Review: Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016)

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): At A Glance

• Insurance Groups are between 15–21
• On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure

What does a Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) cost?

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List Price from	£26,400
Buy new from	£22,348
Contract hire from	£241.20 per month

Buy a used Mazda CX-5 from £12,157

£27,995
2020 Mazda CX-5 2.0 Gt Sport Nav+ 5Dr

£12,157
2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2D [175] Sport Nav 5Dr Awd

£14,995
2017 Mazda CX-5 2.2D Sport Nav 5Dr

£22,980
2018 Mazda CX-5 2.2D Sport Nav+ 5Dr

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Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): What's It Like Inside?

• Boot space is 503–1620 litres
• Euro NCAP rating of five stars

Thanks to its SUV styling the CX-5 has a high up driving position that provides a commanding view of the road ahead. The cabin is spacious with room for five.

Rear seat passengers get ample leg and headroom and the boot is big enough to swallow plenty of luggage or shopping. Its 503 litre capacity can be expanded 1620 litres by folding the rear seats – an easy task thanks to quick release levers in the boot.

The boot has a clever tonneau cover which pulls out and clips into the rear window frame. It means there’s no bulky parcel shelf to move in and out of the car when bulky items need carrying and because it clips into the tailgate it doesn’t need to be manually retracted every time it’s needed. It’s a nice touch that adds to the already impressive practicality.

While the cabin might be spacious and practical it’s also one of the few areas in which the CX-5 can be criticised – it’s well screwed together and feels durable, but it’s a little on the drab side and some of the interior plastics just don’t seem quite up to the standard of others. That said, for the most part it’s impressively finished.

Generally speaking it’s a refined cabin, too. There’s a subtle, unobtrusive but noticeable grumble from the engine, but aside from that it’s a serene place to be most of the time. Only at motorway speeds does wind and road noise become apparent and even then it’s hardly noticeable.

All models are well equipped as standard, with cruise control, Bluetooth, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control and an infotainment screen. This is controlled by a dial mounted near the handbrake – those familiar with BMW’s iDrive system will recognise it, and it’s fairly easy to use when on the go.

Standard equipment:

SE-L models come with cruise control, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, push button start, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing lights, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lights, halogen headlights, power folding, heated door mirrors with integrated indicator light, rain-sensing front wipers, 40:20:40 folding rear seats, Bluetooth, touch-screen infotainment, USB/Aux-in audio system, auto-dimming rear view mirror, steering wheel audio controls.

SE-L Lux adds Power sun roof, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery.

Sport adds Keyless entry, bi-xenon headlights, reversing camera, BOSE audio system.

Child seats that fit a Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016)

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What's the Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) like to drive?

• Engines range from 2.0 165 to 2.2 D 175 Automatic 4WD
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 29–56 mpg

While the CX-5 might look and feel huge it’s actually not much bigger than the average family hatchback, so it’s an easy car to live with day-to-day, even in town.

The driving position is excellent, with a commanding, elevated view of the road ahead and well-placed controls. It means driving the CX-5 is effortless, whether in town, in the countryside or on the motorway.

Despite being a tall, high-riding car the CX-5 is fairly flat and stable in corners, which is good news for those who live in rural areas and tend to negotiate twisting country lanes. The steering is nicely weighted and there’s plenty of grip, even in two-wheel drive cars. Fair enough, the CX-5 isn’t particularly exciting, but it’s relaxed, safe and comfortable.

Many crossover buyers will spend plenty of time in town and while the CX-5 is no Smart car it’s certainly at home in an urban environment – its suspension is pliant enough to absorb the worst potholes and speed bumps without upsetting the occupants. That said it can jiggle and wobble over very broken and rippled surfaces, but not so much as to cause a problem.

Mazda offers three engine options – the entry level engine is a 2.0-litre petrol with 165PS, plus there’s a 2.2-litre diesel available with either 150PS or 175PS. The 150PS diesel engine is the best of the bunch – it offers great performance but with emissions of 119g/km and fuel economy of 61.4mpg (136g/km and 54.3mpg for the all-wheel drive). 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds and top speed is 126mph.

The higher powered diesel model is only offered in conjunction with all-wheel drive and officially it’s no thirstier, like for like, than the 150PS engine. Nonetheless it’s not really worth spending the extra cash on – performance isn’t much different, the top speed is the same 126mph and 0-62mph takes 8.8 seconds.

For most buyers there's no real need to plump up the extra money for all-wheel drive, especially those who live in towns or cities. However if you live in a rural area or an area susceptible to snow or ice the all-wheel drive option might be worth your while. Bear in mind that it's designed for traction in low grip conditions, rather than crossing deep ruts and climbing steep hills. 

Road test

Mazda CX-5 2.2 SE-L Nav auto 2015 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

What have we been asked about the Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016)?

Every day we're asked hundreds of questions from car buyers and owners through Ask Honest John. Our team of experts, including the nation's favourite motoring agony uncle - Honest John himself - answer queries and conudrums ranging from what car to buy to how to care for it as an owner. If you could do with a spot of friendly advice before buying you're next car, get in touch and we'll do what we can to help.

Ask HJ

My car needs £12k+ worth of repairs and I've only owned it for a few months - what should I do?

I have a 2014 Mazda CX-5, which I have owned for seven months. I purchased from a car trader. Last week, it failed very suddenly with loss of power and black smoke from the exhaust, there were no warning lights or other signs the car was not running as it should. I had to abandon it in the road and later it was recovered. My local garage believe it could be the turbo and potentially the DPF, repair would cost anything from £1700-£5000. I rang Mazda HQ and they advised to take to a Mazda dealer for diagnostics, so arranged recovery to local dealer. They have advised it will need a new turbo, engine and exhaust - costing £12,000 for parts alone. Obviously this outweighs the cars value. Any advice would be greatly received.

This reads like the car was faulty when you bought it from the trader. I would recommend contacting the trader and asking them to fix it. There is no liability with Mazda, because they didn't sell you the vehicle. But I would make a copy of the diagnostics report and present it to the trader to back-up your claim. Do not give them the original copies, as you will need these if you decide to make a legal case via the small claims court. For your consumer rights, see: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-reject-a-car-your-consumer-rights

Answered by Dan Powell

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What Cars Are Similar To The Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016)?

Key attributes of the this model are: Comfortable seats, Diesel engine, Family friendly, Room for a buggy, Economical, Cheap Tax, SUV and Crossover.

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