Pros

  • Beautiful styling, inside and out
  • Excellent ride and handling
  • Genuine levels of practicality
  • Superb build quality

Cons

  • Technology is starting to feel dated
  • Engines (excluding turbo) can feel lacklustre
  • Not the most economical in its class
  • Diesels engines starting to have issues

Verdict

Yes. In fact the Mazda CX-5 may very well be our pick in this segment.

The CX-5 is popular for a reason, it just does everything so well and even with a few years and thousands of kilometres under its belt, Mazda’s reputation for providing reliability, precise Japanese engineering and...

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Publish: May 14, 2021
ReDriven Red Power

The Mazda CX-5 is an immensely popular SUV here in Australia for being one of those very rare vehicles that beautifully balances the knife edge between having stylish good looks and a dynamic driving experience while still being practical, economical and sensible.

While it received upgrades and revisions every year of its production cycle, now that this generation of CX-5 is nearly five years old, are used CX-5s worthy of the car’s acclaim and should you buy one? Read on to find out.

The Mazda CX-5 is an immensely popular SUV here in Australia for being one of those very rare vehicles that beautifully balances the knife edge between having stylish good looks and a dynamic driving experience while still being practical, economical and sensible.

While it received upgrades and revisions every year of its production cycle, now that this generation of CX-5 is nearly five years old, are used CX-5s worthy of the car’s acclaim and should you buy one? Read on to find out.

The Mazda CX-5 is an immensely popular SUV here in Australia for being one of those very rare vehicles that beautifully balances the knife edge between having stylish good looks and a dynamic driving experience while still being practical, economical and sensible.

While it received upgrades and revisions every year of its production cycle, now that this generation of CX-5 is nearly five years old, are used CX-5s worthy of the car’s acclaim and should you buy one? Read on to find out.

Mazda CX-5 Akera-8 Mazda CX-5 Akera-7 Mazda CX-5 Akera-6 Mazda CX-5 Akera-10 Mazda CX-5 Akera-9 Mazda CX-5 Akera-11 Mazda CX-5 Akera-5 Mazda CX-5 Akera-4 Mazda CX-5 Akera-3 Mazda CX-5 Akera-2 Mazda CX-5 Akera-1 Mazda CX-5 Akera-14 Mazda CX-5 Akera-15 Mazda CX-5 Akera-16 Mazda CX-5 Akera-17 Mazda CX-5 Akera-18 Mazda CX-5 Akera-19

  • We found very few “common” issues when it comes to petrol-engined CX-5s. We know of minor timing chains issues and the odd oil leak but by no means are these common issues
  • The red paint on some early CX-5s was known to flake off in tiny amounts but this was sorted under Mazda warranty
  • Some diesel-engined CX-5s are starting to show typical common rail diesel engine issues like DPF issues, EGR valve issues and some turbo problems
  • We found very few “common” issues when it comes to petrol-engined CX-5s. We know of minor timing chains issues and the odd oil leak but by no means are these common issues
  • The red paint on some early CX-5s was known to flake off in tiny amounts but this was sorted under Mazda warranty
  • Some diesel-engined CX-5s are starting to show typical common rail diesel engine issues like DPF issues, EGR valve issues and some turbo problems
  • We found very few “common” issues when it comes to petrol-engined CX-5s. We know of minor timing chains issues and the odd oil leak but by no means are these common issues
  • The red paint on some early CX-5s was known to flake off in tiny amounts but this was sorted under Mazda warranty
  • Some diesel-engined CX-5s are starting to show typical common rail diesel engine issues like DPF issues, EGR valve issues and some turbo problems

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV

Engines:

  • 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel twin-turbo (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Power:

  • 115kW – 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 140kW – 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 170kW – 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 129kW (2017) 140kW (from 2018) – 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel twin-turbo (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Torque:

  • 200Nm – 2.0L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 252Nm – 2.5L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 420Nm – 2.5L petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 420Nm (2017) 450Nm (from 2018) – 2.2L diesel (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd automatic four-wheel drive (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 6-spd automatic front-wheel drive (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 6-spd manual front-wheel drive (Maxx)

Fuel use:

  • 6.9L/100km –  2.0L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 7.4L/100km – 2.5L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 8.2L/100km –  2.5L petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 5.2L/100km – 2.2L diesel (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Dimensions:

