How Does the Mazda CX 5 Stack Up Against the Competition?

The SUV has been fully embraced by the Australian public, so the medium sized SUV segment has never been more packed with offerings. With over two dozen models in the market, how does the CX 5 stack up against the competition? The Mazda CX 5 has been recently refreshed, but so has the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson, so here we’ll compare these three models to see who comes out on top.

The Mazda CX 5 Basics

The Mazda CX 5 Maxx is the base model of the range and does cost a little more than the Kia or the Hyundai, but you certainly get your money’s worth. This model has the most safety tech as standard of the three models that includes rear cross traffic alert and blind zone warning. It also has front and rear autonomous emergency brakes that is not offered on the other two models.

Like the other two models, the CX 5 Maxx has digital radio, but it also has the option of built in navigation and smartphone mirroring. 

The recent updates have made the CX 5 nicer to drive. The rear camera display has a wider angle lens than the others, providing a clear view on the seven inch screen. You can also stay connected with two USB ports and three 12v sockets; two in the front, and one in the cargo area. There are also some luxury touches, including leather gear selector and steering wheel, push button start, and electric park brake.

The cabin has a high quality feel that shows more attention to detail compared to the others with lots of soft touch materials and fabrics. There is lots of room in the front or rear with ample boot space. 

On the road, the 2.0 litre engine revs cleanly and more freely compared to the other two models, sounding like it can cope with ease carrying a family of five with luggage up a steep hill, where the others sound like they’re struggling. 

The Mazda CX 5 is also alone with stop start engine technology to further enhance fuel efficiency. The steering feels precise, yet natural and it feels more grippy than the other two even if you’re on wet coarse chip conditions.

The Kia Sportage Basics

The Sportage Si Premium is the second model in the range and includes rear camera, front and rear sensors, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency brakes. There is digital radio matched to a JBL audio system. The recent update has provided an eight inch touchscreen, but the rear camera only offers average picture quality. There are some soft touch materials, but these don’t extend to the doors, and there is a manual brake lever rather than the electric park brakes offered on the Mazda. 

On the road, the Sportage feels relaxed to drive, but it lacks grip in wet conditions and feels the sketchiest around slippery corners.

The Hyundai Tucson Basics

The Tucson Active X is the second model in the range, and despite the recent update, it still lacks autonomous emergency braking as standard. You need to purchase an option pack to get this among the other optional safety technology that includes rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assistance, and blind zone warning. 

The Active X is equipped with leather seats, folding side mirrors, and electric park brake. The infotainment system does have an eight inch touchscreen with digital radio, Infinity audio, and navigation, but the rear camera image does trail the quality of the display. Like the Mazda, the Active X has two USB ports and 12v sockets in the cabin, with soft touch materials to elevate the cabin.

How They Compare

All three cabins feel roomy with lots of storage. The Tucson does have the largest boot, but it lacks the refinement of the Mazda. On the road, the Mazda provides more grip on all road conditions, including slippery bends. The Mazda also has a happy sounding engine that feels good whether you’re cruising, tackling a hill or riding over bumps. 

While the Tucson has a much improved cabin, it is edged out by the CX 5, which offers more standard equipment, including innovative safety features. The Kia does have a lower starting price, but this is reflected in the equipment list and cabin quality.

The Mazda CX 5 is simply a cut above the rest, with five variants to choose the specification that best suits your requirements. The next level design features luxurious touches and trims that are everywhere you turn in the cabin, including nappa leather, real wood trim and frameless mirrors, and much more on different models. The infotainment system features the MZD Connect technology that allows smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can access your contacts, apps, and more across the entire CX 5 range. 

The New CX 5 also features fantastic innovative i-Activsense advanced safety technology that is as standard across the range. This includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert, Smart Brake Support and more. 

You can also be assured of fantastic zoom zoom with the 2.5T Skyactiv-G turbo engine that provides excellent power without compromising on efficiency. The Skyactiv-G offers an impressive 170 kW of power and 420 Nm torque with a fuel efficiency rate of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres. 

Although there is lots of choice in the mid size SUV segment, the Mazda CX 5 does stand apart from the pack. This top selling SUV has a lot to offer and is certainly worth serious consideration. 

If you would like to learn more about the new Mazda CX 5, please call in and see us. At Mandurah Mazda, we have an excellent selection of new and pre-owned models, including the CX 5. You’ll also find our sales staff ready to answer any queries, discuss finance options and insurance deals. We would also be delighted to arrange your test drive, so you can experience the superb Mazda CX 5 for yourself.