Australians buy more mid-size SUVs than any other vehicle and the Mazda CX-5 has been one of the bestsellers for the best part of a decade.
We find out why Aussies love this car so much.
VALUE
The Mazda CX-5 range is vast with four engines to choose from: three petrol – one turbo and two non-turbocharged – and one diesel, as well as front- or all-wheel drive.
Prices range from a little less than $40,000 drive-away for a front-wheel drive Maxx variant and rise to $59,600 for the all-wheel drive Akera with a turbo diesel engine.
We sampled the all-wheel drive GT SP grade with the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine priced at about $56,800.
The addition of the punchy turbo motor adds about $2500 to the price over the GT SP fitted with a non-boosted 2.5-litre engine.
It’s a handsome SUV with svelte lines and proportions, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting front and back, a rear spoiler and chrome exhaust.
Inside, there’s a 10.25-inch central display controlled by a rotary dial and compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as multiple USB ports and a wireless device charger.
A 10-speak Bose stereo enhances the in-car experience further.
Mazda backs its cars with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and five years of capped price servicing, which costs more than $2100.
COMFORT
The CX-5’s cabin isn’t the most well equipped or hi-tech but it oozes class, with an elegant design, top-notch build and premium materials used throughout.
The front two seats are wrapped in supple leather upholstery and are electronically adjustable and heated.
The seats are soft and supportive and the 10-way adjustment makes it easy to find the right driving position for all shapes and sizes. Forward vision is excellent, too.
The leather-bound steering wheel and gear shifter have a premium feel.
The driver’s instruments are a mix of analog dials and a small digital readout that falls behind some rivals. A head-up display shows vital information such as speed and safety alerts on the windscreen in the driver’s eye line.
Rear seat space is plentiful with decent head, shoulder and leg room for adults.
There are aircon vents for rear passengers but no USB charging ports.
A 438-litre boot is below average.
SAFETY
The CX-5 is a family car and Mazda has fitted it out accordingly.
It’ll brake automatically if it detects a potential collision and a range of sensors will keep you centred in your lane. If it senses you wandering out of your lane it’ll gently tug the steering wheel to pull you back into place.
The CX-5 will warn you if a vehicle is in your blind spot and sound the alarm if a car approaches from the side as you reverse.
Front and rear parking sensors take the stress out of navigating tight carparks.
There are six airbags providing cover to both rows.
DRIVING
On the road the CX-5 is a predictable and accomplished performer.
A grunty 2.5-litre turbo engine makes a healthy 170kW and 420Nm, the latter from just 2000rpm.
It provides ample shove off the mark and makes light work of steep hills and overtaking manoeuvres.
The six-speed auto shifts smoothly and makes the most of the engines deep torque reserves.
Beware the fuel use, though. Mazda quotes 8.2L/100km but expect more, especially if you spend most of your time in the city. It wins back points for only needing the cheapest unleaded petrol.
The CX-5 is geared for comfort with soft suspension that soaks up bumps of all shapes and sizes. There is some lean through corners, but it is well balanced and all-wheel drive grip provides plenty of assurance in all weather conditions.
VERDICT 4/5
Well rounded SUV with a classy interior, good looks and a brawny turbo petrol engine, if you can afford the fuel bills.
ALTERNATIVES
Toyota RAV4 XSE Hybrid AWD, from about $55,600 drive-away
Top-notch SUV with frugal and punchy hybrid power and low servicing costs. Extremely long wait lists.
Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, from about $56,700 drive-away
Value packed SUV with all the trimmings, a third row of seats and a potential 10-year warranty. Not as nice to drive as the Mazda.
Hyundai Tucson Highlander AWD Turbo, from about $55,000 drive-away
Well-rounded family SUV with decent power and a quality cabin.
MAZDA CX-5 GT SP AWD TURBO
PRICE About $56,800 drive-away
ENGINE 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, 170kW and 420Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $2186 over five years
SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, radar cruise control
THIRST 8.2L/100km
SPARE Temporary
LUGGAGE 438 litres