We spent two nights testing the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Signature’s lighting—low/high beam reach, cutoff quality, cornering capability, auto high-beam behavior, and glare—to see how its adaptive LED projectors perform away from the spec sheet.
Test vehicle: 2024 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD on 19-inch wheels, equipped with bi-LED projector headlights, auto-leveling, adaptive front lighting (steerable projectors), and automatic high beams. This trim carries the best lamps in the lineup and holds an IIHS “Good” headlight rating. Aim was verified against a flat wall at 25 feet using SAE guidelines before testing, with tire pressures set to placard and a 400-pound mixed cargo/passenger load to exercise the levelers. Conditions: clear, dry nights (42–48°F), rural two-lane and divided highway, plus a suburban loop with street furniture and reflective signage.
We used retroreflective targets and a calibrated lux meter to estimate reach at the 1.0 lx threshold for object recognition, and observed driver reactions/logged system responses with a data camera. Hills, crests, and gentle sweepers were chosen to probe auto-dimming logic and beam stability. Low beam reach is strong for this class: we recorded consistent 115–130 m to 1.0 lx on-axis, with lateral spread covering roughly 1.5 lanes beyond the vehicle’s path. Foreground is controlled, so your eyes aren’t pinned to a bright pool near the bumper.
The cutoff is crisp with a distinct step-up on the right, illuminating signs without spraying into mirrors. Vertical aim from the factory was spot-on; the auto-leveling kept pitch changes in check over dips and with added cargo. High beams extend useful reach to about 260–280 m to 1.0 lx, with a concentrated hot spot and well-filled shoulders that help pick out wildlife at the edge of the road. The automatic high-beam (HBC) engages above 20–25 mph and typically dips within 0.6–0.9 seconds when it detects oncoming lamps.
It occasionally overreacts to bright overhead signage and reflective green signs, and on sharp crests it can hold high for a beat too long, but we logged no flashes from other drivers in those moments. Cornering: US-spec CX-5 lacks separate static cornering lamps; instead, the steerable projectors swivel with steering input and vehicle speed (up to roughly 15°). The effect is meaningful on 25–45 mph sweepers, brightening the inside shoulder and apex earlier than fixed lamps. At parking-lot speeds the swivel is subtle, so tight turns into unlit driveways still leave a dark pocket close-in; using a slight roll-in with steering helps.
No flicker or hunting was observed during quick transitions. Glare to oncoming traffic is well-managed. With correct aim and auto-leveling, measured vertical illuminance at 25 m and 1.2 m height stayed below typical discomfort thresholds, and we received zero courtesy flashes over 40 miles of mixed traffic. If the front end is lifted (heavy rear load) the levelers compensate promptly.
Overall, these are confidence-inspiring headlights: excellent cutoff discipline, above-average reach, and competent auto high-beam logic. Recommendation: choose trims with the adaptive LEDs, keep lenses clean, and disable auto high-beam only on sign-dense urban corridors.
