Opting for the practicality of a compact SUV doesn’t have to mean parting ways with your inner sports-car enthusiast. For one thing, there’s the Mazda CX-5.

The standard CX-5 engine is a 187-horsepower four-cylinder. It’s no slouch, but a turbocharged version in the lineup’s higher trims puts out a much zestier 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with Premium gasoline. Given Regular gas, output settles down a little bit, to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Every CX-5 model comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Whichever engine is doing the work, the CX-5 has the rousing driving dynamics associated with an enthusiast’s proclivities. Behind the wheel, it’s easy to forget you’re driving something practical. I spent my time with the CX-5 fully appreciating both aspects of its personality.

For 2024, a new Carbon Turbo trim with unique styling and paint color is added to the CX-5 lineup. The previous base model 2.5 S is discontinued and the 2.5 S Select trim becomes the new starting point at $29,300 plus destination charge. Its EPA rating for combined driving has increased by 2 mpg.

Mazda doesn’t skimp on standard features for the 2024 base model. A small sampling includes keyless entry, a 10.25-inch center display with the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, dual front USB inputs, two rear USB charging ports, heated front seats, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual zone climate control with rear air conditioning vents, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Standard features pile on from there to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature banquet at $40,600 plus destination charge.

In terms of high-grade materials, quality construction and overall comfort, CX-5’s interior rivals those I’ve seen in much more expensive SUVs. I especially liked the

infotainment system’s physical control knobs, located in the center console. They’re attractive, sturdy, and nice to the touch. A classy detail, not a low-tech vibe.

Good overall roominess, a virtue not frequently found in compact SUVs, does exist within the CX-5. People riding in the back seat aren’t treated like second-class passengers. Generous headroom and legroom belie the amount imagined when looking at CX-5’s stubby profile from the outside.

The rear cargo area is another optical illusion. A wild guess from outside would say not much of anything would fit inside there, but raising the liftgate reveals a gaping space with lots of potential.

The EPA rating for my CX-5 test vehicle is 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

2024 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 TURBO SIGNATURE

Base price, including destination charge: $41,975

Price as driven: $42,110

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.