Mazda CX-5 review: Full range detailed

The Mazda CX-5 debuted in 2012, replacing the CX-7 (which itself had replaced the trusty old Tribute).

Between 2013 and 2020 it was Australia’s most popular SUV, and continues to enjoy considerable success in the Australian market.

The CX-5 is a medium-sized SUV sitting above the CX-3 and CX-30, and below the CX-60, CX-8 (and forthcoming CX-90).

A second-generation model was introduced in 2017, and the CX-5 has been regularly updated since to keep it fresh in its intensely competitive class.

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JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing
• What body styles are available for the Mazda CX-5?
• What features are standard in every Mazda CX-5?
• What key features do I get if I spend more?
• How safe is the Mazda CX-5?
• How comfortable & practical is the Mazda CX-5?
• How much boot space does the Mazda CX-5 offer?
• I like driving, will I enjoy this car?
• Which Mazda CX-5 engine uses the least fuel?
• What is the Mazda CX-5's towing capacity?
• How long is the warranty & what are the CX-5 servicing costs?
• Which version of the Mazda CX-5 does Wheels recommend?
• What are the Mazda CX-5's key rivals?

Pricing

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What body styles are available for the Mazda CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 is a five-door, five-seater SUV only. However, the CX-8 seven-seater is effectively a long-wheelbase CX-5.

What features are standard in every Mazda CX-5?

The features listed below are standard in the entry-level model and will appear in higher-grade models, unless replaced by more premium equivalent features.

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What key features do I get if I spend more?

The entry-level Mazda CX-5 includes all of the above, while also featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, and black cloth upholstery.

It’s one of only two front-wheel-drive variants and the Maxx is the only CX-5 to be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine; a 2.5-litre petrol is the most common engine across the line-up.

Stepping up the range brings a greater selection of engines, as well as additional features.

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The Maxx Sport adds

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Paying more again for a Touring gets you those features plus:

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Or choose the Touring Active for:

The GT SP is the first CX-5 available with the option of a turbocharged petrol engine, and it ramps up the equipment level significantly with the following features:

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The CX-5 Akera flagship model is available with turbo-petrol or turbo-diesel power, and above the GT SP brings:

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How safe is the Mazda CX-5?

Mazda’s medium SUV achieved ANCAP’s maximum five stars when the second-generation model was released in 2017, including a high 95 per cent score for Adult Occupant Protection.

This rating will expire at the end of 2023, owing to ANCAP’s six-year limit that aims to address continual updates to the independent organisation’s testing protocols.

Every CX-5 is equipped with a good range of active safety features.

There’s also a high degree of inherent safety provided by the CX-5’s capable handling, which is among the best in class.

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How comfortable and practical is the Mazda CX-5?

Let’s get the negative part out of the way first: the Mazda’s rear seat is relatively tight for a medium SUV. In fact, you’ll find some small SUVs with more legroom in the back seat.

That’s not great news for taller adult passengers, and the CX-5’s rear doors don’t have the widest of apertures, though a 180cm passenger can sit behind someone of the same size in comfort. The rear bench is also comfortable.

And, of course, the CX-5 is perfectly fine for accommodating kids in the rear seat as well as being one of the easiest SUVs for fitting child seats in our experience.

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There are plenty of practical touches for storage throughout the cabin.

All upholstery and trim options are black with the exception of one brown offering, so the CX-5’s interior is quite dark. The sunroof that comes standard on GT SP and above is also on the small side, with no panoramic version offered to provide more light for the cabin.

The sense of cabin quality is high, with impressive fit and finish.

Up front are firm yet supportive seats, and a good driving position is helped by full adjustment for the steering wheel.

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How much boot space does the Mazda CX-5 offer?

A below-average amount in the medium SUV class – just 442 litres, where a Toyota RAV4 offers a capacity of 580 litres and a Volkswagen Tiguan more again with 615 litres.

