Mazda CX-5 Review 2024

November 2016

Mazda revealed 2017 CX-5

It’s a completely redesigned edition of the compact SUV that in 2012 kicked-off a generation of critically acclaimed cars featuring the company’s efficient lightweight SKYACTIV Technology and award-winning KODO – Soul of Motion designs.

Mazda refined virtually every aspect of the all-new CX-5, aiming to share the pleasure of driving with everyone on board. The new generation was engineered with a strong focus on human sensibilities to deliver responsive performance corresponding to driver expectations, but also prioritising passenger comfort for a pleasant ride in a remarkably quiet and finely crafted cabin.

The 2017 CX-5 comes with the full range of SKYACTIV Technology including two petrol engines – the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 and SKYACTIV-G 2.5 – and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 clean diesel. All three deliver powerful, linear performance along with outstanding real-world fuel economy and remarkably low emissions. The new model also features G-Vectoring Control, a new Jinba Ittai – enhancing technology from Mazda. Additional highlights include a windscreen head-up display – one of the first in its class – and a remote-controlled power liftgate.

March 2017

Mazda CX-5 prices announced

Available in two highly-specified trim levels, the ten model UK range starts at just £23,695. Both Mazda’s SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions feature in the range, as does the latest generation of Mazda’s intelligent i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Powered by a familiar range of SKYACTIV engines, the 2.0-litre 165ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine is available in SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trim and is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive and Mazda’s six-speed SKYACTIV-MT manual gearbox.

Making up the bulk of the range, the popular 2.2-litre 150ps SKYACTIV-D diesel is available with front-wheel drive and AWD transmissions, plus comes with a choice of SKYACTIV-MT or SKYACTIV-Drive gearbox. Sitting at the top of the range, the flagship 2.2-litre 175ps SKYACTIV-D comes exclusively in Sport Nav trim and is equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD, and like the lower output diesel, it can be matched to either automatic or manual transmission.

All models feature a generous standard equipment tally that includes LED headlights, auto power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate control, DAB radio and a 7-inch colour touch-screen display with Mazda’s integrated navigation. Sport Nav cars add to this with a host of premium highlights including a reversing camera, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Smart keyless entry, plus heated front seats and steering wheel. Offered in a Mazda for the first time, Sport Nav models also feature a power lift tailgate, plus a new head-up display (HUD) that projects directly onto the windscreen and features Traffic Sign Recognition.

July 2018

Updated Mazda CX-5 goes on sale

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 features a revised ten-model line-up across highly-specified SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+ trim levels. As before, both Mazda’s SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual and SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions feature in the range, as does the latest generation of Mazda’s intelligent i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD) system, while thanks to the introduction of a 165ps SKYACTIV-G 2WD automatic - for the first time in the UK you can now match a petrol engine to an automatic gearbox.

Powered by a familiar range of SKYACTIV engines, the 2.0-litre 165ps SKYACTIV-G petrol engine is available in SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+ trim and is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive.

The popular 2.2-litre 150ps SKYACTIV-D diesel is available with front-wheel drive and comes with a choice of SKYACTIV-MT or SKYACTIV-Drive gearbox. Sitting at the top of the range, the flagship 2.2-litre 184ps high-output SKYACTIV-D comes exclusively in Sport Nav+ trim and is equipped with Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD, and like the lower output diesel, it can be matched to either automatic or manual transmission.

In addition to the efficiency gains, the higher output version of the 2.2-litre engine sees power increase from 175PS to 184PS with torque improving 25Nm to 445Nm.

There's a new design of 19-inch Metallic alloy wheel on Sport Nav+ models being the only exterior change. Inside, the CX-5 merges meticulous cockpit ergonomics with a sophisticated, high-quality and spacious cabin environment.

In addition, the updated 2018 model year Mazda CX-5 gets more active safety equipment as standard, with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic alert, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning now standard across the range, while the optional safety pack on Sport Nav+ models now features a 360 view camera and Adaptive LED Headlamps.

