Australia was one of Mazda’s top markets in terms of CX-5 market share. Australia’s love affair with the Japanese crossover continues, though the rest of the midsize SUV segment has increased with expanded powertrain, engine, and powertrain options.
Even as the current generation approaches its sixth birthday, Australians buy the CX-5 in droves. While the CX-5 has been in the works for years, it still represents outstanding value for money. It continues to bring new technology with constant upgrades—for example, wireless Apple CarPlay will arrive in 2023, just a year after the facelift.
With most manufacturers’ products experiencing high demand while supply is constrained, can the CX-5 still stand up to the new market competition?
What is the price of the Mazda CX-5 Touring Active?
The Mazda CX-5 package starts at $32,390 plus the road fee for the entry-level Mazda CX-5 Maxx and goes up to $53,880 off-road for the top-spec Mazda CX-5 Akera.
The CX-5 Touring Active 2.5 petrol reviewed here starts at $42,880, while a twin-turbo diesel is available for an additional $3,000, for a total recommended retail price (RRP) of $45,880. Mazda claims the CX-5 stands out with a more aggressive build and an updated under-the-skin suspension system. “Road noise has also been significantly reduced, particularly when driving on difficult terrain such as gravel,” he adds.
The engine lineup remained constant for 2022, with buyers choosing between 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines, and 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel engines. The model range has been reduced from 16 to 12. Standard trim is available. The Maxx is now only with a 2.0-litre engine and front-wheel drive, the diesel Maxx Sport and Touring are no longer available, and the GT trim is no longer available.
All prices below include the $1,225 destination charge.
- CX-5 2.5 S: $27,975
- CX-5 2.5 S Select: $29,775
- CX-5 2.5 S Preferred: $30,865
- CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition: $31,775
- CX-5 2.5 S Premium: $33,675
- CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus: $36,775
- CX-5 2.5 S Turbo: $38,125
- CX-5 2.5 S Turbo Signature: $40,925
For 2022, buyers can still opt for the sportier-looking GT SP.
The new Mazda CX-5 competes with the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Nissan X-Trail. It will also sit below the rear-biased Mazda CX-60, which is expected to be more expensive later.
What’s the Mazda CX-5 Touring Active like from the inside?
The cabin of the Mazda CX-5 feels expensive and upscale compared to its segment counterparts, which is one of its best features. The quality and finish are excellent, and Mazda seems to have gone above and beyond to offer something that isn’t just another SUV.
Except for the lower-cost MZD Connect infotainment system, that’s all accurate. The Touring Active debuted with the CX-5 a few years ago and is the last model in the lineup to get the more minor, older 8.0-inch infotainment system before upgrading to the 10.25-inch widescreen Mazda Connect unit.
MZD Connect is controlled via a rotary controller in the centre console containing the display. When the car is parked, it can also be used as a touchscreen. Although it has AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio routed through a six-speaker audio system, it’s cumbersome and falls light years behind the better offerings. Reach out to the CX-5 range.
You’ll have to spend an extra $6,000 to upgrade to GT SP to get a better infotainment system. While it offers more amenities overall, it often asks whether technology is necessary when buying a car. Mazda intends to push a high-end infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay across the range in the coming months while also tackling this area. Critical for improvement.
Aside from the infotainment system, the colour schemes used in the seats and throughout the cabin make this new design more significant than it is. Otherwise, first-row legroom and headroom are adequate, but the second row is noticeably smaller than some SUVs—the giant midsize quad on the market.
On the other hand, the 40/20/40 folding second row is one of its practical advantages. The second row of the trunk can also be folded down, which is not always the case and necessitates bending down to move the row. The cargo curtain naturally rises out of the way with the trunk, making it easier to shift while items are loaded.
Additional storage space and a space-saving spare tire are under the load floor. Cargo capacity is 442 litres with the second row in place and 1,342 litres with the second row folded down.
What’s behind the hood?
While turbocharged petrol variants are available in the higher-end CX-5, the Touring Active is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (as tested) or a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine.
The 2.5-litre petrol engine generates 140 kW and 252 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine produces 140 kW and 450 Nm. Average fuel consumption is 7.4 L/100km and 5.7 L/100km, respectively. Both engines are mated to a permanent all-wheel drive system and a six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
How does the Mazda CX-5 Touring Active handle on the road?
Mazda usually does a decent job—the manufacturer tries the sporty, comfortable side with excellent ride and feel in town but also brings sporty notes when you find a lovely stretch of country road. The CX-5 Touring Active is no different. The 17-inch alloy wheels have enough rubbery feel to satiate the ride without being too soft and floaty.
The CX-5 becomes more engaging and dynamic around corners as speed increases, true to Mazda’s sporty brand image. You might think a naturally aspirated engine would be a letdown, but even though it doesn’t quite have the ferocious punch of its turbocharged sibling, it’s still a lot of fun to drive.
