable insights for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts interested in vehicle safety. This article delves into the detailed safety ratings of the 2020 CX-5, focusing on key crashworthiness aspects and preventative safety technologies.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side
The driver-side small overlap front crash test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end on the driver’s side strikes a rigid object. This is a particularly challenging test as it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures of the vehicle.
Driver-Side Evaluation and Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Good” rating in the driver-side small overlap front test. This is the highest rating possible and indicates a high level of protection for the driver in this type of collision.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
This “Good” rating across all subcategories demonstrates the 2020 CX-5’s robust structural design and effective restraint systems in protecting the driver from significant injuries in a small overlap frontal crash.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap Test
The technical measurements from the driver-side small overlap test provide a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s performance and occupant protection.
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Footrest (cm) | 6 |
| Left toepan (cm) | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 6 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 |
| Steering column | 1 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 4 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 5 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | 6 |
These measurements indicate the extent of intrusion into the occupant compartment during the crash. Lower intrusion values generally correlate with better occupant protection. The measurements for the 2020 CX-5 show limited intrusion, further supporting the “Good” structural rating.
Driver Injury Measures (Driver Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 195 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.5 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 19 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.27 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 24 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.7 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.3 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.55 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.40 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.1 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.9 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | 53 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | 57 |
These injury measures, recorded on a crash test dummy, are crucial in assessing the potential for real-world injuries. The low values recorded across head, neck, chest, and leg regions in the 2020 CX-5 driver-side test reinforce the “Good” rating and demonstrate effective occupant protection.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Passenger-Side
The passenger-side small overlap front test is analogous to the driver-side test but evaluates the safety performance for the front passenger.
Passenger-Side Evaluation and Ratings
Similar to the driver-side, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 also earned a “Good” overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Passenger injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Passenger restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Lower leg/foot | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The “Good” rating for passenger-side protection indicates that the 2020 CX-5 provides comparable safety for both the driver and front passenger in a small overlap frontal crash scenario.
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | 8 |
| Footrest (cm) | 9 |
| Right toepan (cm) | 7 |
| Center toepan (cm) | 2 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | 1 |
| Center dash (cm) | 4 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | 6 |
| Upper dash (cm) | 6 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | 6 |
While the intrusion measurements are slightly higher on the passenger side compared to the driver side, they are still within acceptable limits for a “Good” rating, indicating effective structural performance.
Passenger Injury Measures (Passenger Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 262 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 30 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.21 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 19 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 1.4 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 1.9 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 0 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 3 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.37 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.59 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 2.8 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 2.8 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | 50 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | 56 |
Driver Injury Measures (Passenger Side Test):
Interestingly, the passenger-side test also records driver injury measures. This data provides additional insight into the overall structural performance of the vehicle.
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 70 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.9 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 18 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.26 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 32 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 0.3 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 0.3 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 2 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.31 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.31 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 0.3 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.2 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | 71 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | 38 |
The injury measures for both passenger and driver dummies in the passenger-side small overlap test remain low, reinforcing the strong safety performance of the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Test
The moderate overlap front test involves 40% of the vehicle’s front width striking a deformable barrier. This test is designed to represent a common type of frontal collision.
Moderate Overlap Evaluation and Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap front crash test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Chest | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
This “Good” rating signifies excellent protection for the driver in a moderate overlap frontal collision.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Front Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Footrest (cm) | 1 |
| Left (cm) | 2 |
| Center (cm) | 5 |
| Right (cm) | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | 2 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Left (cm) | 0 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Right (cm) | -1 |
| Steering column movement – Upward (cm) | -1 |
| Steering column movement – Rearward (cm) | -5 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | 0 |
The intrusion measurements in the moderate overlap test are minimal, indicating excellent structural integrity and effective energy management during this type of crash.
Driver Injury Measures (Moderate Overlap Test):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 104 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.1 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | 21 |
| Maximum Nij | 0.24 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 31 |
| Femur force – Left (kN) | 0.3 |
| Femur force – Right (kN) | 0.8 |
| Knee displacement – Left (mm) | 1 |
| Knee displacement – Right (mm) | 1 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.35 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 0.50 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | 1.7 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | 1.5 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Left | 48 |
| Foot acceleration (g) – Right | 144 |
The driver injury measures are also very low in this test, further confirming the “Good” rating and the 2020 CX-5’s ability to protect occupants in frontal collisions.
Side Impact Crash Test: Original and Updated Tests
The side impact crash test evaluates vehicle safety in side collisions. The IIHS has conducted both original and updated side impact tests on the Mazda CX-5. The updated test is more stringent, using a heavier barrier and higher impact speed.
Side Impact Evaluation and Ratings: Original Test
In the original side impact test, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Good” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
This comprehensive “Good” rating in the original side test demonstrates excellent side impact protection for both front and rear occupants.
Technical Measurements: Original Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -23.0 |
The negative value indicates that the intrusion stopped short of the driver’s seat centerline, signifying good structural resistance to side impact forces.
Driver Injury Measures (Original Side Impact Test):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 209 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.8 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.1 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 27 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 23 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.81 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.21 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.0 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.4 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.4 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.9 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 41 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | 70 |
Passenger Injury Measures (Original Side Impact Test):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 152 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.1 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.8 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.6 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 20 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.61 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.17 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 0.7 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 2.6 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 3.0 |
| Left femur L-M force (kN) | 0.3 |
| Left femur L-M moment (Nm) | 52 |
| Left femur A-P moment (Nm) | -40 |
The injury measures in the original side impact test are low for both driver and rear passenger, affirming the “Good” safety rating.
Side Impact Evaluation and Ratings: Updated Test
In the more rigorous updated side impact test, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 still achieved an “Good” overall rating, though the torso protection for the driver was rated as “Acceptable” (A).
