New Mazda CX-5 in-depth review: the best-driving SUV?

The Mazda CX-5 squares up against the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga, and has been given a refresh for 2022 to keep it up to date. You might not be able to immediately spot the styling changes, but Mazda’s engineers have focused on making the car more comfortable and more premium-feeling inside. The CX-5 won’t appeal to everyone, with no hybrid powertrains or turbocharged petrol engines, but if you’re a little bored of plainer family SUVs, then the Mazda might hit the spot. Owners certainly seem to be happy, as the CX-5 was the top-rated medium-size SUV in our 2021 Driver Power survey. So is it the car you should pick? Nicola puts it to the test.

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00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Exterior
01:49 - Trim levels
02:36 - Interior and technology
04:01 - Engines and driving
07:43 - Practicality and boot space
08:39 - Dealmakers and dealbreakers
09:31 - Verdict

[stevewillows]

Mazda please don't make this a hybrid. Don't listen to her.

[timothybracken]

This is my favorite car in the segment, hands down ! As an automotive enthusiast, you can't get better than this in terms of value, looks, and the whole package. Yes, you're sacrificing MPG for driving dynamics, let me tell you this car is one of the best drivers car for the money. Especially for a SUV. I drove a stelvio ti sport 2020 and it was the best handling, driving SUV I've ever driven. I went back to my CX5 and i was blown away, this car costs half of what that car costs and it delivers 80% of the feel. The handling is spot on, I'd kill myself if I have to drive a rav4. Mazda is so underrated. The fit and finish is better than the CRV too, great video. Thanks for punching it unlike other reviewers ! TBH this car drives better than the rdx, it feels heavier and not as nimble. Steering is also numb and brakes are even spongier ! I drove a RDX advanced 2021 model, also adaptive steering too.. but the CX5 has tighter steering for sure, heavier most people don't like it. I do !

[annagallego]

Had Mazdas for years, brilliant and reliable, , love mine

[andreitudoroprea]

Petrol engines (mild or no hybrid at all ) still have a lot of years left. Remember the times when your stupid leaders encouraged you people to buy diesel because they were environmentally friendly? They are doing the same with electric now. This car is a driver’s car, on of the few in this class. You don’t buy it to carry people, you buy it for the driving pleasure (as much as a suv can deliver). I have a 2007 Rav4 2.0 petrol. It drives fine on any roads. Waiting for the CX5 2.0 awd 6mt to come in December. I think naturally aspirated engines are the most cost efficient vehicles you can buy today.

[DaveDVideoMaker]

In North America and certain other countries, there is a 2.5 litre turbo 4cyl with 227hp (filled with regular fuel) and 250hp (filled with premium fuel) with AWD and a 6AT.

[colinclugston]

Good to see they have maintained diesel & petrol engines.

[bwbw]

I have a diesel and drove it for 120 miles each way motorway and dual carriageway and at a steady 55mph obtained 68.8mpg with the 21plate 2.2d 148hp. Driving more slowly saves loads of money....

[Iceberg]

Nicola, love your description of the paint colour 🤣🤣

[christianronn]

Car reviewers: “This car has physical buttons and dials! Awesome!”

Customers: *nearly crashes fumbling with non-backlit touch controls in their ID3*

Car manufacturers: “Hmm. You said touch controls can save €25 per car? Great!”

I love the puke green interior bits, btw. I’m not sure i’d want to look at them for more than a week’s worth of commuting 😅 but at first glance it looks awesome.

[rut]

Great job by Nicola but somebody should talk to the sound people. There is an annoying wake-up alarm sound overlay onto the "action" parts (listen @ 2:30) and the level control is all over the place.

[Phildouf]

Entertaining and interesting review. Nicola is actually really funny, like some former Carbuyer reviewer who now dominates car reviews on YouTube 😬

[wassabi-gp]

I like the color and interior accents, it makes it different from the competition.

[mulberrybushfilmfan]

Love Mazda Styling And Reliability. Hope Rustproofing Is Good.

[omarel-khalil]

Thanks for a great technical and hilarious review!

[FreelandersCZE]

The facelift was a success. That car looks really nice. Prettier than the last generation bmw :)

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. My Stepmom recently collected her New CX-5

[shinsouhitoshi]

Hey carbuyer! I know the editing on the tucson vs sportage video is taking some time, but I am still waiting!!😃

[theanorakchannel]

We’ve had one of these since September 2018. It’s by far the best car we’ve had, except for the fuel economy. We tend to get a maximum of 35 to 38 on the run with hours. It is however a lovely comfortable car, and can swallow five adults without a problem. Shame about no hybrid, unfortunate it’s no longer on the Motability scheme so we won’t be getting another one.

[EdgarRenje]

Hahaha 3:55 best part
5:35 fun fact: Mazda's official commercial states "the elegance of an SUV with the soul of a roadster"

[thebeardedscot]

Don't think a car review has ever made me laugh so much. The noise in relation to the lime green vents was hilarious ! Great review and, as Nicola said, bring back dials !!! You can be fined and get points for using a mobile phone whilst driving (actually looking at the road) but it's OK in the eyes of the law to take your eyes off the road for two minutes while you navigate your way through touchscreens. Come on manufacturers... sort it out 😉