It generates peak power and torque at relatively high revs (6,000rpm and 4,000rpm, respectively), but it’s powerful and, with a 2.5-litre instead of a 2.0-litre, has enough torque to shift its weight of 1,659kg. The steering and brake pedals provide an excellent feel. Its coupling to an automatic torque converter also ensures it accelerates smoothly from a standstill.
The all-wheel-drive system is interesting. Unlike some cars in this market that operate as a four-wheel drive on demand—most are front-wheel drive until the system detects slip on the front axle and engages the rear—the CX-5 delivers torque to the rear axle at all times, even while the front wheels are being driven and transferring very little torque to the driveline.
When slip is detected at the front, this almost acts as a preload for the rear axle, allowing it to transfer up to 50% of the immediately available power to the rear axle. Off-road mode simulates the rear differential lock when the rear wheel is lifted.
During our off-road comparison of midsize SUVs, the CX-5 performed admirably. While it wasn’t the best performer, it was OK for modest off-road driving (think driving to a muddy campsite).
Mazda has tuned the chassis and body control to a sporty level, so driving is enjoyable if you find yourself in many turns. The only noteworthy drawback is that the engine can feel rough when you hit the accelerator. That’s because peak power and torque range at 6,000 and 4,000 rpm, respectively, so you’ll need to be high in the throttle range to hit those peaks while driving hard.
What results do you get?
CX-5 Maxx highlights include:
- 225/65 tires on 17-inch wheels
- LED headlights that turn on and off automatically
- Wipers with rain sensors
- Electrically folding mirrors
- Seats in the back
- The ability to recline
- Fold split 40/20/40
- Trim the centre with black cloth
- 8.0″ Touch Screen (MZD Connect)
- 7.0″ Binnacle Digital Instrument Display
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto AM, FM, and DAB + radio
- The electronic parking brake has an auto-stop function, and the gearshift knob and steering wheel are wrapped in leather.
The CX-5 Maxx Sport gains the following features:
- Dual-zone climate control
- paddle shifters
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Rear seats with storage in the centre armrest
- USB charging ports
- Navigation using satellites
- Recognize traffic signs
The CX-5 Touring gains the following features:
- Body-coloured, heated, auto-fold mirrors
- Trim in Black Maztex/Black Grand Luxe faux suede
- Front parking sensors with keyless access
- Charge your smartphone wirelessly
- cargo floorboard
CX-5 Touring Active Gains:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (metallic grey)
- Green accents on the exterior and interior trimmings
- Side mirror caps in piano black
The CX-5 GT SP gains the following features:
- 19″ Alloy Wheels (Metallic Black)
- LED headlights with active bending are included.
- Power tilt sunroof and sliding glass
- Power tailgate with hands-free operation
- Heated front seats, as well as the driver’s memory
- Black leather seats with red contrast stitching
- Boss. 249 watts premium speaker
- 10 speakers (including subwoofer)
CX-5 Akera continues:
- 19-inch alloy wheels (glossy dark)
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated outer rear seats.
- Dark Burgundy Nappa leather seats
- The steering wheel is heated.
- ambient lighting
- Frameless rearview mirror
- Inserts made of genuine wood
- 360-degree cameras
- Unique overhead console
Is the Mazda CX-5 Touring Active a safe vehicle?
Based on 2017 testing, all Mazda CX-5 models have received a five-star ANCAP safety certification. The CX-5 received a score of 95% for adult occupant protection, 80% for child occupant protection, 78% for pedestrian protection, and 59% for safety assistance.
Among the standard security features:
- There are six airbags.
- Automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection in both directions
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Warning
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Driver attention alert
- Adaptive cruise control (MT) with stop/go (AT) function
- Auto high beam
- Parking sensors in the back
- Tire pressure monitoring
How Much Does the Mazda CX-5 Touring Active Cost to Run?
Mazda offers a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five years of roadside support. Maintenance is required every year or 10,000 km, whichever comes first. With Mazda’s Fixed Price Service program, the first five services totalled $1,777.
Mazda CX-5 Touring Active
Despite its age, the Mazda CX-5 remains a compelling powerplant with class-leading fit and finish. It looks and feels excellent inside the cabin, exuding feelings of luxury. The outdated MZD Connect infotainment system is a letdown in the Touring Active. It can sometimes be uncomfortable and obsolete compared to its competitors.
If technology isn’t your thing, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are enough to make the infotainment system tolerable in its current state. Aside from the infotainment system, the rest of the car has all the bells, whistles, and safety tech you need. The fact that it’s not a hybrid isn’t a deal breaker either because it’s already efficient enough without all the extra weight of a plug-in hybrid.