  • Height:1675mm – 1710mm – Depending on variant
  • Length: 4550mm
  • Width: 1840mm
  • Kerb weight: 1487kg – 1718kg – Depending on variant
  • Ground Clearance: 190mm – 193mm – Depending on variant

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV

Engines:

  • 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel twin-turbo (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Power:

  • 115kW – 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 140kW – 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 170kW – 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 129kW (2017) 140kW (from 2018) – 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel twin-turbo (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Torque:

  • 200Nm – 2.0L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 252Nm – 2.5L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 420Nm – 2.5L petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 420Nm (2017) 450Nm (from 2018) – 2.2L diesel (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd automatic four-wheel drive (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 6-spd automatic front-wheel drive (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 6-spd manual front-wheel drive (Maxx)

Fuel use:

  • 6.9L/100km –  2.0L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 7.4L/100km – 2.5L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 8.2L/100km –  2.5L petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 5.2L/100km – 2.2L diesel (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Dimensions:

  • Height:1675mm – 1710mm – Depending on variant
  • Length: 4550mm
  • Width: 1840mm
  • Kerb weight: 1487kg – 1718kg – Depending on variant
  • Ground Clearance: 190mm – 193mm – Depending on variant

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV

Engines:

  • 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel twin-turbo (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Power:

  • 115kW – 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 140kW – 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 170kW – 2.5-litre 4-cyl petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 129kW (2017) 140kW (from 2018) – 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel twin-turbo (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Torque:

  • 200Nm – 2.0L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 252Nm – 2.5L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 420Nm – 2.5L petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 420Nm (2017) 450Nm (from 2018) – 2.2L diesel (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Transmissions:

  • 6-spd automatic four-wheel drive (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 6-spd automatic front-wheel drive (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 6-spd manual front-wheel drive (Maxx)

Fuel use:

  • 6.9L/100km –  2.0L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport)
  • 7.4L/100km – 2.5L petrol (Maxx, Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)
  • 8.2L/100km –  2.5L petrol-turbo (GT, Akera)
  • 5.2L/100km – 2.2L diesel (Maxx Sport, Touring, GT, Akera)

Dimensions:

  • Height:1675mm – 1710mm – Depending on variant
  • Length: 4550mm
  • Width: 1840mm
  • Kerb weight: 1487kg – 1718kg – Depending on variant
  • Ground Clearance: 190mm – 193mm – Depending on variant

Warranty:

3 years/unlimited km (2016 – 2017)
5 years/unlimited km with 5 years roadside assist (2018 – 2021)

Servicing:

10,000kms or every 12 months

Model range, pricing and features

Mazda CX-5 Akera-8

Maxx

Price when new: $27,890 - $36,190

Price used: $16,800 - $36,800

Available with the 2.0L petrol engine with either a 6-speed manual or front-wheel drive automatic transmission or the 2.5L petrol 6-speed automatic with all-wheel drive, the base model CX-5 is still loaded with equipment, looks near identical to every other CX-5 grade and is a superb buy for those on a tighter budget.

However, we’d recommend looking further up the food chain for what we feel is the sweet spot of the range.

Standard features:

  • 17-inch steel wheels
  • Headlamps (LED)
  • Power mirrors
  • Black cloth seat trim
  • 7-inch full colour touch screen display (MZD Connect)
  • Digital radio (DAB+)
  • Six speakers
  • Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability
  • Internet radio integration (Pandora, Stitcher and Aha)
  • Multi-function commander control
  • Advanced keyless push-button engine start
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Parking sensors (rear)
  • Rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)
  • Reverse camera
  • Smart City Brake Support
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (from 2019)
  • 8.0-inch display (from 2020)
  • Dusk-sensing LED headlights with automatic high-beam (from
  • 2019)
  • Rain-sensing wipers (from 2019)
  • Autonomous emergency braking in forward and reverse (from 2019)
  • Lane departure warning with lane-keep assist (from 2019)
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go function (from 2019)
  • Driver fatigue monitor (from 2019)
  • 17-inch alloy wheels (from 2021)

Maxx Sport

Price when new: $33,490 - $42,490

Price used: $21,100 - $42,850

The most popular CX-5 in terms of sales, the Maxx Sport offers not only extra equipment but the choice of either the 2.0L petrol engine with a front-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission and the 2.5L petrol engine with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission or the 2.2L diesel power plant again with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

If you’re buying a Maxx Sport, our pick is the 2.5L petrol engine variant.

