Mazda CX-5 Review 2025: Price, specs & boot space
Written by Andy Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Ultra stylish and comfortable interior
- Great to drive with strong diesel engines
- Very safe with five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Cons
- You can't buy a hybrid
- No seven-seater
- Media system in early models isn’t as good as rivals
Overall verdict on the Mazda CX-5
"The Mazda CX-5 is no spring chicken, especially when compared with tempting newer rivals, but we reckon it's still a very appealing family car, with a spacious, smartly trimmed cabin, good looks and an enjoyable driving experience."
The Mazda CX-5 has been around for a fair old while, having first gone on sale in 2017. It still looks and feels as smart and as fresh as the day it went on sale, but several new and tempting contenders have come along since then, including the latest versions of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. That means the competition is stronger than ever, so Mazda's given its best-selling car numerous nips and tucks along the way to keep it competitive. Have they worked? Find out in our 2024 Mazda CX-5 review..
You can now buy the Mazda CX-5 in five different trim levels: Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi. The names of the trims have changed several times over the years (not so long ago, they were called SE-L, Newground, Sport, Sport Black and GT Sport) and minor changes have taken place over what's provided with each, but they've stayed broadly consistent for the most part. You'll fid that all cars are generously equipped, and Mazda doesn't really go big on options lists. That makes things easier if you're searching for a used Mazda CX-5.
The Mazda CX-5 is slightly bigger than its direct competitors, which means you could pitch it against larger SUVs like the Kia Sorento and Skoda Kodiaq. It's not available with seven seats, though, while it's closer to cars like the Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V in size. It's a very practical SUV, with a large boot, comfortable seats and a high seating position. The interior is really rather lovely, with high quality materials and an easy-to-use infotainment system. It's not an exaggeration to say that it's just as impressive as premium alternatives like the BMW X3.
If you're searching for an SUV that you'll enjoy driving every day, the Mazda CX-5 is a strong choice. It feels just as agile as the smaller SEAT Ateca, while the sharp steering and deft manual transmission provide a nod to the Mazda MX-5 sports car. It doesn't compromise on comfort, either, although you might want to look at the Citroen C5 Aircross or Volkswagen Tiguan if you want an SUV with a magic carpet ride.
Like a lot of Mazda's latest models, the CX-5 is let down slightly by its fairly mediocre engine line-up. While rivals are offering a range of self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Mazda CX-5 sticks with conventional petrol and diesel engines. If you want a Mazda SUV that can run under electric power alone, you'll need to look at the smaller Mazda MX-30, or the larger Mazda CX-60 PHEV.
The 2.0-litre petrol will probably come up a lot in your search for a Mazda CX-5, and it’s not a bad engine. Indeed, it should be fairly frugal and no doubt very reliable. It just lacks a bit of urgency compared to turbocharged rivals. There's also a 2.5-litre petrol but, as it's only available in top trim levels with all-wheel drive, it doesn't sell in huge numbers.
The diesels are better, especially if you cover a lot of miles. We’d recommend the (now defunct) 150PS unit, unless you really need four-wheel-drive (in which case, there’s a more powerful model).
So, while rivals might be more technologically advanced, we still rate the Mazda CX-5 very highly indeed. Its interior really is lovely while, in our eyes, it's also one of the most attractive SUVs currently on sale.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Mazda Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Mazda CX-5s for sale.
Is the Mazda CX-5 right for you?
What’s the best Mazda CX-5 model/engine to choose?
What other cars are similar to the Mazda CX-5?
Comfort and design: Mazda CX-5 interior
"A high seating position combined with a wide centre console, meaty dashboard and thick-rimmed steering wheel makes the Mazda CX-5 feel like a car that isn’t to be messed with. It seems much more substantial than smaller SUVs like the CX-30."
That said, it also takes quite an upmarket approach. It’s an attractive cabin to look at, with smart chrome air vents and leather in all the right places (including the seats, on all but entry-level models). Some high-spec models even come with real wood inlays which, genuinely, don’t look naff at all. You can even get fancy brown Nappa leather upholstery.
The seats are delightfully comfortable. There’s loads of adjustment in the driver and front passenger seats, including adjustable lumbar support, meaning you’re unlikely to complain about aches and pains after a long journey. Most models also come with electric seat adjustment, which is useful if you’re regularly swapping drivers.
