Review - 2022 Mazda CX-5

The major problem with competing in one of the hottest segments of the market, though, is that a number of new entrants to the market and revised competitors alike are keen to become king, too. 

The good news is that buyers stand to benefit from the immense competition within the midsize SUV market, but it does leave one question unanswered: is the fan-favourite Mazda CX-5 still one of the leading midsize SUVs, or have the competitors well-and-truly caught up and offer more value for money? 

Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $32,190

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Mazda CX-5 GT (AWD) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mazda CX-5 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Mazda CX-5 lineup kicks off from $32,190 for the entry-level CX-5 Maxx with a manual transmission, while the automatic comes with a price tag of $34,190. Moving to the CX-5 2.5L Maxx Sport front-wheel drive brings the price to $37,990, while the all-wheel drive is priced at $40,490. 

From here, the range moves to the CX-5 Touring, which is priced at $42,380 with the Touring Active 2.5L priced at $42,680 and the Touring Active 2.2d priced at $45,680. Stepping up to the CX-5 GT 2.5 comes at a price of $48,790, while the GT SP 2.5 turbo is priced at $51,290. 

Finally, Mazda’s flagship CX-5 Akera is priced at $50,680 for the 2.5, which rises to $53,180 for the Akera 2.5T, and up to $53,680 for the range-topping 2.2d. 

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You? 

Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, you could save by sourcing one of our car specialists to help you find the best value model for you. 

What Features Does the Mazda CX-5 Have?

Mazda’s entry-level CX-5 Maxx comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and receives automatic LED headlights, folding mirrors, a black cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio. 

The Maxx Sport adds dual-zone climate control, wheel-mounted paddle shifters, satellite navigation, a centre armrest and USB ports for the second row, as well as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. 

Stepping up to the CX-5 Touring adds a set of body-coloured mirrors, keyless entry, front parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging and a black Maztex interior with synthetic suede seat upholstery, while the Touring Active receives black mirror caps, green contrasts for the upholstery and 17-inch grey metallic alloy wheels. 

Opting for the CX-5 GT SP range adds a set of black metallic 19-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system, adaptive headlights, panoramic sunroof, powered boot lift, heated front seats, black leather seat upholstery and an upgraded 10-speaker sound system from BOSE. 

Finally, Mazda’s range-topping CX-5 Akera receives a special set of 19-inch alloys, adaptive LED headlights, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, a surround-view camera, ambient lighting package, and some wood interior accents. 

Range Features: 

• 17-inch alloys 

• Automatic LED headlights 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Rear parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch MZD Connect infotainment system 

• DAB+, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support 

• Push-button start

• Dual-zone climate control (Maxx Sport) 

• Satellite navigation (Maxx Sport) 

• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror (Maxx Sport) 

• Maztex interior with synthetic suede seats (Touring) 

• Front parking sensors (Touring) Wireless smartphone charging (Touring) 

• 19-inch alloy wheels (GT SP) 

• 10.25-inch infotainment system (GT SP) 

• Panoramic sunroof (GT SP) 

• 10-speaker BOSE sound system (GT SP) 

• 19-inch alloys (Akera) 

• Surround-view camera (Akera) 

• Adaptive LED headlights (Akera) 

• Nappa leather upholstery (Akera) 

• Heated rear seats and steering wheel (Akera) 

• Ambient lighting (Akera) 

Mazda CX-5 Colours 

The Mazda CX-5 is available in a range of colours, including Polymetal Grey, Eternal Blue Mica, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Zircon Sand Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, Sonic Silver Metallic and Snowflake White Pearl Mica. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

Previous CX-5 generations have been celebrated for their comfortable and capable platforms, and we’re glad to report that Mazda has been refining its family-friendly recipe in recent years. 

This means that the CX-5 remains one of the most user-friendly and comfortable midsize SUVs for the money, setting an exceptionally high standard for its competitors to match, particularly at this price point. 

The range features a choice of four engines, with three petrol units and a diesel engine available across the range of front-wheel and all-wheel drive platforms. Buyers will be pleased to know that the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder provides a modest amount of power while returning impressive fuel economy figures, while more expensive variants add to the power figure and make acceleration a smooth, effortless affair. 

This means that the CX-5 remains confident and comfortable in a range of driving conditions, and while the base model doesn’t offer exciting performance, it provides more than enough power for the majority of your commuting and weekend adventure situations. Combined with a smooth automatic transmission, the CX-5 helps to make each and every drive that little bit more relaxing for the driver, which can be useful when you’ve got kids. 