Other highlights include Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Machine Grey Metallic paint, which both use Mazda’s unique three-layer TAKUMINURI painting technology. Compared to the first-generation CX-5’s Soul Red Metallic paint, Soul Red Crystal increases brightness by approximately 20 per cent and depth by 50 per cent.

January 2019

2019 Mazda CX-5 range announced

Featuring an unchanged range of Skyactiv SCR engines, and building on last year’s updates, the 2019 Mazda CX-5 now features Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM as standard across the range and a revised climate control panel.

A thicker front-anti roll bar, smaller rear anti-roll bar and revised front stabiliser bushings combine with new urethane material in the rear damper top mounts and amended damping valve structures to deliver the handling improvements. In addition, the 2019 CX-5 features an updated version of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system – GVC Plus, which now features direct yaw control to enhance stability at speed.

January 2021

Updated Mazda CX-5 priced from £27,230

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 sees the introduction of Mazda’s flagship 2.5-litre 194PS Skyactiv-G petrol engine to the UK CX-5 range for the first time, while powered by the 2.0-litre 165PS Skyactiv-G engine, the new CX-5 Kuro special edition model joins the line-up.

Other highlights of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 include an upgraded infotainment system across the whole range and the introduction of Connected Services. All models in the range feature a new larger, faster and clearer 10.25-inch centre display screen, more intuitive Mazda Connect Commander operation and an expanded range of Connected Services operable by the latest MyMazda App.

Prices start from £27,230 with orders now open.

October 2021

Revised Mazda CX-5 line-up priced from £27,845

Arriving in the UK early next year, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 features a bold new look with an evolution of its award-winning Kodo Design. Revised front and rear bumper designs combine with new headlight and taillight clusters to give the 2022 CX-5 a distinctly more modern and sharper look. At the front a more three-dimensional and powerful grille design is combined with a new signature wing trim that no longer heads into the lamp cluster, while at the rear the new bumper shape and stronger taillight design sharpens the rear styling.

In the UK, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 line-up features five trim levels: SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport. For the first time, individual model grades feature subtle styling differentiation to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and focus. The three stand out trim grades: Newground, Sport Black and GT Sport each have a distinct personality to ensure the CX-5 range offers more choice than ever before.

As before, the entry point to the CX-5 range is the SE-L model, which is offered with either the 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol or 150ps Skyactiv-D engine. Making its debut with 2022 Mazda CX-5, and offered exclusively with the 165ps Skyactiv-G engine, the stand-out Newground model features a slightly more rugged look with front and rear silver underguard trims matched to silver lower body side skirts, black door mirrors and 19-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels. Subtle lime green accents in the grille are replicated inside with lime green air vent louver trims, while the Newground’s black half leatherette seats have matching green piping. Perfect for an active lifestyle, the boot even features a reversible waterproof boot floor, while the Newground can be specified in the new for 2022 model year Zircon Sand Metallic paint colour.

Predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, the Sport model is offered with a choice of 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol or 150ps and 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel. The higher output diesel is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive. Matched exclusively to an automatic gearbox this 184ps Skyactiv-D AWD Sport is the entry point of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system in the 2022 Mazda CX-5 range.

The new Sport Black trim is another model that offers customers a unique look, offered exclusively with the 165ps Skyactiv-G petrol engine and front wheel drive, it delivers a sportier interpretation of the CX-5’s new look with gloss black detailing on the wheel arches, side moldings, door mirrors and signature wing grille surround. Subtle red accents within the grille and 19-inch black alloy wheels finish the sporty look, while inside the black leather seats feature red stitching, which is also found around the cabin in areas like the door trim, centre console and steering wheel.

Sitting at the top of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 range, the GT Sport is the premium flagship model that combines a unified one-colour exterior with a high-class interior that features the smooth tactility of brown Nappa leather and the luxurious textures of genuine woodgrain. Externally, the single colour body and trim details highlight the CX-5’s dynamic proportions, while the cabin features the luxurious materials and high levels of technology you’d expect of a premium SUV.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 GT Sport also features a wide choice of engine, drivetrain and transmission with both the 2.0-litre 165ps Skyactiv-G and 194ps 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol available. As before, the 165ps engine is matched to front wheel drive, while the larger 194ps petrol comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox with cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency. The GT Sport is also offered with the 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel matched to all-wheel drive.

