In this article:
Who is the Mazda CX-5 a good car for?
What is the Mazda CX-5 like to drive?
Tech features in the Mazda CX-5
Similar cars to the Mazda CX-5
Is the Mazda CX-5 a good car?
The Mazda CX-5 is a highly popular SUV with handsome styling, a practical interior, and good driving dynamics. I'd say it's a good car, for sure. It tends to hang on to its value and is quite reliable, too.
Who is the Mazda CX-5 a good car for?
The CX-5 is a good car for customers in need of a stylish, spacious SUV with an unfussy interior and logical layout. It's suitable for young and old; all levels of driving experience will find favour with the CX-5.
Is the Mazda CX-5 a good first car?
If you can afford it, the CX-5 is ideal for young drivers, due to its safety credentials and user-friendliness, but we would suggest going for a used or even a pre-facelift model. Read Top 6 safety features on the Mazda CX-5 >
Is the Mazda CX-5 a good family car?
The CX-5 is very much aimed towards those with children. Read Is the Mazda CX-5 good for families? >
Is there a Hybrid Mazda CX-5 model?
The local line-up of CX-5 models is without a hybrid model.
View the latest new and used Mazda CX-5 models for sale in South Africa>
What’s it like to drive?
Mazda's G-Vectoring setup makes the CX-5 feel nimble and fleet-footed, but the 2.0-litre paired with the automatic gearbox isn't our first choice, we'd prefer the 2.2-litre diesel model or 2.5-litre petrol-powered model if an auto-gearbox is a must-have.
If your budget doesn't allow for these upper-level models, we suggest opting for a 2.0-litre petrol with a six-speed manual transmission. However, not everyone's a petrol-head and those of us who just enjoy the comfort of a self-shifting gearbox and have no need of dynamic driving, won't be perturbed by the 2.0-litre auto models' habit of 'hunting' for the correct gear.
Reviewer's opinion
"Unfortunately, we were left a little bit disappointed with the combination, as the power delivery had been stunted somewhat. The lack of get-up-and-go left us frustrated in traffic, and on more than one occasion, stranded in the wrong lane.
That aside, the Mazda delivered more smiles per mile once again, and even though we bemoan the lack of drive from the Auto option, the same brilliant Mazda drive was still there. Excellent fuel economy and a compliant and supple drive more than made up for the transmission and engine pairing." - Lawrence Minnie, AutoTrader
Read his full Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic Auto (2017) review >
Buying a slightly older model? Watch this Mazda CX-5 2.2 DE AWD Akera video review from 2016 >
Read all Mazda CX-5 car reviews >
See all the latest Mazda CX-5 news and advice >
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the Mazda CX-5 like inside?
The Mazda CX-5 is known for its clean and uncluttered interior and good ergonomics, as well as excellent fit and finish.
Style
Contemporary, minimalist and sophisticated are words that seem to describe the CX-5 rather well. It's understated and functional, and has won numerous design awards.
Tech highlights
- full-colour Head-Up Display (Individual and Akera models)
- MZD Connect 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistant (Carbon Edition, Individual, and Akera models)
- Rear and surround view cameras (Individual and Akera models)
- Blind spot monitoring (Carbon Edition, Individual, and Akera models)
Pricing and specs
Which is the cheapest Mazda CX-5?
The cheapest Mazda CX-5 is the entry-level 2.0 Active model with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It has 121kW and 213 Nm. Prices start from R462 300.
Search for the latest new and used Mazda CX-5 models in South Africa >
How much does it cost?
| Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active | R 462 300 |
| Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active auto | R 476 100 |
| Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic | R 491 700 |
| Mazda CX-5 2.0 Dynamic auto | R 506 600 |
| Mazda CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition | R 574 300 |
| Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD Individual | R 654 000 |
| Mazda CX-5 2.2 DE AWD Akera | R 686 200 |
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice. Consult the Mazda CX-5 microsite for the latest prices, here >
Competitors
Similar cars to the Mazda CX-5
Hyundai Tucson
Read our latest Hyundai Tucson reviews >
Search the latest new and used Hyundai Tucson models for sale in South Africa >
Volkswagen Tiguan
Read our latest Volkswagen Tiguan reviews >
Search the latest new and used Volkswagen Tiguan for sale in South Africa >
Toyota RAV4
Read our latest Toyota RAV4 reviews >
Search the latest new and used Toyota RAV4 reviews for sale in South Africa >