It also lacks sliding second-row seats to adjust the balance between rear legroom and luggage capacity.

The CX-5’s boot, however, is practical in other ways. There are release levers to lower rear seatbacks that go fully flat, while those seatbacks are also divided in a 40:20:40 configuration for extra versatility. The centre section can be lowered to help store longer items such as golf clubs or skis.

Folding the rear seats creates a total volume of 1342 litres.

An electric tailgate is standard from the mid-range GT SP upwards.

CX-5s come with a space-saver spare wheel rather than a full-sizer.

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I like driving, will I enjoy this car?

Most definitely. The CX-5 may be a mid-sized family SUV, but it maintains Mazda’s reputation for vehicles that keen drivers can appreciate.

Central to the CX-5 driving experience is steering that feels naturally weighted and provides reassuring accuracy.

It’s also one of the most composed vehicles in its segment for cornering, with well-contained body roll and an ability to remain unperturbed by typically bumpy road surfaces out in the country.

The CX-5 rides more firmly than the average medium SUV yet is rarely uncomfortable.

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Pick the GT SP or Akera Turbo with the 170kW/420Nm 2.5L turbo-petrol for the punchiest and sportiest performance in the range. The non-turbo 2.5L with 140kW/252Nm is also enjoyable to rev but would welcome more torque, while the 115kW/200Nm 2.0L petrol in the base model can feel underpowered.

For the best combination of performance and economy, the 140kW/450Nm 2.2L turbo-diesel is the pick of the engines – though it’s a shame Mazda limited its availability to just two CX-5 models.

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Which Mazda CX-5 engine uses the least fuel?

The 2.2-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder is the most fuel-efficient engine, with an official combined-cycle consumption figure of 5.7 litres per 100km.

However, it’s available with just two trim grades – the mid-range Touring Active and flagship Akera.

Using the least amount of fuel after the diesel is the smallest petrol – the 6.9L/100km-rated 2.0L in the base CX-5 – though this engine is also a bit underpowered.

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A bigger-capacity 2.5-litre is the most common engine in the CX-5 line-up – offered in all but the base model – and has economy figures of 7.2L/100km (front-wheel drive) or 7.4L/100km (all-wheel drive).

Bringing a performance boost over other petrols, the more powerful 2.5L turbo engine is also the thirstiest at 8.2L/100km.

The turbo-petrol CX-5 that featured in our 2023 Medium SUV megatest was the also thirstiest vehicle on test, returning an indicated average of 11.3L/100km against a best of 7.4L/100km (Toyota RAV4 Hybrid).

No hybrid drivetrains are available for the CX-5.

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What is the Mazda CX-5’s braked towing capacity?

2000kg for diesel-powered versions or 1800kg for petrol models.

In all cases, the towball download maximum is 150kg.

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How long is the warranty and what are the Mazda CX-5’s servicing costs?

Mazda offers a five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres and roadside assistance.

Servicing comes up every 12 months or 10,000km, the latter being a bit on the short side as 15,000km is the industry standard.

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Capped-price servicing covers the first five services, starting from $334 per visit. Prices are higher for the turbocharged petrol engine, and higher yet again for the diesel option. Diesel CX-5s have another downside: shorter service intervals – 10,000km compared with 15,000km for petrol models.

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Which version of the Mazda CX-5 does Wheels recommend?

The Maxx Sport is traditionally the most popular CX-5, though our pick is the Touring Active AWD diesel.

The Touring Active diesel brings some worthy extra features such as upgraded seat material, keyless entry, front parking sensors, wireless phone charging, and an auto tailgate. The diesel engine offers strong torque and good fuel consumption.

If diesel isn’t your cup of tea, look at the Touring AWD 2.5L which is a few thousand dollars cheaper, has a competent petrol engine and doesn’t lose any notable features.

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What are the Mazda CX-5’s key rivals?

• Honda ZR-V (arriving second half of 2023)
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Toyota RAV4
• Volkswagen Tiguan

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