Test drive 2024 Mazda CX-5: the best realization

Mazda has had a good SUV with the CX-5, actually before this type of car became hype. Of course there have been several updates over the years, but it basically remains the same car. The CX-5 has been widely praised for its space and superior towing capacity. The CX-5 turned out to be the most popular tow vehicle of 2023, with the Mazda CX-60 in second place. But is that different enough these days?

What is the Mazda CX-5?

Mazda CX-5 has been with us since 2012. The model is popular with families and customers who often drive heavy trailers or caravans. The CX-5 is well known as a tow car, for which Mazda has already received the car of the year award six times. From 2017, the CX-5 has received a major update, both aesthetically and practically. The 2024 version looks familiar and doesn’t follow future models, which is also great!

The powertrain is a 2.0 e-Skyactiv G hybrid with a combined power of 165 hp. The hybrid part (24V platform) provides support during acceleration and makes the car more economical. SkyActiv engines use special technology, which fortunately means that large engine blocks are still manufactured without too much of a burden on the environment.

In theory, the average consumption will be 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers. In practice we arrive at 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers. The difference between city traffic and highways or provincial roads is very big in terms of consumption. However, it is not surprising for an SUV, with light electric assistance during acceleration.

How does the Mazda CX-5 drive?

To get straight to the point: amazingly good! When you walk up to the Mazda you see a great car that you won’t immediately expect to have a great driving experience. Steering feel is direct and the CX-5 is easy to steer through short and long bends, with a persistent sense of stability. For such a tall car and big wheels, that’s an achievement in itself. It is also responsible for the fact that this is a light SUV, weighing more than 1500 kg. In addition to improving driving habits, this is also an advantage in terms of road tax.

The seating position can be adjusted electrically, with a large difference in seat height. If you are a little younger, it is good that you still have a good overview this way. A taller driver needn’t worry either, there’s plenty of headroom. This also applies to the back seat.

The choice is huge

Options, options and more options. You can completely customize the CX-5 to your own taste, but that also makes it very difficult. Which driver assistance systems and luxuries would you like to have and which ones would you never use and therefore hate not paying for.

You can choose from different versions and a range of matching engines. Some trims also offer optional all-wheel drive. In addition, there are many options outside, including rims, bumpers and a tow bar. You can also choose from a head-up display, power tailgate, keyless entry and a heated steering wheel. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging for your phone are recommended when it comes to smartphone integration. A panoramic roof is also possible for the stargazers among us.

Strong

As mentioned earlier, the driving behavior is very complex. The car reacts immediately to changes in direction. This gives a sense of control and is exactly what you are looking for, especially in a car of this size.

Space is one of the reasons why this car is attractive to a family or someone who needs space for a hobby, for example. The space is perfect everywhere. The arm rest is wide enough for the driver and passenger and you can sit comfortably.

Let’s stick to the internals for a moment. The seats are half leather and finished with green stitching. The finish of both the seats and the dashboard is top notch. The material generally feels nice. However, regardless of the version, the header should be black. A missed opportunity for such an interior. There is no touchscreen, the infotainment system is operated via buttons on the center console. This prevents greasy fingers on the screen and works beautifully. The display sits above the dashboard, making it feel like a tablet. This is sensitive to taste, a little lower and built into the dashboard will not be out of place.

Small points

Is everything then hosanna? No, of course not. The CX-5 has been around for a while in this guise. So it’s not the most modern car to look at. So it won’t surprise us to see this car getting old fast, because the car industry is changing so fast. Driver assistance systems are becoming more and more extensive and due to the lack of a touch screen and the presence of many buttons, the Mazda will age faster than waste. Design is a matter of taste, so you can fill in yourself.

Driver assistance systems are somewhat disappointing. The car does not stay in the middle of the lane itself. Only when you hit the line will there be a lot of counter-driving. This also happens on the other side and gives unpleasant feelings. You only get Adaptive Cruise Control and the two more expensive versions. This should be normal or at the lowest level of equipment.

The fact that it is not a city car is confirmed by use. Highway mileage, on the other hand, is more economical than expected with this SUV. So if you drive a lot in the city and focus on essential use, it’s better to go for a smaller Mazda model.

Equipment

The test car is a Mazda CX-5 e-SkyActiv G with Newground equipment standard in Machine Gray color. There is a total of options six different devices. The engine range includes the e-SkyActiv G 165 M and 194 M. The number is power and the M stands for hybrid. It can’t be connected, but it does provide light electric assistance during acceleration. This should benefit the user. The test car is a front-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is also an option with various equipment. There are also many options for colors, rims, interior and other options like heated steering wheel, front, rear and all-round cameras. Feel free to sit back and enjoy, because the combinations are endless. The CX-5 starts at €41,140 and the test car as pictured has a price tag of €47,290.

The test car is equipped with a smooth-shifting, 6-speed manual. Despite the fact that it adapts well and is good for everyday use, it is directly the best choice in terms of residual value and resale potential. At the same time, the manual drive is starting to decline and fewer drivers will switch back from automatic to manual gearboxes. If you often drive a mountain with a caravan or trailer, drivers often prefer a manual car. You also have to pay €3,000 more for the automatic.

The test car has a maximum towing weight of 1800 kg. If you choose the automatic, you can take 2,000 kg with you on paper. Caravans and other heavy trailers are therefore easily transported by pull year car.

Conclusion Mazda CX-5

The CX-5’s now-familiar pillars remain, space and towing weight make this SUV popular. Enough space for a family to move south in a rut cabin. The ride is smooth and comfortable on all types of roads. During our previous test drive with the CX-5, we found that mountain roads are also pleasant in this Mazda. The interior is well finished and well equipped. It’s not the most modern car in the showroom, but that’s second to none. Driver assistance systems can be excellent and for Adaptive Cruise Control, for example, you should immediately go for one of the more expensive versions. Because the choice is huge, you can customize the car to your own taste. Look carefully at the driver assistance systems and driving lessons you want. The Mazda CX-5 is a car that can last for years to come. Only time will tell how long this workhorse will remain relevant.