Mazda CX-5 - TopCarNews

Mazda CX-5 (2017 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Mazda CX-5 is a medium-sized SUV/crossover, with the current second-generation model launched in 2017. Globally, it is Mazda’s best-selling model.

The CX-5 has received plenty of positive reviews from across the UK automotive media, with an overall Expert Rating of 75% (as of November 2021) that currently places it in the top half of the mid-sized SUV/crossover field.

The Mazda CX-5 has received particular praise for its clever engineering, strong engines and comfortable cabin. A few titles have criticised the driving experience for being not quite as good as some rivals, but other sources have praised the way it drives so this is not a unanimous opinion.

In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the petrol-engined versions of the Mazda CX-5 ranked equal 37th. Diesel versions didn’t make the top 50.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium-sized SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £27,545 on-road

Launched: Summer 2017Last updated: Winter 2018/19
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

autos, cars, mazda, mazda cx-5, mazda cx-5

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel manual 184hp Sport“if you’re looking for a spacious, comfortable SUV, the Mazda CX-5 should be one of the first cars on your shopping list.”
Read review

Score: 8.6 / 10“Improved in all areas, the Mazda CX-5 is a definite contender for crossover buyers, particularly in diesel form.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5’s comfort, space and tech put it in the leading crossover pack.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“There’s a lot to like about the Mazda CX-5, from its comfortable and family-friendly cabin to its sharp, enjoyable handling. It’s also safe and exceptionally well equipped, while it’s great to look at, inside and out. It’s well worth your consideration.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.5 AWD GT Sport 2021Score: 8 / 10“Iconoclastic but competent large SUV continues to do its own thing in a class of identikit rivals.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual SkyActiv-G SportScore: 8 / 10“An unconventional sort of family SUV but a likeable one for its simplicity, zestiness and handling precision.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5 is great to look at, better to sit in, good to drive, cost-effective to run and brilliantly sized. It comfortably eclipses the bulk of a running order that previously outranked it and provides buyers with arguably the most compelling mainstream alternative to the segment’s current benchmark.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel manual Sport NavScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5 is not the most obvious crossover – nor is it the cheapest, or the most economical. It’s a good all-rounder, however, with sharp styling, a comfortable cabin, tonnes of standard kit and some fantastic diesel engines. Take those into account and it could be one very savvy SUV buy.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The new Mazda CX-5 tackles the challenges faced by all manufacturers surrounding economy and emissions not by falling back on hybridisation, but with clever engineering and its gramme strategy. Result? The CX-5 is even better to drive. Keep ‘em coming, Mazda.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5 is stylish, well equipped, great to drive and painless to own.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5 doesn’t just look smart – it’s packed with loads of high-tech kit too. It’s a shame it’s not as comfortable or as roomy as some alternatives, however.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel manual Sport NavScore: 7.8 / 10“There are plenty of positives in the new Mazda CX-5, not least the much-improved and impressive cabin quality. Decent all-rounder worthy of a place in the mainstream.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“As well as being one of the best-looking SUVs thanks to a sharp line and concept-car nose, it’s also one of the best to drive.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel manual SE-L NavScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5 remains one of our favourite cars in this class.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“While the Mazda CX-5 isn’t an obvious choice like more conventional rivals, it’s a classy offering in a competitive sector. Its engine line-up doesn’t shine, but its interior is practical and upmarket and it’s great to drive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic“Spec for spec, both Mazda CX-5 trim levels are extremely well equipped for the money. And, at a time when almost everything else is a CVT or a dual-clutch automatic, it’s a real pleasure to enjoy a smooth, vice-free, proper torque converter petrol automatic.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel manual“There’s little to find fault with the Mazda CX-5. It’s well-equipped, competitively priced, well-made and great to drive. So much like the old CX-5, only better.”
Read review

Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5 is a midsize family SUV that takes on the Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan. It’s a worthy contender in a crowded class.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 9 / 10“Pricing, equipment and strong diesels make great SUV”
Read review

The Sun

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel manual Sport Nav“Despite not being the most thrilling of rides, the CX-5 crossover from Mazda is hard to fault.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol manual Sport NavScore: 10 / 10“Mazda’s new petrol-powered CX-5 is great fun, so why aren’t all cars made like this?”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 2.2-litre diesel manual Sport Nav“The Mazda CX-5 is essentially a very sound, well-conceived car. I’m sure thousands of people will grow to love them for all the right reasons. But it’s the little niggles you notice on a daily basis that wind you up and smother the life out of relationships.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 9 / 10“The CX-5 is another great car from Mazda. Not only is it spacious, well equipped and good value, but it’s great to drive too. If you’re in the market for an SUV and don’t require seven seats, it should definitely be on your shortlist.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The CX-5 is a cracking SUV that really will exceed your expectations. Well worth a look.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best large SUVs you can buy. Why? Well, it may not have the additional practicality of seven seats that a Peugeot 5008 comes with as standard, but it’s well priced, very well equipped, safe and classy inside.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Mazda CX-5 is a solid choice for families, with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. It’s good to drive, with strong engines and a comfortable ride, although it’s not the most dynamic car in its class. It’s also available with lots of safety equipment, and it feels nicely put together.”
Read review

Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2017

95%

ADULT OCCUPANT

80%

CHILD OCCUPANT

78%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

59%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Model tested: 2.0-litre petrol manual 165hp
Date tested: November 2020

3.8 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

4.1 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mazda CX-5 has received

2020

WhatCar? Awards – Best Large SUV Under £28K
Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Used Car

2019

WhatCar? Awards – Best Large SUV Under £28K

2018

Auto Express Driver Power Awards – Interior and Comfort category winner
WhatCar? Awards – Best Large SUV, £27K – £35K

2017

WhatCar? Awards – Best Large SUV Under £25K

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mazda CX-5, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy or lease a Mazda CX-5

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used CX-5, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake.

Personal contract hire deals from Pink Car Leasing.

Keyword: Mazda CX-5