Mazda CX-5MazdaThe original Mazda CX-5 arrived in UK dealerships back in 2012, offering buyers a stylish alternative to mainstream family SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai and premium options like the Audi Q3. Available with both petrol and diesel engines, it quickly earned a reputation for combining sharp looks with an engaging drive at a sensible price point.Mazda followed it up in 2017 with a more refined and mature second-generation model, one that arguably struck the sweet spot for the brand. Now, the third-generation CX-5 has arrived — and while it remains an appealing SUV in many respects, it doesn’t quite feel like the clear step forward buyers might expect. Competition in this segment has also intensified, with rivals now including the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.Mazda CX-5 equipment and priceThe range opens with the Prime-Line, priced from £31,550. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 12.9-inch infotainment display with Google integration, a digital driver’s display, front and rear parking sensors, plus wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.AdvertisementAdvertisementMove up to Centre-Line trim for an additional £2,500 and the CX-5 gains 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, a powered tailgate, keyless entry, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display and wireless smartphone connectivity.Mazda CX-5MazdaAbove that sits the Exclusive-Line at £36,550, which introduces a higher-grade audio system and a 360-degree camera setup. At the top of the range is the Homura, priced from £38,950. This flagship version adds adaptive LED headlights, a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen, ambient cabin lighting and revised front and rear styling.In outright pricing terms, the CX-5 remains fairly competitive. It undercuts pricier alternatives such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, though rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage still come in slightly cheaper.Mazda also offers a broad selection of optional extras, including multiple paint finishes, different alloy wheel designs, styling packs and practical accessories such as bike carriers, dog guards and roof storage solutions. Tick enough boxes and the final bill can climb to around £55,000.Mazda CX-5 InteriorInside, the latest CX-5 adopts Mazda’s newer minimalist design philosophy, first seen in the 6e. The cabin certainly looks clean and modern, but buyers who prefer physical switchgear may find the new layout frustrating.AdvertisementAdvertisementMuch like the 6e, the CX-5 now relies heavily on its central touchscreen for most functions. The system itself is based on Google software, so it feels familiar and intuitive in many ways, with integrated Google Maps, Google Assistant and access to the Play Store. However, key functions such as climate controls are now buried within menus, making them less straightforward to use on the move. The dark-on-grey graphics also aren’t the clearest at a glance.Mazda CX-5MazdaThat said, Mazda deserves some credit for including a dedicated shortcut button to quickly disable the more intrusive driver assistance alerts — something many motorists will appreciate.Material quality is less convincing in places. While some surfaces feel suitably premium, harder plastics around the centre console and lower cabin areas detract slightly from the otherwise upmarket impression.Space, however, is not an issue. There’s ample adjustment for drivers of varying heights, while rear passengers benefit from wide-opening doors, a flat floor and generous headroom. The boot is practical too, offering 583 litres of capacity along with useful underfloor storage.Driving the Mazda CX-5One of the biggest changes for this latest CX-5 is the disappearance of diesel power. Buyers are now limited to a 2.5-litre petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.AdvertisementAdvertisementDespite its relatively large capacity, the engine feels surprisingly modest in performance terms. Producing 141bhp, it lacks the effortless punch some rivals offer, particularly given the CX-5’s size and weight.The mild-hybrid setup does little to disguise this. The petrol engine remains active more often than in full-hybrid competitors, and refinement could be better. Under acceleration, the cabin fills with a coarse engine note that sounds sportier than the actual performance suggests. Motorway overtakes require a firm prod of the throttle, while the automatic gearbox can occasionally hesitate before responding.Mazda CX-5Matt MacConnellThe CX-5 redeems itself when the road begins to twist. Mazda has long excelled at making family SUVs feel more engaging than they perhaps ought to, and that remains true here. Steering is precise, body control is tidy and the suspension strikes an impressive balance between firmness and comfort. For a car of this size, it feels surprisingly agile.Away from tarmac, the CX-5 is capable enough for light off-road duties. It coped comfortably with uneven farm tracks, loose gravel and deeper grass during testing, though ground clearance ultimately limits it to gentler terrain rather than serious off-roading.Mazda CX-5 verdictThe Mazda CX-5 still delivers many of the qualities that made earlier versions so appealing. It’s spacious, comfortable and unusually enjoyable to drive for a family SUV.Mazda CX-5Matt MacConnellHowever, this latest generation feels compromised in several key areas. The underpowered engine dulls the otherwise capable chassis, fuel economy is merely average and the move towards touchscreen-heavy controls comes at the expense of usability. Cabin quality, too, no longer feels quite as polished as some rivals.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs a result, while the CX-5 remains a likeable and competent SUV, competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai arguably make a stronger all-round case today.This article was originally published on Forbes.com