NEW Mazda CX-5 review - is this old-school SUV actually the best? | What Car? 

I worked for 15 years as a technician at Vw/Audi and BMW , and I own a Mazda CX-5 , ‘nuff said ! 😀

For the price, build quality and reliability, there is nothing better than CX-5 in the market and it looks good too😀, not sure why the host was so hesitant to acknowledge that it's better than others in this category.

I'll take old school anytime with this car compared to the more tech rivals ... It's very reliable safe, easy and not so expensive to service and doesn't have much going wrong with it overall.

In North America, Australia and some Asian countries eg Thailand, you can get the CX-5 with a 2.5 litre turbo 4cyl with 227hp (using regular fuel) which boosts to 250-256hp (using premium fuel), with AWD and a 6AT.

It's by far still the best looking SUV!

It might not have a turbo but it's no coincidence that it's one of the most reliable SUVs on sale, Mazda make cars that are cheap to run AND own longer term

This seems very deliberately 'old school' in its approach - the exterior styling is simple and unfussy and the interior the same. Round analogue gauges are still present along with a fair few knobs and switches. I dont know whether that offers enough to tempt buyers hypnotised by the pulsing LEDs, hyperscreens and laser lights of its rivals, but it looks fantastic to me and it would be on my shortlist for sure.

I love my CX5 US version..Its made in Japan (Thats quite important) .premium trim 2.5 with 187hp. very nice and spacious..Interior is so amazing...just covered 4000 miles so far...I bought it so that my son soon turning 16 will enjoy this car for his education and his all activities...

The best SUV ever !

CX-5 is a great car. I test drove many SUVs before choosing it. It's just a great all rounder and makes you feel special inside with the lovely interior and it won't cost a fortune if anything goes wrong which it rarely will because it's Japanese build quality, unlike its German rivals

My 2002 Honda CR-V blew up on me recently. I’ve got a job at Mazda but I’m stuck between the rav4 or the cx-5. It’s just myself, my fiancé and our two dogs. We go camping quite often but I don’t need a ton of space… but I love the fuel economy and reliability of the Rav4

Few months ago, I got Homura 2.0 AWD automatic and can say next: small fuel tank, no hooks in the boot, by lowering side windows they don't get wiped, engine needs a bit of power. Everything else is OK or great for money I paid.

I almost bought a CX-5 but decided it was a bit too large for my personal taste & went with the CX-30 instead. Both are great vehicles though.

Been looking at CX-5 review videos to get as much info as I can before visiting the dealer. There are several US spec 2022 CX-5 Premium Plus "Mazda Certified". Very low mileage loaners the dealer's service department had for customers. I'm looking at the naturally aspirated 2.5. I figured that engine + the 6 speed auto would be pretty reliable. I plan on keeping it for a decade at least.

I have a cx 5 2.2d 150 its great round town 55ish on a run at 55 to 60mph I get 63mpg gentle driving. The petrol version only does 35... I've driven one its a bore and you have to drive it hard to get anything out of it. Diesel is by far the better option and it's a clean car with the dpf. Its a no brainer.. see for yourself

Great car , after a few Mazdas this one is the best. Boot space is a bit limited , recent upgrade has improved gear ratios, . The cx5 feels solid but it is a mid speed cruiser in reality . Today I filled up the boot with logs and bought a new roof rack , so it fits our lifestyle .

The 2.0l SkyactivG is a peach and gains almost diesel like economy on a relaxed motorway run.

Listening to this you hear a lot of “it’s isn’t But…” and it’s true. Mazda isn’t like the others in terms of performance and small boosted turbo engines that offers high mpgs but having a 2L that gives you only 4mpg less than a 1.2L turbo engine is quite impressive. all this is why mazda cx-5 or mazda 6 with 2.0 skyG Are fantastic cars. You need to own one to understand it.

