Is Mazda the new BMW? | Mazda CX-5 review

Mazda might be slowly morphing into a BMW rival - allow us to explain.

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The second-generation Mazda CX-5 is available at a time when the mainstream SUV market is more diverse than ever. Thankfully, the car has retained (and improved on) its USP of being the SUV of choice for keen drivers. It handles better than ever, but most importantly its comfort and refinement are at another level when compared to the previous model.

Combined with a very punchy and efficient diesel engine, an upmarket interior and plenty of kit, and it's easy to see why this is one of Mazda's best sellers. Granted, the slightly sharper design doesn't really move the game on, and some rivals still beat it for tech and practicality. But as an all-round family SUV that's both comfortable and agile, it's an excellent package, and one that has a certain whiff of BMW about it...

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[DavidDatura]

I saw the latest generation Mazda3 hatchback in black, parked on the street the other day…it looked fantastic! Never thought I would think that of a hatchback nor a Mazda 🤯 I’m looking forward to their push upmarket. They’re my favorite Japanese car brand anyway.

[colinrenfrew]

The cx5 is refreshingly restrained, and well priced. Definitely a contender.

[BenoyMathewsGeorge]

I have Mazda CX 5 2017 model and I love driving it. I have been driving many cars in the past including Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GS 350, Mazda 6 Skyactiv and many others in the middle east countries. Now happily driving CX 5 in UK.

[anthonystevens]

This car just bounced into my next car to test drive list Nicola. Real world twisty do's for the operation may well have most of the other options sunk, A very tempting option. Time will tell if it ends up on my drive at some point. Great review Nicola.

[plywooods]

I am imagine the guy who is sitting in premium BMW interior and dreaming about purchasing Mazda.

[carll]

Fun review! The color in person on the CX50 looks good but I’d never get it. As a past BMW owner as I get older and understand the value of not over spending I have a MX5 for summer sun fun and a CX9 for family stuff!

[MazdaAddict]

I own a 2018 Mazda CX-5 and I fully confess to taking corners at 30MPH and it handles beautifully. I love my car to no end, it is absolutely brilliant and I will definitely get another Mazda.

[DC_Cha_Cha_Cha]

I've had my 2021 CX-5 for just over a year (2.0 petrol) and it is a great car and pretty much feel the same as this review (inc. the fuel flap which took a while to remember :D ). You really do have to give the car full beans to get anything out of the NA engine, but that's fine imo. It's very smooth getting there, great to drive, loads of tech, banging stereo, big boot. I drove about 8 SUVs and liked the Mazda the most, it ticked all the boxes for build quality, driving, tech, and of course price. The next one being straight 6 (or maybe even EV!) with rear wheel drive should be even better.

[Vandal]

YES YES YES - I've been saying that for years - My first car was a E36 BMW and my last 2 have been Mazdas - They are the Japanese BMW, Mazda has been occupying the space BMW had in the late 70s, 80s, and early 90's . Just like BMW, they are on and have been on a upward trajectory!

Its also very easy to make the comparison when there are public documents where managing directors at Mazda said they have been using BMW for a benchmark for the last 15+ years or so until 2018.

[DaveDVideoMaker]

In North America, and some other areas like Australia, you can get a CX-5 with a turbo Skyactiv-G engine with AWD and a 6AT.
It makes 227hp (regular fuel) which bumps up to 256hp (premium fuel).
That engine is also used in the CX-9, CX-50, CX-30, 3 and 6 sold in the US/Canada.

[chriskelly]

If they discontinue the cx5 I think that's a bad move on mazda, I have the 22 cx5 and it's fantastic. I plan on keeping my 22 cx5 for a long time

[theproft]

As the owner of a 340i m sport, and a new owner of a 2021 Mazda CX-5, I can confirm the comparisons. I felt right at home in the cx-5 and have been extremely impressed by the ride quality, driving feel, interior luxurious feel, and the tech. It's much more than a BMW copy cat, it's unique in its own way and really is quality in so many areas at a fraction of the European cost.

[vietnameseloempia]

Love Mazda! CX5 is such a great car. Had it before and sold it because of moving very far away. Still miss it. Amazing car. Good review too:)

[OptimumSlinky]

Over here on the Yank side of the Pond, I picked up a fully loaded CX-5 with the 2.5L turbo gasoline (250 hp, 300 lb/ft torque or so) engine and all wheel drive for around $25, 000 less than an equivalently equipped BMW X3 or Audi Q5. It’s an absolutely gorgeous crossover that punches way above its price tag.

[jamiep]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. My Stepmom owns one and I particularly like the Interior Design as It look very nice

[deadmxss]

I have a Mazda 3. Sitting in it already made me feel like I’m in a 1 Series. Best purchase ever

[XzzVttll]

did they updated the fuel injection problems??

[nuibrio]

The looks of this CX-5 reminds me of that strange Ininity V8 SUV thing. It had an absolutely awesome sound, that's all I remember.

[GregoryTKint]

Test drove a CX5 about 6 years ago (if I recall correctly) and was really impressed with how the SkyActive diesel engine picked up and the handling felt so unlike other SUVs in the price bracket... It actually didn't feel like a SUV.

[ianhand]

I have a 2021 CX-5 auto and it's easily as well built as my previous car (BMW 320D f30). It's not as nippy, but the equipment level more than makes up for it.