Quality and finish
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Mazda CX-5
Space and practicality: Mazda CX-5 boot space
Handling and ride quality: What is the Mazda CX-5 like to drive?
"The Mazda CX-5 is significantly bigger than, say, a SEAT Ateca, and that’ll soon become evident when you try and thread it through congested city streets or into a multistorey car park."
Visibility is pretty good, though, thanks to thin window pillars and a high driving position. All CX-5s come with front- and rear parking sensors, which are a massive help when reversing into tight parking spaces. Mid-range models also have a reversing camera while top-of-the-range models (once called Sport Nav+, then later GT Sport, then later still Takumi) )feature a very useful 360-degree camera.
Once you’re out of town, the Mazda CX-5 is incredibly agile for a car of its size. It’s much happier to be chucked around than a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Not that you need to be driving quickly to appreciate its precise steering and sharper body control compared to the old CX-5.
Even the two-wheel-drive models have plenty of grip. In fact, you won’t notice much of a difference in day-to-day driving between these and those fitted with four-wheel drive. We probably wouldn’t bother with the latter unless you’re planning to lug a caravan onto a wet field.
While the CX-5 is generally quite a comfortable car, you’ll notice imperfections in the road more than you would in a Skoda Kodiaq or Citroen C5 Aircross. Those fitted with 17-inch alloys will be compliant enough for most drivers, but you’ll notice bumps more in a high-spec model with the 19-inch wheels.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Mazda CX-5?
Refinement and noise levels
Safety equipment: How safe is the Mazda CX-5?
MPG and fuel costs: What does a Mazda CX-5 cost to run?
"If outright economy is high on your wishlist, look for a lower-powered 150PS diesel with the manual gearbox. Officially this returns 50.4mpg under WLTP fuel economy tests, which is pretty impressive for a car of this size. Of course, it depends on a number of factors, so don’t expect such frugality if you’re heavy with the throttle or mainly drive around town."
The more powerful, all-wheel-drive diesels are a little less efficient, returning 44.8mpg with the manual gearbox and 42.8mpg as an auto.
The petrols are a bit thirstier, with the 2.0-litre returning 41.5mpg with the manual gearbox and 38.2mpg as an auto. Unsurprisingly, the 2.5-litre AWD petrol returns a pretty dismal 35.8mpg. The good news is that Mazda’s naturally-aspirated petrol engines tend to return pretty close to their official figures in the real world.
How reliable is a Mazda CX-5?
Insurance groups and costs
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Mazda CX-5?
How much should you be paying for a used Mazda CX-5?
"With new prices starting in the region of £31,000 and rising to around £43,000, the Mazda CX-5 is quite an expensive SUV considering it hasn’t got a premium badge. There are some very tempting bargains to be had on the used and nearly-new markets, though."
If you want a car that’s like new, consider a pre-registered example. These are cars that have been ordered and registered by dealers to help them meet targets, before being sold for less than the retail price. You can get a bargain this way and skip the waiting list, although you won’t be able to pick things like colours and options. However, as Mazda doesn’t offer much in the way of options anyway, that’s not a huge loss in this case.
The cheapest CX-5s in our listings check in at about £14,000. For this money, you can expect the less powerful petrol and diesel engines to be available, paired with mid-range trim levels. The car will likely have been made between 2017 and 2019, and should have between 40,000 and 60,000 miles on the clock.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Is the Mazda CX-5 a good car?
Where is the Mazda CX-5 made?
Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
What is Skyactiv technology?
Mazda CX-5 cars for sale on heycar
Mazda CX-52.2d Sport Nav 5dr
201841,523 milesDiesel£13,495
Mazda CX-52.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV Exclusive-Line 5dr
20237,908 milesPetrol£379 mo£25,999
Mazda CX-52.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV Exclusive-Line 5dr Auto
20242,250 milesPetrol£468 mo£31,495
Mazda CX-52.0 Sport 5dr
202045,110 milesPetrol£286 mo£18,495
Mazda CX-52.0 e-Skyactiv G MHEV Exclusive-Line 5dr
20242,455 milesPetrol£411 mo£27,995
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