The formula for the new Mazda CX-5 will be familiar to anyone shopping around in the fiercely contested compact SUV market.
It seats five, has five doors, a raised driving position that makes access easy, and styling that blends elegance with rugged SUV cues. What sets the CX-5 apart, however, is Mazda’s determination to do things differently under its ‘right-sizing’ philosophy.
Rather than following rivals down the route of downsized turbocharged engines, the CX-5 is offered with just one powertrain: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a six-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and mild-hybrid assistance. Producing a modest 139bhp, buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, although the latter is reserved for costlier versions and commands a premium of around £2,000.
On paper, the figures appear respectable. Front-wheel-drive models complete the 0-62mph sprint in 10.5 seconds, while the heavier all-wheel-drive version tested here takes 10.9 seconds. In practice, however, the engine is the CX-5’s weakest link. Most of its usable torque arrives high in the rev range, leaving it feeling lethargic at lower engine speeds. Demanding brisk acceleration requires plenty of revs, at which point refinement quickly deteriorates. The engine becomes coarse and vocal, shattering the otherwise impressive serenity of the cabin and making overtaking feel more laboured than the performance figures suggest.
Despite this, the CX-5 is an easy SUV to live with. Its raised seating position offers excellent outward visibility, while light steering and a slick stop-start system make navigating busy streets and parking effortless. The automatic gearbox is happiest when driven smoothly rather than hurriedly as kickdown responses can be sluggish, although the naturally aspirated engine feels more willing once the appropriate ratio has been selected.
Ride quality depends largely on wheel choice. The standard 17-inch alloy wheels provide the more compliant setup, absorbing broken surfaces with greater ease, although they do look slightly undersized within the rather generous wheel arches. The 19-inch wheels give the CX-5 a more purposeful stance but introduce a firmer edge over poorer road surfaces, making the suspension feel busier without significantly improving the driving experience.
On faster roads, the CX-5 prioritises comfort over driver engagement. Body roll is more noticeable through bends than in previous generations, and while grip levels remain reassuring, the car no longer feels as eager to change direction as earlier CX-5s. Steering is accurate and consistently weighted, but it lacks the sharpness and feedback that once helped define the brand’s reputation for driver-focused handling. At motorway speeds, the engine settles down after hard acceleration and the CX-5 becomes a refined long-distance companion. Wind and road noise are well suppressed in part thanks to triple-glazed glass, allowing occupants to enjoy a relaxed, comfortable cruising experience.
Prices start at £31,550, placing the CX-5 directly among some formidable compact SUV rivals. The range comprises four trim levels: ‘Prime-Line’ opens the line-up, followed by ‘Centre-Line’ and ‘Exclusive-Line’. These add approximately £3,500 and £5,000 to the asking price but do add loads of extra equipment. The flagship ‘Homura’ shown here is priced from £40,950 on the road. Exterior styling evolves rather than reinvents the CX-5’s familiar design, with buyers able to choose from eight paint finishes, including a new ‘Navy Blue’. ‘Homura’ models receive gloss black exterior detailing and distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels that give it a more upmarket appearance.
Inside, Mazda has taken the same evolutionary approach. Build quality is excellent, material quality is consistently high, and the clean, uncluttered dashboard creates a genuinely premium ambience. The standard 12.9-inch infotainment display is crisp, responsive and packed with features, while flagship models receive an even larger 15.6-inch screen. Ahead of the driver sits a clear 10.25-inch digital instrument display offering three configurable layouts, although, oddly, none allows the navigation map to be displayed within the instrument cluster.
Less impressive is Mazda’s decision to remove most of the physical climate controls. Instead of dedicated switches and rotary dials, adjustments to the cabin temperature, fan speed and heated seats are made via permanent shortcut controls integrated into the lower section of the touchscreen. Although these remain permanently visible, conventional controls would be easier to use while driving. Steering wheel-mounted buttons provide access to audio functions and drive modes, including Sport, which sharpens throttle response. Manual gear selection can also be made via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
Equipment levels are generous throughout the range. Even entry-level models receive an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a frameless rear-view mirror. ‘Exclusive-Line’ adds electric adjustment for the front passenger seat and heated rear seats, while the range-topping Homura gains heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System, which automatically adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel and head-up display to individual user profiles.
Practicality remains one of the CX-5’s strongest attributes. The raised driving position and wide-opening doors make getting in and out straightforward, while visibility is generally excellent thanks to the upright seating position and generous glass area. There is ample headroom and legroom in the front, and rear passengers have sufficient space to travel comfortably on longer journeys, although taller occupants may find knee room less generous than in some rivals. Cabin storage comprises useful door bins, cupholders and a sizeable centre console to keep everyday items organised.
The boot is a good size for family duties and offers a wide opening with a low loading lip, making it easy to pack away bulky shopping or luggage. Split-folding 40/20/40 rear seats further improve versatility when carrying longer items. While the CX-5 may not offer the class-leading interior space of some competitors, it remains a practical and well-thought-out family SUV.