You should be comparing the cx5 with the germana, not those cheapos

I bought the previous model in 2020, I have 38000 miles on the clock and by and large it has been a good car, I would rate around 7-8 out of 10. Its comfortable, has lots of kit, my is the 150bhp sport, I bought in Soul Crystal Red, Mazdas signature colour, its is great colour, has a great shine, but it is a thin paint and marks very easily. So why not 10 out of 10. I have timming chain rattle, all the time really, but louder when the engine is restarted when hot, twice its been checked both times under warranty but Mazda would not do anything, the second time they stated ' Mazda aware, but no fix needed', it is now out of warranty, when I asked Mazda the cost of replacing the chain, remember no fix needed, they quoted £1200. They further added that its because the oil needs to get around the chain, takes a second or two, hence the rattle. But it is evident now whilst driving not just start up, maybe its just a roque car, my contract is up in November I am leaning on just returning and walking away, it's clouded my enjoyment of the car, so I don't think I'll buy another, yet I still maintain that there aren't any better looking cars out there or any better engines, my research suggests that this is the car, but do I want to risk a chain failure, no not really. As I said I think I've been unfortunate. As usual, like any other dealer Mazda have not been interested enough in the problem, until they want more of my money that is.

We had a 2.2 175hp diesel one of these back in 2017 when this new shape came out. Great car. Recently thought of another but petrol/hybrid this time. That 2.0 petrol with more or less zero torque ruled it out straight away. Mazda, please bring the 2.5 turbo to the UK.

My son has the diesel version of the CX-5 and apart from the fuel expense it carries the passengers comfortably and well. Reliability is a big factor which scores. Relieved to see it still has gearstick and they haven't been messing about too much with electric eveything which means that it will probably last without punitive battery replacement cost.

It's a naturally aspirated engine. Of course it's not nippy below 3-4k rpm. And it's way more durable than all those turbo charged tiny rusk saws

I currently have 2013 cx5 (2.2 diesel) and 2020 cx 5 (2.5 petrol). Both Maxx Sport AWD. First thing I find is 2013 much more comfortable seating and steering wheel. And it is noticeably more powerful and responsive. 2020 model, I just can't adjust it to the same level of comfort. The steering wheel is thinner. The other issue is interior quality/durability. My 2013 still in a very good condition. But the 2020 is easily stained anywhere I touch. Leather is already frayed and so the seats. The main reason I decided to upgrade is that diesel was giving me a lot of costly mechanical grief lately. But otherwise I like it more in every way!

Well done for giving an objective review!

The CX-5 is not a rival for the Kodiaq, etc - that's the CX-8, which you guys don't receive in Europe. This competes with the RAV4, Tucson, etc.

2 owners live locally both in a sea of BMWs etc. Both are 12 plate cars which gives them credibility as to their sturdiness.

it's not clear why even you try to compare it to KIA SORENTO/PEUGEOT 5008. they are class above and comparable to CX9. kind of poor journalism for car expert channel

Mazda CX5 is everywhere in Australia. Aussies love Mazda, we pretty much laugh at Peugeot and anyone buy the rubbish euro brand. Skoda is the better VW but its a niche brand.

After 20 plus years of running 4x4s Terrano,Frontera,Cherokee,Forester,Freelander,Discovery and my current XC60.All with a must have manual gearbox.I am now struggling to find anything in this class newer than 2020 with a manual box,and don't want to go down the Hilux/Ranger truck route..Looks like I've found my answer here...

good car but the knob is not practical you look down to see what button does what, otherwise i choose mazda over rav4 or crv. Other minus it not comes with hybrid drive

Stiffer ride gives the ability to drive and handle like it does ....turbo engine gives 250hp /320 torque ....match that with the one of the soft driving , body roll Suvs .....

Is This car has diesel varient available?

I just bougth my mazda 2015 model in car dealer , and im soooo inlove when im driving l feel im driving Electric car.. so soft to drive .big space too. very imprisive i own white color

I wouldn't compare this car to either the Peugeot 5008 or kia serento because it's not a 7 seater I'd compare it to the rav 4 , ford kuga etc

Those are the most horrible bright yellow green highlights I've ever seen in a car in my life!

1. Better looking car than its rivals. 2. More reliable than any of the rivals.

There’a a reason why this model is so popular, also elsewhere like in Malaysia.

I disagree, you are in the New-ground which is the 'rugged' version. If you went for the mor popular Sport. Sport black edition or GT sport, then you get leather and soft touch all over. You are in the German, lexus, volvo market but at almost 1/3 of the price. If you do a review of another vehicle, most of them are the higher/highest specs you can get.