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures – Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Driver injury measures – Pelvis | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Torso | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures – Pelvis | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
Despite the “Acceptable” rating for driver torso protection in the updated test, the overall “Good” rating indicates that the 2020 CX-5 continues to provide strong side impact protection, even under more demanding test conditions.
Image showing the aftermath of the updated side impact crash test on a 2020 Mazda CX-5, emphasizing vehicle integrity.
Image illustrating the deployment of side airbags and the structural damage to the 2020 Mazda CX-5’s occupant compartment following the updated side impact test.
Image highlighting the driver-side airbag protection during the updated side impact test, indicated by greasepaint on the dummy’s head.
Image demonstrating the rear passenger-side airbag effectiveness in head protection during the updated side impact test, marked by greasepaint on the dummy’s head.
Technical Measurements: Updated Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (Test ID: CES2007) | Measurement (Test ID: CES2108) |
|---|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat (cm) | -17.0 | -19.0 |
Driver Injury Measures (Updated Side Impact Test):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (Test ID: CES2007) | Measurement (Test ID: CES2108) |
|---|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 165 | 155 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 13 | 13 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.0 | 0.9 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 41 | 34 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 35 | 28 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 2.34 | 2.72 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.46 | 0.46 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 3.9 | 3.8 |
Passenger Injury Measures (Updated Side Impact Test):
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (Test ID: CES2108) |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 307 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | no contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.1 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 1.1 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.9 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 32 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 28 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | 4.13 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | 0.42 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | 2.7 |
The technical measurements from both updated side impact tests provide detailed data on occupant protection and structural performance under these more challenging conditions.
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures the ability of the vehicle’s roof to withstand forces in a rollover crash.
Roof Strength Evaluation and Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 earned a “Good” rating in the roof strength test.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 3,498 lbs |
| Peak force | 19,362 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 5.54 |
A “Good” rating in roof strength indicates that the 2020 CX-5’s roof is structurally sound and can provide significant protection in rollover accidents. The strength-to-weight ratio of 5.54 exceeds the IIHS requirement for a “Good” rating, demonstrating a strong roof structure relative to the vehicle’s weight.
Head Restraints & Seats
The head restraints and seats are evaluated for their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Head Restraints & Seats Evaluation and Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 with manual cloth seats received a “Good” overall rating for head restraints and seats.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
This “Good” rating signifies that the head restraints and seats in the 2020 CX-5 are well-designed to minimize the risk of whiplash and other neck injuries in rear-impact crashes.
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 27 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 2 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 11.0 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 54 |
| Force rating | 1 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 297 |
These technical measurements further support the “Good” rating, indicating favorable geometry and dynamic performance of the head restraints and seats.
Headlights
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime visibility and accident prevention. The IIHS evaluates headlights based on visibility and glare.
Headlight Evaluation and Ratings: Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, Signature Trims
The LED projector headlights available on the Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature trims of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 received a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good (G) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
These top trim headlights offer excellent visibility in various driving conditions, contributing to safer nighttime driving.
Headlight Evaluation and Ratings: Sport Trim
The LED projector headlights on the Sport trim also achieved a “Good” overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Good (G) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
Even without curve-adaptive features, the Sport trim headlights provide “Good” visibility, ensuring safety across different trim levels.
Headlight Evaluation and Ratings: Touring Trim
The LED projector headlights on the Touring trim received an “Acceptable” (A) overall rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Acceptable (A) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
While “Acceptable,” the Touring trim headlights still offer adequate visibility, though slightly less effective than the “Good”-rated options on other trims.
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems are crucial in mitigating or preventing frontal collisions. The IIHS evaluates these systems for their effectiveness in vehicle-to-vehicle scenarios.
Front Crash Prevention Evaluation and Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-5’s standard front crash prevention system, “Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection” and “Smart Brake Support with Collision Warning,” earned a “Superior” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Superior |
This “Superior” rating indicates that the 2020 CX-5’s front crash prevention system is highly effective at avoiding or mitigating collisions with other vehicles in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian detection and prevention systems are increasingly important for urban safety. The IIHS also tests these systems in daylight conditions.
Front Crash Prevention Evaluation and Ratings (Pedestrian)
The 2020 Mazda CX-5’s pedestrian front crash prevention system received an “Advanced” rating.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Advanced |
This “Advanced” rating demonstrates that the system is effective at detecting and reacting to pedestrians in various scenarios, including crossing child, crossing adult, and parallel adult scenarios. It successfully avoided collisions in some tests and significantly reduced impact speed in others.
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) are evaluated for their ease of use and effectiveness in securing child restraints.
LATCH Evaluation and Ratings
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 received an “Acceptable” (A) rating for its LATCH system.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Acceptable (A) |
While rated “Acceptable,” the LATCH system in the 2020 CX-5 provides multiple rear seating positions with LATCH hardware, including positions with complete sets and those where lower anchors can be borrowed.
LATCH Details by Seating Position
| Position | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tether anchor, Lower anchors (too deep in seat) | |
| 2 | Tether anchor, Lower anchors (can be borrowed from 1 and 3) | |
| 3 | Tether anchor, Lower anchors (too deep in seat) |
The LATCH system provides flexibility for installing child seats, although some positions have lower anchors that are positioned deeply in the seat.
Conclusion
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 demonstrates exceptional safety performance across a wide range of IIHS crash tests and preventative safety evaluations. Achieving mostly “Good” ratings in crashworthiness and “Superior/Advanced” ratings in front crash prevention, the 2020 CX-5 stands out as a safe choice in the compact SUV segment. While headlight ratings vary by trim, and the updated side impact test resulted in an “Acceptable” torso rating for the driver, the overall safety profile of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is undeniably strong, making it a vehicle worthy of consideration for safety-conscious buyers.
