Mazda CX-5 Reviews

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 arrived just last year, but now there's a new one. We went to the Australian launch to see if we could spot the difference.

If you want a car that does it all, you probably think of an SUV as the option for you. A lot of buyers do, because these vehicles can offer great value, practicality and safety.

The Mazda CX-5 was a genuine phenomenon. It pretty much came out of nowhere and knocked off a few cars we previously thought had an unassailable grasp on the Australian SUV budget.

Malcolm Flynn is spending three months living with the CX-5 Touring petrol, to see how well it fits his family.

There are five types of CX-5 and this review focuses on the second up from the entry-point, the all-wheel drive (AWD) petrol Maxx Sport. Yes, with two xs. Is there anything Maxx or Sport about it?

Mazda's CX-5 was Australia's best-selling SUV in 2016. It was also the best-selling SUV in 2015, and 2014, and 2013. You get the idea. That's the force Mazda's mid-size SUV is in its growing segment.

What do you mean you’re thinking about a Mazda CX-5? Don’t think about it, get it. There you go, world’s shortest car review. But, there are stacks of variants, and you don’t want the wrong one.

Mazda is currently enjoying a series of successes that's envied by almost every other car company in Australia, with a number of its models striking a real chord with Aussies.

The five-seat Mazda CX-5 GT SUV was updated in March 2017, and is based on the car that was launched in 2012.It's offered in two specs; the 2.5-litre petrol auto version with all wheel drive costs $44,390, while the 2.2-litre diesel all wheel drive version costs $47,390. All prices are before on-road costs.The GT nameplate is the fourth step in a five-model, 12-variant range and sits above the Maxx (which ranges from $28,390 to $33,690), the Maxx Sport (from $34,390 to $40,390), and the Touring (costing $38,990 to $41,990), and below the range-topping Akera (between $46,990 and $49,990).The GT offers 19-inch rims, adaptive headlights, powered tailgate, sat nav, sunroof and a choice of black or white leather trim, as well as automatic emergency braking, reversing camera, push-button start, LED headlights, blind spot monitoring, smart city braking front and rear and rear cross traffic alert.Built in Japan, the GT uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine that produces 140kW and 251Nm, or a 2.2-litre turbo diesel that makes 129kW and 420Nm. Both variants are mated to a six-speed automatic transmissions and are all wheel drive.

The five-seat Mazda CX-5 Touring SUV was added to the line up in March 2017, and is based on the car that was launched in 2012.