Should I buy the Mazda CX 5? (2022 review)

Prices for the CX-5 start at a higher level than for rivals such as the Kia Sportage, Qashqai and even the Tiguan. Once you’ve factored in how much power, equipment and space you get for the money, however, the CX-5 looks like decent value. Residual values are expected to be strong, too, which helps keep long-term costs and finance deals competitive Where many rivals use smaller, turbocharged engines to save fuel and CO2 Mazda takes a different path and the range starts with a 2.0-litre petrol, which is still competitive thanks to Mazda’s clever ‘Skyactiv’ tech. In our hands we scored close to the official 39.2mpg combined fuel consumption in mixed town and motorway driving – impressive for an engine of this type in a car of this size and proof Mazda’s tech works. There’s also a diesel option but on all but the manual, front-wheel drive model the CO2 is actually worse than the petrol and the fuel economy is only a fraction better, at least on paper. The four-wheel drive automatic diesel compares unfavourably with rivals like the Tiguan on these scores, while the plug-in hybrid options available on rivals like the XC40, Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland X will score company drivers huge savings on Benefit In Kind the Mazda can’t match.

Mazda has a respectable reliability record, with the brand near the top of the Warranty Direct Reliability Index. It achieved a mid-table position in the latest JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study, although its overall score was below the industry average. The three-year/60,000 mile warranty is par for the course, but it’s not a match for the five- or seven-year warranties offered by rival Hyundai, Kia and Toyota models.

There’s an updated range of Mazda's "i-Activsense" safety systems standard across the range, which now includes Cruise & Traffic Support (CTS). CTS helps reduce driver fatigue by assisting with accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in traffic jams. The front headlights have also evolved to give finer control over light distribution. Every CX-5 gets automatic emergency braking able to intervene should pedestrians appear in your path, with an impressive operating range. Side sensors monitor your blind spots on the motorway and can alert you to vehicles crossing your path when reversing out of a parking space or driveway, which is handy given the rear visibility isn’t all that great. Radar cruise control capable of bringing you to a halt in stop/start traffic, holding the brakes and then pulling away when the car in front moves is also standard, while an optional Safety Pack adds a driver drowsiness alert system and automatic LED headlights. This also includes a system to brake the car automatically if you’re about to reverse into an unseen obstacle.

The Mazda CX-5’s cabin is an appealing, comfortable place to spend your time. Everything looks and feels very classy, and the fine driving position and good visibility help you feel at ease behind the wheel. The central screen is bigger for the 2020 model – now 8.0 inches across – and offers touch control when the vehicle is stationary, locking this function out once on the move to encourage you to use the physical turn-and-push knob between the seats when driving. Both these functions work well, while the menus are logical and the graphics are clear, if lacking pizzazz when compared with the latest from VW group rivals. Practicality is excellent. Although the CX-5 is priced and specified to go head-to-head with the Volkswagen Tiguan, it’s a bigger vehicle, especially for those in the back. The rear seats can't slide back and forwards in the same way they do in the Tiguan, but the Mazda’s backrest can be reclined by a few degrees to help your passengers have a snooze. The CX-5 also has a very large boot and handy 40/20/40-split rear seat backs. These can be flipped down in a few seconds using handles just inside the boot, while higher-spec models also have a powered tailgate that can be controlled remotely via the key fob. Family-friendly it might be but the CX-5 is also surprisingly good fun, with a nimble feel and precise steering that make it very enjoyable to drive. On the bigger wheels the ride comfort is a little crisp around town but it’s never uncomfortable and gives the CX-5 great composure at speed.

A star is docked for the lack of a touch-screen, which now seems wildly old-fashioned. The rotary knob to select different parts of the screen works fine, but when it comes to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the fact you have to scroll continuously through all the little icons until you get to the one you want is distracting to say the least. There are five trim levels, each with its own distinctive styling to match. The second level up, Newground, has a tougher look, with flashes of lime green trim inside to match the same on the outside and a neat reversible waterproof cargo lining in the boot. The next level up, Sport, is expected to be the best seller in the UK. Standard kit is generous on the CX-5 and the centre screen through which phone, navigation and entertainment systems are controlled is welcomed. CarPlay and Android Auto are standard if you prefer to use your own apps, though built-in navigation is standard also. You can upgrade to a fully connected system if you wish. The CX-5’s cabin has a distinctive, premium feel on all models but if you want the really tasty kit it’s worth going up a grade from the entry-level model, given this adds leather upholstery, a rear-view camera, ‘head-up display’ projecting speed and nav info into your line of sight on the windscreen, heated and power-adjustable front seats, fancy Bose speakers, 19-inch wheels and a powered tailgate. Among other things, top-spec cars gain plusher leather, a sunroof and a more sophisticated driver display.

There are two petrol engines (a 2.0-litre job and a 2.5-litre one on the top GT Sport version) and one diesel (with a choice of two power outputs) on offer, plus manual or automatic gearboxes, and two-wheel or four-wheel drive. The CX-5’s 2.0-litre petrol engine is quite rare in that it doesn’t use a turbocharger to boost its power. It puts out a respectable 165 horsepower but you need to rev it hard to get decent performance out of it, whereas the turbocharged engines in many rivals feel just as gutsy at low revs. The 2.2-litre diesel with 150 horsepower feels stronger. It’s smooth and quiet, too, which helps give the car a relaxed nature on the move. Saying that, if you can afford the more powerful 184 horsepower version of the diesel engine it will be money well spent. It’s very eager, and almost as economical as the lower powered diesel engine. This engine is only available with all-wheel drive, whereas the other engines only come with two-wheel drive. As standard, the CX-5 comes with a six-speed manual gearbox that has a precise, sporty feel to it. There is also an optional six-speed automatic gearbox, which is smooth and doesn’t have any trouble finding the right gear. New for 2022 is Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) on all petrol automatic models, which offers a Sport setting for a more dynamic driving character. Road noise is also reduced in the 2022 CX-5 thanks to some more work under the body by the engineers.