The 2017 Mazda CX-5 got a refresh that improves on last year’s looks. The new design is arguably the best looking of all the compact crossovers and features the right balance of fluid lines and deep, rich paintwork. A new grille is framed by chrome with a mesh backdrop that looks like the Mazda badge floats. This crossover is small where it counts but big on style.

The improvements are not all surface quality. Mazda says that the most common complaint of previous CX-5 drivers was the interior noise. Engineers made reducing noise their top priority and added 45 kilos of insulation and materials to dampen sound. A nice side effect of the noise reduction is a more comfortable drive that doesn’t feel as harsh on rougher roads than previous year models.

The drive is also better thanks to two retuned engines. The new base-level engine outputs 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The numbers aren’t much better than the previous CX-5, but Mazda states that the tuning in the new model provides a better response. 

Canada gets three versions named GX (crossover), GS (sport) and GT (touring). All three of the CX-5s are outfitted with plenty of desired standard equipment. The GX comes with a freshly tuned 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. Other standard items include 17″ alloy wheels, LED headlights, fabric seats, air conditioning and a wide-angle rearview camera that can be viewed from the 7.0-inch infotainment screen.

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 GS and GT get a larger 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission that makes 187 hp and 185 lb-ft torque. The engine is rated at a 7.7 L/100 km fuel rating for highway on the GS and 8.3 L/100 for highway on the GT.  

The GS builds on the standard offerings of the GX by adding a power programmable liftgate, an upgraded driver’s seat and heating for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and front seats. 

The GT is the most upgraded version and best equipped to handle the winter roads. It comes with all-wheel-drive as standard, 19″ alloy wheels with 225/55R19 all-season tires, a power moonroof, a premium Bose 10-speaker system, heated rear seats and leather-trimmed seating.

The CX-5 is small (in a good way) and offers a nimble drive, easier parking in urban streets and better fuel efficiency. But the interior is surprisingly roomy for a compact crossover. Five adults can travel just fine without feeling too cramped. The rear seats now recline so that taller passengers can find their sweet spot. For 2017, rear doors open wider to make entry and exit from the rear row easier. 

The driver and front-seat passenger will love the new seats and improved visibility that comes from pushing the front pillars back roughly 2.5 centimetres. It sounds like a small number, but the cockpit feels more open than previous years.

If you’re looking for a stylish and elegant compact SUV that looks far more expensive than its starting price of $24,900, look no further. Take a test drive of one before the back-to-school season goes into high gear. You’ll like the thoughtful and thorough changes Mazda made to this already great compact crossover.