Thanks to the unique styling of the GT Sport, Sport Black and Newground models, and a 20-model range that offers a choice of automatic or manual gearbox with every trim level, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is a family SUV tailored around customers to give them more choice and options for personalisation than ever before.

November 2022

Mazda CX-5 updated with mild-hybrid tech

With the first cars arriving in March next year, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is available to order and configure now. The 2023 model year CX-5 builds on the success of the significantly updated 2022 Mazda CX-5, which made its debut in January, so it’s no surprise that the award-winning styling, cabin and chassis of Mazda's spacious and dynamic SUV remains unchanged.

However, the 2023 model year sees the introduction of 24v Mazda M Hybrid mild-hybrid technology across all petrol models, while the addition of cylinder deactivation to 165ps petrol automatic models, means all petrol CX-5’s now feature this efficient technology – the result of both updates is a petrol CX-5 range average Co2 reduction of 9g/km.

Other incremental updates to the 2023 Mazda CX-5 include the introduction of wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, while the front USB ports are changed to USB-C. Additionally, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 becomes the second car to be offered with Mazda’s new signature paint colour – Rhodium White, which made its debut on the larger Mazda CX-60 SUV.

While the 2023 Mazda CX-5 retains the same 20-model line-up, it now features new trim level naming to match other cars in the Mazda family. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 range features five trim levels: Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi. Individual model grades feature subtle styling differentiation to give customers the option of choosing a CX-5 with a unique character and focus. The three stand out trim grades: Newground, Homura and Takumi each have a distinct personality to ensure the CX-5 range offers lots of choice for individual style.

The entry point to the CX-5 range is the Centre-Line model, which is offered with either the 165ps e-Skyactiv G petrol or 150ps Skyactiv-D engine. Offered exclusively with the 165ps e-Skyactiv G engine, the stand-out Newground features a slightly more rugged look with front and rear silver underguard trims matched to silver lower body side skirts, black door mirrors and 19-inch black diamond cut alloy wheels. Subtle lime green accents in the grille are replicated inside where the black half leatherette seats have matching green piping. Perfect for an active lifestyle, the boot even features a reversible waterproof boot floor.

Predicted to be the biggest seller in the UK, the Exclusive-Line is offered with a choice of 165ps e-Skyactiv G petrol or 150ps and 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel. The higher output diesel is offered with a choice of front or all-wheel drive. Matched exclusively to an automatic gearbox this 184ps Skyactiv-D AWD Exclusive-Line is the entry point of Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive system in the 2023 Mazda CX-5 range.

The Homura trim is another model that offers customers a unique look, offered exclusively with the 165ps e Skyactiv G petrol engine and front wheel drive, it delivers a sportier interpretation of the CX-5’s look with gloss black detailing on the wheel arches, side moldings, door mirrors and signature wing grille surround. Subtle red accents within the grille and 19-inch black alloy wheels finish the sporty look, while inside the black leather seats feature red stitching, which is also found around the cabin in areas like the door trim, centre console and steering wheel. 

Sitting at the top of the 2023 Mazda CX-5 range, the Takumi is a premium flagship model that combines a unified one-colour exterior with a high-class interior that features the smooth tactility of brown Nappa leather and the luxurious textures of genuine woodgrain. Externally, the single colour body and trim details highlight the CX-5’s dynamic proportions, while the cabin features the luxurious materials and high levels of technology you’d expect of a premium SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 Takumi also features a wide choice of engine, drivetrain and transmission with both the 2.0-litre 165ps e-Skyactiv G and 194ps 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol available. As before, the 165ps engine is matched to front wheel drive, while the larger 194ps petrol comes exclusively with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. The Takumi is also offered with the 184ps Skyactiv-D diesel matched to all-wheel drive.

Thanks to the unique styling of the Newground, Homura and Takumi models, and a 20-model range that offers a choice of automatic or manual gearbox with every trim level, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is a family SUV tailored around customers to give them more choice and options for personalisation.