I actually found no difference in handling with its sister car the Tucson, I test drove the 182 diesel automatic, the Tucsons brakes also seem much keener than the CX-5.
Back in 2015 it was only the interior finish that fell behind the CX-5, the lack of discounts due to it being new, and I didn't like the oversized IMO wheel arch plastic protectors. Or the poor emissions and higher VED for the UK.
But I liked the 8" screen, and the full sized ALLOY spare wheel.
Tuscon gets regularly discounted here