Does anybody know which colour in this video CX5 is ? Machine grey, polymetal grey ??? Please help. Many thanks

Maybe a good video about MX 5, but 2 commercials after 4 min- those videos is not for me commercials is pest

I want Manual in the states!

That is the nerdiest review of a cx5. It is a really good car. Laminated side windows for a quieter ride. Stunning looks. Plush interior. It's a far better prospect than stelantis or ford offering. I am dissapointed in the 2.0 though. Sounds good and revs in a linear fashion but feels so gutless. I wish they would've pushed the boat out a little further to make a mockery of the germans. Only heating half of the steering wheel for example. Better in so many ways but plays the martyr in the face of the big German 3. Needlessly though, such a nice place to sit and drive... and it doesn't fingerboard you when you visit the dealership.

Why on earth do you keep comparing this 180inch/4,57m long COMPACT SUV with 5008 or Sorento and even mention X3 and Q5? This is a direct rival for the 3008, Tuscon, Sportage, Tiguan, X1, Q3, etc. Learn your classification, automotive journalist.

It is a touch screen i have a cx573 playe i have changed ti touch screen it is easy to do

This car in crystal red is the don!

Its the diesels that have let mazda down

Hope you’ve heard of CX9, mine is outstanding and it’s a 7 seater. 😂

Nice

What is the clearance of CX-5?

“Damned with faint praise” …… ?

Is there a cargo light in the back of the CX-5?

Didnt mazda replace it for the cx-50?

Underpowered, in Australia 2 .5 Turbo

"a couple of other diesel options".....but I'm not going to tell you

nah im spoiled with touch screen and lcd clocks and haptic features. bit too basic but im sure most people will love the press buttons and analogue stuff.

How the F is the CX5 a rival for the KIA Sorento and the Skoda Kodiak? This is the same size as a KIA Sportage / Hyundai Tucson / VW Tiguan or Skoda Karoq. Motoring journalists.....which you should trust :))

I really like this car or rather I would like to but the top trim Takumi ( in the UK at least) is only offered in a shitty brown leather? I don't know why or what Mazda were thinking when they made that decision but it is putting me right off. I mean it is real dookie colour ! I'm sure some fetishism fans will like it but couldn't we have a choice? Once you see it you can't unsee it although I am trying to because I would quite like one really. In the States Parchment leather is an option on the Premium trim, so why not here

I’ll have the new ground no need for the sport

Not at £100 a tank at the moment

That engine will last forever whilst the smaller turbo Citroen engine will pack up after 150k miles

Can't beat an automatic......with paddle shifts, anytime.

it looks ok

No wireless Apple CarPlay. You have dangling cords in 2022 in your car. Yet there is an advertised wireless charging pad which realistically is useless since you have to plug in your Apple phone to get Apple car Play. The My Mazda app needs improvements. When you remote start your car and open your doors, the car shuts off. It should sense the FOB and not shut off. What a pain.

Shame about the engine.

Too MUCH gas

Cx5 is competing with nissan qashqai rather than the Rav4. Please get your facts right.

The only issue I have with my Mrs's CX5 is the Bose subwoofer is muted by the boot cover. It could do with a baffle or lift the lid a bit. No turbo but the throttle can be pressed a little harder - the it goes into Jackass mode. Lovely car to drive - it practically drives itself.

Pity Mazda has no CX5 Hybrids in the range to improve performance & fuel efficiency.

Mazda CX-5 CX-3 should bought get discontinued in 2025 globally CX-50 should replaced CX-5 CX-90 & CX-8 should bought come to South Africa MX-30 electric SUV only for certain countries .

Mx5 engine? Don’t need an unreliable dirty diesel

GL

Nah bro... It needs a touch screen. Navigating Android auto and Carplay is way easier. No excuse to not have the option to touch the screen. Also makes the car future proof if more cool things are added the phone systems, like games just saying.

Not as spacious as crv.

Mazda need to invest in EVs. Also a nice car it’s pretty much outdated now.

No one should be buying a car in 2022 that doesn’t average more than 50 mpg. Should the government make that a new law, yes of course they should.

Had a 20 cx5 used to be a huge Mazda fan never again 195000 km rear end completely worn out Mazda is now junk don’t buy