Mazda CX-5 2022 review: Maxx Sport 2.0

When the CX-5 first came out, I used to sometimes mistake them for BMWs. They have a similar shape with rounded corners and a streamlined sophistication that you don't often see on a car in this price category.

While that doesn't happen anymore, they are definitely still more European looking than the average Kia or Hyundai. The shape has held well over the years.

Inside follows the same design application, with a less is more philosophy throughout.

The dash is super smooth and feels nicely padded, there are metallic touches over the centre console and doors, and the centre console is well designed, though it could definitely do with an update.

The dash is super smooth and feels nicely padded. (image: Dean McCartney)

Particularly the way the multimedia screen juts out of the dash. It would look more modern if it was incorporated into it, and there is no digital dashboard behind the steering wheel.

Other elements, like the seats, which are cloth and comfortable to sit on, feel in line with this price bracket. You do get a leather steering wheel that feels good under the hands.

All in all, it still feels good to drive the CX-5 but there are other features the competition has updated which Mazda hasn't yet.

The centre console could definitely do with an update. Particularly the way the multimedia screen juts out of the dash. (image: Dean McCartney)

It's the smooth driving that gets you every time in the Mazda CX-5. It's got zip, it's got a fast pace on take-off, it's nimble not heavy, and it's consistent. A good all around driving experience.

This Maxx Sport model has a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine which has decent power to get you up hills quickly, while giving you confidence to overtake on highways, plus it handles well around corners.

It still feels good to drive the CX-5 but there are other features the competition has updated which Mazda hasn’t yet. (image: Dean McCartney)

Unfortunately there is no hybrid or electric option when it comes to the CX-5 range which means it's lagging behind the competition which has already incorporated these options into their line-up, like the RAV4 and Subaru's Forester.

The steering wheel is easy to turn which makes squeezing into parks light work. The size of the car also makes it easier when compared with bigger SUVs. There's a decent reverse parking camera but no snazzy 360-degree view.

Being the model that is second from the bottom means there's not a lot of automation on the Maxx Sport, and you'll be manually adjusting the front seats and pulling the tailgate down with your bare hands (the horror!). You do get a push button start, though.

The CX-5 works for my family of four space-wise. (image: Dean McCartney)

For storage there are two cupholders and a good sized centre storage bin. There's a spot to throw keys and phone in the front and bottle holders in each door.

Rear passengers will be able to use the two cupholders in the centre armrest and they also have their own directional air vents. There's also dual zone air conditioning in the front.

There’s enough room for taller members of my family to sit comfortably with plenty of leg and head space. (image: Dean McCartney)

The CX-5 has airbags for driver and front passenger and side curtain airbags that extend to the back row. For advanced safety there is auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear parking sensors.

You'll find two ISOFIX points and three top tether points for capsules and child seats in the back row. And the CX-5 scored a maximum five ANCAP stars when it was tested in 2017.

There are metallic touches over the centre console and doors, and the centre console is well designed. (image: Dean McCartney)

The Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport costs from $38,990 drive-away. The official combined fuel consumption figure is 6.9L/100km, and I averaged 8.7L/100km doing mostly city and suburban driving, which generally uses more fuel than highway driving.

It's covered by Mazda's five year/unlimited km warranty and servicing is required every 12 months/10,000km which isn't as good as the usual 15,000km on some competitors.

Mazda's website features a service price calculator listing maintenance costs out to 160,000km, and the annual cost for this car over the first five years is $343.

The Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport costs from $38,990 drive-away. (image: Dean McCartney)