The CX-5 is fitted with a progressive steering system that makes light work of low-speed turns and parking situations, while giving the driver some added feedback as they pick up speed. Overall, it’s a wonderfully-balanced and relaxing driving experience, even in the confines of the urban jungle where the CX-5 absolutely excels. 

The CX-5’s chassis and suspension lean more on the comfortable side, which is a welcome addition to a family-friendly vehicle, and means that long distance trips are smooth and comfortable. On country B-roads, the ride is noticeably firm, but remains perfectly acceptable in the majority of situations.  

There’s barely any outside or tyre noise entering the cabin, and the engine remains quietly tucked away from disturbing the driver or passengers, although the engine can strain when pushed too hard. 

All up, then, it takes only a few minutes behind the wheel to find out that Mazda has once again created an absolutely wonderful family car with the latest CX-5, combining a smooth powertrain and transmission with a capable chassis and comfortable suspension system that can handle the majority of Australia’s rough road conditions. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

Mazda’s attention to detail when it comes to cabin packaging and clever practical elements is clear to be seen in the latest CX-5 range, which offers handsome cabin designs even in the base model Maxx lineup. 

Mazda is well-renowned for its quality and user-friendly interior designs, and the CX-5 is further proof that the company creates some of the most attractive interiors available for the price.

The driver and front passenger are treated to a heap of space in the front of the cabin, which features a straight-forward approach to packaging that positions the infotainment system and climate buttons within reach, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. 

Practical touches in the front of the cabin include a set of large door bins either side, a set of cupholders flanking a large folding armrest with storage inside, a sunglasses holder, as well as a decent-sized storage area behind the gear lever that is perfect for smartphones and the loose items that families accumulate. 

Moving to the rear of the cabin greets rear passengers with a comfortable bench seat that offers a decent amount of space, even for tall rear passengers. As an adult, sitting behind a tall driver can eat up the legroom potential, but remains acceptable even for longer drives. For kids and growing teenagers, though, there’s a heap of leg and head room on offer in the rear of the CX-5’s cabin, who also receive a folding armrest with cup holders, as well as a set of air vents and USB chargers. 

The Mazda CX-5 has a boot rated at 438L, which isn’t groundbreaking for the segment, but remains more than capable when it comes to carrying a large family-sized load of shopping and school bags, as well as suitcases for holiday road trips. Boot space expands to 1,340L with the rear-seats folded down, increasing its volume for large, bulky objects and sports equipment. 

All up, then, while the Mazda CX-5 isn’t a segment leader when it comes to sheer occupant space and cargo volumes, it still offers one of the most handsome cabin designs for the money.   

Is it Safe? 

The Mazda CX-5 has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five star safety rating, scoring 95% for adult protection, 80% for child protection, 78% for vulnerable road user protection and 59% for its safety assist technologies. 

As standard, all CX-5 variants come packaged with forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking and forward pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, lane-keep assistance and departure warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel economy in the CX-5 range depends on which model you’re opting for, with the entry-level CX-5 offering a combined fuel economy figure of 6.9L per 100km, which is a competitive figure for the segment. 

Opting for the 2.5-litre all-wheel drive petrol brings the figure up to 7.4L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the turbo-petrol unit is rated at 8.2L per 100km. 

The pick-of-the-bunch when it comes to the CX-5’s fuel economy, however, remains the diesel variant, which is rated at just 5.7L per 100km on a combined cycle. 

Our Verdict: Is the Mazda CX-5 Worth it?

The CX-5 has earned itself a fierce reputation in recent years, and the latest generation is proof that Mazda is using a winning recipe when it comes to the midsize SUV market. 

The CX-5 confidently ticks all the important boxes for Australian families, and while it’s not an outright winner when it comes to interior space, Mazda’s clever packaging and attractive interior designs will leave few buyers disappointed. 

We know that the segment has a huge number of options, however, if you’re looking for a midsize SUV, we can’t encourage you enough to add the CX-5 to your shortlist. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty with five-year capped price servicing from $1,800 

2. 12-month/10,000km service intervals 

3. Five star ANCAP safety rating 

4. Three petrol and one diesel engine option 

5. 438L of boot space; expands to 1,340L with rear seats folded  

Pros 

• Beautiful interior design filled with practical elements 

• Smooth and comfortable driving dynamic 

• Impressive fuel economy for entry-level petrol and diesel

• Comprehensive list of safety equipment as standard 

Cons

• Underwhelming performance of base petrol engines 

• Short service intervals 

• No hybrid or PHEV option available, yet 

OnlineAuto Rating: 9/10

Mazda CX-5 Competition