Maxx Sport adds:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Front fog lamps (LED)
  • Headlamps auto on/off
  • Wipers (front) 2-speed with rain-sensing function
  • Rear-view mirror with auto dimming function
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Rear seats with centre armrest storage and USB input
  • Satellite navigation
  • Rear air vents
  • Auto-dimming rear view mirror (2018)
  • Paddle-shifters (2020)
  • Off-Road Traction Assist (from 2020 for all AWD models)
  • Rear vents (from 2021)

Touring

Price when new: $38,590 - $44,280

Price used: $22,800 - $43,800

The sweet spot of the range when new, we’d recommend climbing the CX-5 line-up just a little further now the used market has compressed the pricing differences between trim models.

Available with either the 2.5L petrol or 2.2L diesel, both with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Touring still offers exceptional value for money.

Touring adds:

  • Body-coloured power mirrors with heating and auto folding
  • Active driving display (flip-up)
  • Black maztex with black suede seat trim
  • Advanced keyless entry
  • Parking sensors (front)
  • Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
  • Windscreen head-up display (from 2018)

GT

Price when new: $43,590 - $49,990

Price used: $25,200 - $47,800

Now the used market has compressed the price differences between the various trim levels, the GT is our pick for the sweet spot of the CX-5 range.

Loaded with equipment and offering all the creature comforts you’ll ever need plus superb value for money, the GT, like the Touring, is available with either the 2.5L petrol or 2.2L diesel, both with all-wheel drive and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Our tip, stick with the petrol engine.

GT adds:

  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • Adaptive front-lighting system
  • Remote-operated power tailgate
  • Power glass sunroof
  • Power adjustable front seats with memory function and heating
  • Active Driving Display (windscreen)
  • Black leather or Pure White leather trim
  • Premium Bose 10-speaker (including subwoofer) sound system
  • Optional 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (from 2019)
  • 10.25-inch infotainment screen (from 2021)

Akera

Price when new: $46,190 - $52,380

Price used: $26,900 - $53,750

The top-spec CX-5 Akera ends up somewhere between mainstream SUVs of a similar size and those wearing prestige badges. It may not carry the badge of a Benz or BMW, but can certainly embarrass those upmarket marques when it comes to the levels of standard equipment especially in terms of safety.

Akera adds:

  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with stop/go function
  • Adaptive LED Headlamps (ALH)
  • Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
  • Lane departure warning (LDW)
  • Lane-keep assist system (LAS)
  • Side camera
  • Smart Brake Support (SBS)
  • 360-degree monitor (from 2018)
  • Higher speed threshold on AEB (from 2018)
  • 7.0-inch TFT driver’s information display (from 2019)
  • Adaptive LED headlights (removes adaptive front light system, from 2019)
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with frameless design (from 2019)
  • Ventilated front seats (from 2019)
  • Heated steering wheel (from 2019)
  • Heated rear seats (from 2019)
  • Wood trim inserts (from 2019)
  • Nappa leather seat trim (from 2019)
  • LED Ambient interior lighting (from 2019)
  • Black headliner (from 2019)
  • 19-inch alloys in ‘brilliant dark’ finish (from 2019)
  • Unique overhead console (from 2019)

Yes. In fact the Mazda CX-5 may very well be our pick in this segment.

The CX-5 is popular for a reason, it just does everything so well and even with a few years and thousands of kilometres under its belt, Mazda’s reputation for providing reliability, precise Japanese engineering and a genuinely entertaining driving experience is only let down by minor discrepancies when it comes to the CX-5.

For which CX-5 we’d recommend, read on.

Yes. In fact the Mazda CX-5 may very well be our pick in this segment.

The CX-5 is popular for a reason, it just does everything so well and even with a few years and thousands of kilometres under its belt, Mazda’s reputation for providing reliability, precise Japanese engineering and a genuinely entertaining driving experience is only let down by minor discrepancies when it comes to the CX-5.

For which CX-5 we’d recommend, read on.

Yes. In fact the Mazda CX-5 may very well be our pick in this segment.

The CX-5 is popular for a reason, it just does everything so well and even with a few years and thousands of kilometres under its belt, Mazda’s reputation for providing reliability, precise Japanese engineering and a genuinely entertaining driving experience is only let down by minor discrepancies when it comes to the CX-5.

For which CX-5 we’d recommend, read on.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of May 14, 2021.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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