The key to the success of modern SUVs is the way they drive. Unlike the big, heavy 4x4s of old, the current breed of family SUVs are as quiet, comfortable and easy to live with as a traditional hatchback. But even so, some models still do a better job than others. And when it comes to combining SUV practicality with a compact and nimble feel, the Mazda CX-5 is up there with the very best.
Good to drive.
Comfortable interior.
Well equipped.
The CX-5’s interior is well thought-out, with plenty of storage space dotted around the cabin. Aside from the usual glovebox space, the front offers a central storage compartment with 2 retractable cupholders, decent-sized door bins, several little cubby holes and an overhead sunglasses holder. The back-seat passengers get door bins, coin trays on the doors and seatback storage pockets in front of them.
The CX-5 can seat 5 people and there’s a reasonable amount of head- and legroom in the back. The boot is smaller than a lot of its competitors, but it still offers a respectable 506 litres. It’s also a convenient shape, with a nice square loading area and virtually no lip at the base of the rear hatch. Pull a handle in the boot and the seats fold flat in a 40/20/40 split, providing a loading space that’s suitable for bulkier items.
There’s no hybrid option in the CX-5 range yet, but the petrol and diesel engines all fall towards the more economical end of the scale. The official figure for the 165hp 2-wheel-drive manual is up to 42.2mpg and our experience is that the Mazda engines come commendably close to these laboratory figures in the real world (think mid- to high-30s).
The diesel engines are a great choice if you’re doing higher mileages. Smooth and refined, the 150hp Skyactiv-D unit is rated at 50.4mpg in 2-wheel-drive manual form. Opting for the higher-powered engine, the automatic gearbox or the 4-wheel-drive version (available in either auto or manual form) will eat into the fuel economy somewhat. However, even the thirstiest diesel – the 165hp 4-wheel-drive auto – returns a respectable 42.8mpg.
The CX-5 sets the bar fairly high, but there are plenty of talented contenders in this category. For those in search of outright practicality, the Skoda Kodiaq offers a huge amount of load space, with an incredible 835 litres of boot volume even before you fold the rear seats. It’s also available in 7-seat form, as are the Kia Sorento and the Peugeot 5008.
The Ford Kuga is another good option. It’s not as stylish as the CX-5 and the interior can’t match the Mazda’s material quality, but it’s an impressive all-rounder with sharp handling, decent equipment levels and the option of a highly-efficient plug-in hybrid engine. The Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4 both come with plug-in hybrid options too.
Yes. Mazda has a good reputation for reliability. The CX-5 finished 2nd in the large SUV category of the 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey, beating the Skoda Kodiaq and the Kia Sorento among others.
By normal standards, the CX-5’s 506-litre boot is large. It’s comfortably big enough to get a pair of pushchairs in it, with room left over for other luggage.
There are 3 main trim levels – SE-L, Sport and GT Sport. At the time of writing, Mazda was also offering the limited edition Kuro Edition, which sits roughly in between SE-L and Sport.
Yes. All CX-5s have front and rear parking sensors. Sport models upwards have a reversing camera too.
The CX-5 has some nice features built in to aid practicality. There’s plenty of cabin storage, and the mechanism used to fold the rear seats is extremely quick and easy to use. The luggage space is not as large or as versatile as some competitors, but it would be fine for a typical family.
The CX-5 is a great all-rounder that provides comfort, quality and a reasonable amount of practicality. Where it excels is the driving experience, which feels nimble and precise. In short, it’s an SUV without the compromises typically associated with a tall, heavy car.
If you want the best price on your Mazda CX-5 lease, choose Vanarama. We have a Price Promise that means you’re guaranteed the best car leasing offers and we also include free delivery in every deal. We’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot and if you’re not completely satisfied, we offer free 30-day returns too.
Find out how monthly payments are calculated & about any other costs during a lease contract.
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