Pros: Material and build quality, interior space
Cons: Only one engine available, not as efficient as some
Since its debut in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 has become one of the most successful models in the Japanese brand’s history. Now it enters its third generation as an all-new model, showcasing a fresh design and more technology inside than ever before. It’s also safer than it’s ever been, thanks to the latest suite of driver assistance systems. We’ve gotten behind the wheel to see how it compares to the competition and its predecessor.
Mazda CX-5 Design
From the outside, it’s still easy to identify the CX-5 as a Mazda, especially from the front, where the signature wing element grille replicates the company logo. Now it extends outward to further incorporate the stacked LED headlights. That’s also seen in the new daytime running light signature, while the nose of the car is now higher to underline the new proportions and improve visibility of the wings, aiding positioning when driving.
The CX-5 is longer than before by 115mm, with that being most evident in the wheelbase, therefore boosting interior space. There is contrasting cladding around the wheel arches and along the bottom of the doors. Wheel sizes range from 17-inch wheels at the entry point to 19-inch wheels on higher trim grades, with the top-spec Homura model getting black wheels.
Around the rear, the lights are slimmer but also more pronounced, sitting proud of the bodywork and drawing attention to the Mazda wordmark at the centre of the hatch - replacing the logo of previous versions. The rear bumper is also finished in contrasting black, and to add further symmetry, there are single exhausts on each side.
Mazda CX-5 Interior
A complete redesign of the CX-5’s interior differentiates it from the company’s other SUVs, and all versions now adopt a digital approach. There is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display that provides all the typical driving information, and, on higher-grade models, it can be supplemented with a similarly sized colour head-up display. The steering wheel features partially haptic controls that press with a reassuring click, and they feel easier to navigate than those on other such systems.
Mazda has moved forward with the approach of having virtually all car functions contained within the central touchscreen, which on most models is a 12.9-inch setup. The native infotainment system now has Google built in, so there’s Google Maps for navigation, Google Gemini for more conversational AI digital assistance and access to the Google Play Store for downloading apps. A larger 15.6-inch touchscreen is also offered and is standard on the Homura model. The lack of physical buttons for essential controls, such as cabin temperature, is a disappointment, especially at a time when a growing number of car makers are switching back to proper buttons.
Elsewhere in the cabin, there’s a sense of robust build quality and upmarket materials, the latter more evident on higher-spec versions. New seat designs boost comfort without sacrificing support on the move, and that extended wheelbase is really felt in the rear seats. There are noticeable improvements in legroom, and headroom is among the best in class. We also like how the rear doors open to almost 90 degrees, which will undoubtedly be a boon to parents when accessing the ISOFIX anchor points on either of the outer rear seats.
Boot space has also taken a jump forward thanks to the CX-5’s new proportions, with a load-in level that is 18mm lower than before, and a cargo length that is 45mm longer, resulting in a cargo capacity of 583 litres with all seats still in use. The tonneau cover conveniently stows beneath the boot floor, and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats can be dropped via levers at the boot opening, increasing cargo capacity to 2,019 litres.
Mazda CX-5 Performance & Drive
Only one engine is available for the Mazda CX-5 in Ireland, a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit that is equipped with a 24-volt mild-hybrid system. It produces 141hp and 238Nm and is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox with either front- or all-wheel drive. Mazda takes the approach of a larger capacity engine to maximise efficiency and on paper the consumption of 7.0 litres/100km (7.5 litres/100km for the AWD) isn’t terrible, but other full hybrid cars in the segment can do better.
On the move, the Mazda drives through urban areas with ease and a good degree of refinement. Here, the engine isn’t troubled all that much, and the suspension setup shines as it easily copes with speed humps and other more obvious surface imperfections, even with the larger 19-inch wheels fitted. The steering is light to the touch but not devoid of feel, and the outward visibility is excellent, aided by slender A-pillars and a 360-degree camera system that activates as you approach junctions.
It’s only when you get out of town and onto the motorway that the engine and transmission start to show signs of being strained. Joining from a slip road and getting up to speed quickly sees the 2.5-litre engine get very vocal, and the six-speed auto feels more like gearboxes from the past, not as slick as some setups available elsewhere.
That said, it does settle down once up to speed, and both road and wind noise are kept to a very acceptable level when cruising. On more challenging roads, the car retains its composure well, staying mostly flat while providing a comfortable driving experience.
Mazda CX-5 Pricing
The Mazda CX-5 starts at €39,965 for the front-wheel-drive Prime-Line specification. There are three other specification grades available: Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura, which, in top-spec with the AWD transmission, will cost from €51,045.
Carzone Verdict
The Mazda CX-5 has a lot going for it in terms of design, interior quality and both passenger and cargo space. Its solitary engine offering puts it on the back foot, though, especially when so many rivals offer broader choices that often deliver better performance, better economy and lower emissions, and therefore lower annual motor tax rates. But the CX-5 does drive nicely and features good levels of standard equipment across its range, so if you’re looking for something that’s a little left field, it’s worth a test drive.