Starting To Feel Its Age (Mazda CX-5 Turbo 2024 Review) 

Hey everyone, some people have pointed out that you can actually use the touchscreen while driving and they are correct. It's hidden within the connectivity settings for your specific phone and a bit hard to find but importantly it doesn't reset every time you start the car. My apologies for this error - TP

Had my 2023 Akera turbo for 12 months. Never had my phone move in the charging cradle, if it did you can put some foam in there to fill that space. I have no touchscreen in my model, I have no issue at all with that. Apple Maps can be used perfectly with voice commands, in fact it’s the best way to use Apple Maps. Apple Music also with a combination of command dial and voice commands. Just tell it your playlist name and it will play it. Radio favourites are easy to select using the command dial. Love how clear the HUD is to see. When comparing rear cargo area to other vehicles remember many have no spare wheel whereas the CX5 has one, in fact a full size wheel fits in there. Looking forward to see what the 2025 new CX5 looks like. Hopefully it looks pretty cool and can still be had with the petrol turbo, I love my zoom zoom turbo. Running it on premium high octane because I love my car, plus it removed a small take off lag I was getting on standard.

Touchscreen can be used while driving and in CarPlay/Android Auto. It is true that a setting needs to be turned on from the Mazda menu, but the functionality is there.

Thanks for an interesting review. I’ve just purchased my 2024 CX5 Akera but yet to pick it up. A couple of things: I would have happily gone for the GT but unfortunately the 360° camera was a definite must have. Space won’t be an issue for me, I’m solo and no kids and I want to take it camping. I’m swapping out my beloved CX-30 because it’s very tight inside, once my camping equipment is in. This will have a lot more space. Finally, I don’t know why everyone cracks over the no touch screen. Personally pleasing, I’ve never ever had a problem with using the dial on my CX-30 and frankly, I don’t want dirty fingerprints all over my screen. The dial is really easy to use. I’m really looking forward to driving this car, even though there may be a new model on the way.

Fuel consumption is too high

Don't you guys in Australia get high octane fuel? The 2.5 Turbo can get up to 256hp and 320lb-ft of torque with the good stuff

15 litres per 100km? Were you using the Turbo engine's performance? I have a Turbo GT SP and i regularly get around 9 litres to 11.8 litres. If you can keep your foot out of it it'll return decent economy.

Id rather have this with the 2.5ltr turbo with the torque converter 6spd over a cvt or dct transmission. Plus fit and finish from mazdas are great with a bit of lux

Guys, go watch car carenut reviews channel. He is toyota independent mechanic in the US. Much comprehensive n detailed reviewed, and he praised the "old schoolness" cx5 has.

At my age, I’m just happy a car like this is still around. The rest of the pack has more tech, more room and more modernity, but I don’t care. Despite all its so-called “negatives”, this is a unique, very well-built, fun-to-drive vehicle. You got your generic RAV4 and CRV, your splashy Kia Sportage, your practical Subaru and a few others. I’d rather have a car that feels and drives like a German machine.

In my opinion, "mature" platforms are the best ones to buy. Near the end of a specific platform/drivetrains lifespan is when all the bugs have been worked out, and you'll know if the engine/trans combo is reliable or not. If the CX-5 was best in class (or near to it) just a few years back, I dont think the improvements made each year have made it worse today. Sure it may feel dated in some areas, (infotainment usually) but why pay more to be a beta tester for the latest tech on "newer" models from the competition? It's still good looking, well made, drives great and gives a near luxury car experience for less money than the extensively refreshed or all new models from other makes. Other than sub par fuel efficiency, whats not to like about the CX-5?

I really hate Mazda driver side mirror, especially when parking. Is there any way to replace it?

2024, looks like a 2019, starting to feel its age is exactly right, mazda need to rejuvenate their line up with actual heavy facelifts.

Usual Mazda haters . Reason why it sells so well is because it is exactly what it is , so don't try to get "original" with calling it showing it's age . I will take with "age" over any CVT or 1.5t POS from competition.

For me I would probably go the Maxx sport don't need leather interior. Don't need turbo engine I think the car still looks great all these years later, but that is just my opinion

no full size spare for a mid size SUV is a no go for me. Hate to be on a road trip and stuck with a spare on and no place to store the punctured wheel!

I didn't realise how compromised the CX-5 is, and it still sells

15.1L is an alarming amount for a 4 cyclinder turbo. I wonder what the non turbo does. You would hope that area would be improved with a new model.

I’ve owned my Mazda 2023 Akera petrol for over 6 months and I have to say I’m really happy with the car .I can drive it like and old school car without all the beeping going on of the newer cars .The driving system is not at all intrusive like many of the new cars these days .It look luxurious inside and has great power close to 185kw when run on 98 octane fuel .The toggle to go through the menu is good because your screen has no finger prints on it .The sunroof shade is thick enough to protect from Australia’s heat so it’s a benefit in that aspect as opposed to the full moonroof with a thin curtain shade that allows all the hot air in .The car feels old school but with all the new bells and whistles.Happy Mazda owner .Hard to beat in this segment.

Love Mazda but the game has moved on.

Looks so old now. Interior is average

what's the colour of this car?

I have a 2021 CX5 Akera Turbo 12 months or 10k, news to me 15k service

CX5 sucks, so outdated

It also takes E10

I believe most Mazdas as of 2024 allow you to have touchscreen in drive on android auto and Apple car play but not on the native Mazda connect system. I thinks thats the case for the cx90,cx60 Mazda 3 and cx8 and cx9

Just bought a signature edition because it's outdated . No i-stop and no CVT !

This car chasis is from 2014 so its about 10 years old now. Toher things are just fine tuning of the suspension, exterior and interior. Well made car and still competative.

From what I've heard Mazda diesels are trash when compared to their petrol engines in terms of reliability.

Most people dont rruly know how refined this is as well as the CX9. The ride quality is phenomenal when compared to the rest in its class. You dont need intrusive technology. But people think they want that tech...till they own it and then they realise how annoying gimmicks are. I love the CX9 more . And note that the GT SP or Akera are the refined models in CX5. Poverty pack is not exciting or refined but gets the job done...im not there for just that. The CX60 is awesome but the suspension is a failure, even after the Mazda fix. Wait for CX60 gen 2 when it comes out or consider the CX5.

no clue why these are so popular in Australia

It’s definitely starting to show its age although that is no bad thing. As this & many other Mazdas are very well built nowadays. Mazda have just nailed the interior trim of late. With physical buttons for climate control & real gear shifter is quite nice these days.

If the lack of safety ratings means you don’t get the distracting and anointing speed limit alarm then to me it’s a bonus. Ancap seem to be a n a mission to make all new cars a painful experience to drive

Some newer Mazda models that opted for rear torsion beam suspension setup is a disaster IMHO. The ride quality is so bad. Think that some Mazda engineers or bean counters should be fired

lazy company