The Ultimate Mazda CX-5 ‘Review’
In this Mazda CX-5 review, we’ll take a look at why this is the kind of vehicle you’d likely be looking at if you’re considering a decent size SUV.
The best-selling second-generation Mazda CX-5 is facing greater competition in a fast growing and more diverse SUV market, which includes strong competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
How is the new Mazda CX-5 2020 model different?
As far as the current 2020 Mazda CX-5 is concerned, though it has largely remained much the same as the previous model year, it has carried over a few incremental updates. This time around the focus was very much on all-round refinement, meaning that it still offers a surprising amount of fun from behind the wheel, especially when compared to other affordable crossovers in its class.
Choice is not a problem when it comes to the Mazda CX-5. There are five trim levels in the CX-5 range, starting from the entry-level Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, and the top-of-the-range Akera. With a mish-mash of different petrol or diesel engines, manual or automatic transmissions and two- or four-wheel drive, there is a Mazda CX-5 to suit most needs.
Sleek Design
The Mazda CX-5 is far from the newest small crossover around, but it sure is pretty. Like the rest of the manufacturer’s line-up, this elegant SUV has received its latest “Kodo design language” treatment, making it easily recognisable as a Mazda and setting it apart from its rivals. It’s easily one of the better looking vehicles in its class, with a long bonnet, broad and smiling grille, clean flanks and a neat, well-rounded rear.
One of the things to like about the Mazda CX-5 is that it doesn’t look that much different regardless of which model you go for, so even the lower trims have lots of chrome features and look pretty much identical to the high spec versions, with the only really obvious difference being the alloy wheels.
Quality Interiors
Getting inside the CX-5, it looks just as impressive and feels positively posh. Everything you touch feels nice and the overall mix of materials used, including real wood and leather in some of the higher level trims, is of a high quality and well put together. The Mazda CX-5 has a modern feel with a finish closer to that of luxury brands like a BMW or Audi. Not only do you get a choice of materials, but there are also other aspects that you can get and personalise to add your creative flair, such as the colour of the interior.
The cabin of the CX-5 is sufficiently large and well laid out in a clean and crisp design, with all controls well placed. This includes an infotainment system with a colour touchscreen seated high on the centre console up near the eyeline, from which you can access the car’s control system and various nifty technologies such as smartphone connectivity and functions that require use of the touchscreen for display purposes. The design of the instrument panel is also very modern and functional, and sitting in the driver’s seat you get a real sense of security and confidence.
Flexible Storage Options
Space inside the CX-5 has been well used. There are various cubby and storage spaces where you can easily find a home for books, gadgets, drink bottles and other essential items. It is roomy enough to comfortably seat up to the prescribed five people, with flexibility in the positioning of the seats and the steering wheel. Though not the largest around, there’s plenty of space out the back in the boot, which can easily accommodate a few full-sized luggage bags.
Prominent Safety Features
When it comes to safety the Mazda CX-5 is as safe as they come. It is packed with design and features in its build, such as multiple airbags and Isofix anchor points for securing child seats. These are accompanied by a whole lot of technology to assist the driver and thus keeping everyone inside the car safe, especially now that Mazda has made its i-Activesense suite of safety gear standard for the CX-5. The generous five year warranty also offers great peace of mind.
Refining Your Driving Experience
In continuing and perhaps slightly improving on its tradition, the Mazda CX-5 provides a mostly refined driving experience. For 2020, Mazda engineers worked to improve its noise, vibration and harshness characteristics. To this end and for the most part, they have succeeded. This applies through its entire range of petrol and diesel engines ranging from 2.0 litre to 2.5 litres, that offer more than capable performance and good efficiency.
Out on the road, as we’ve come to expect from Mazda vehicles such as the CX-5, comfort level is high and handling is agile and responsive. Whether it’s negotiating corners and bends or overtaking on the freeway, this SUV does offer a really nice ride experience. And the occasional moderate off-road adventure is now firmly on the cards thanks to all wheel drive being available across all models.
Attractive Price Point
With rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4 as well as some luxury Euro brand, the Mazda CX-5 faces some stiff competition. One can be had from $30,880 to $52,330 (for the lowest entry level Mazda CX-5 Maxx (4×2) to its fully decked out CX-5 Akera Turbo (awd) 100TH Anniv models respectively). So is it worth the money? On the whole, Mazda has done a very good job with it’s latest offering of its top-selling SUV. With the amount of quality, technology and performance resulting in the CX-5 looking and feeling more expensive and more premium than its price suggests, we would be inclined to say yes.