The Mazda CX-5 is a popular compact SUV known for its sleek styling, comfortable interior, and engaging driving dynamics. But how does it fare as a choice for new drivers?
The CX-5 is good for new drivers... and everybody else
The CX-5 is one of those cars you buy with your head, but it pleases the heart too with its sensuous curves and minimalist styling. Its a sensible car for drivers of all ages, and new drivers (and their parents) will be pleased to know that it is very safe.
The CX-5 range kicks off with the 2.0 Active Manual (R524 600). Here are some of the standard features in this entry-level variant, but there are currently 5 more models to choose from, including a 2.5-litre AWD model and one diesel, my favourite, the CX-5 2.2DE AWD Akera model which tops the range at R778 700. (Which model is better - diesel or petrol? Find out here!)
Updated Mazda CX-5 now available
To illustrate how well-specified the entry-level model is, we've listed the basics and features of the most affordable new model here:
| Model | CX-5 2.0 Active manual |
| Price (Nov 2023) | R524,600 |
| Engine | 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT (SKYACTIV-G) petrol |
| Power | 121kW |
| Torque | 213Nm |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8-6.9l/100km (claimed. Average real-life consumption is closer to around 8; read our 2023 CX-5 2.0 Carbon Edition review) |
| CO2 Emissions | 160g/km |
| Driven Wheels | Front |
| Doors | 5 |
| Body Shape | SUV |
| Segment | Passenger car |
Comfort and convenience features
The younger generation likes their creature comforts, and the CX-5 doesn't disappoint with the following:
- Touchscreen system with controller and satellite buttons on the steering wheel
- Keyless start
- rain-sensing windscreen wipers
- heated exterior mirrors
- retractable exterior mirrors
- front armrest
- split/folding rear seat
- automatic headlight levelling
Safety features
If you're a new road user, chances are you're not quite used to all the noise and traffic, but knowing that your car has a five-star safety rating certainly helps! This model gets:
- ABS
- EBD
- electromechanical parking brake
- traction control
- stability control
- full-size spare wheel
- tyre pressure sensor
- 6 x airbags
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- cruise control
- Bluetooth
- remote central locking
- child locks
- rear privacy glass
- Isofix
- Automatic headlights (LEDs)
- front fog lamps
- rearview camera
Dimensions and Capacities: Big enough for a new driver, their friends, and their stuff
The CX-5 is a little bigger than the usual choice of new drivers, who opt for hatchbacks or compact SUVs as their first cars. Being a mid-size SUV, the CX-5 offers major space but is not large and cumbersome to drive at all. Here are its dimensions:
- Length: 4575mm
- Width (excl mirrors - incl mirrors): 1845mm - 2115mm
- Height: 1675mm
- Wheelbase: 2700mm
- Ground Clearance: 185mm
- Load Volume / Capacity: 442-1914 litres
- Unladen/Tare/Kerb Weight: 1534kg
- Gross Weight (GVM): 1995kg
- Towing Capacity, Unbraked: 750kg
- Towing Capacity (Braked): 1000kg
- Gross Combination Mass/Combined Weight (GCM): 2995kg
- Fuel Tank Capacity (incl. reserve): 56 litres
Warranty and Service: Say hello to worry-free motoring
The first three years of ownership are stress-free for new drivers because they don't want to deal with car admin, and the unlimited warranty distance is also nothing to sneeze at. Here's what each new Mazda offers in terms of aftersales:
- Warranty Time: 3 years
- Warranty Distance: Unlimited
- Service Plan: Standard, 3 years/unlimited distance
Isn't the CX-5 a bit pricey for new drivers?
Although we think the CX-5 is well-priced (considering what you get as standard), most new drivers' budgets simply don't stretch that far; however, when you start looking for used CX-5 models on AutoTrader, you will be amazed at the bargains you'll find.
Related: Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai Tucson - best value shootout
Cash-strapped? Older CX-5 models are good for new drivers, too!
Previous-generation, pre-loved CX-5s aren't scarce, and there are some major bargains to be had. Take a look at these CX-5 searches we've already pre-filtered for you:
All Mazda CX-5 models for under R200 000
Mazda CX-5 models with less than 100 000 kilometres on the clock for up to R200 000
Mazda CX-5 models with less than 100 000 kilometres on the clock from R200 000 to R300 000
Search AutoTrader for all new Mazda CX-5 models here
Search AutoTrader for all used Mazda CX-5 models here
How much are car repayments on a brand new CX-5? Find out here.
Buying used? Read about the 2016 CX-5 model here
Verdict
Although the CX-5 is a brilliant car for a new driver, we recommend buying a used model if a new one is too pricey.
The slightly smaller CX-30 is a great car too, but quite new, and the most affordable new model we have on site is a 2022 model for R318 999. Search AutoTrader for CX-30 models from least to most expensive, here.
Why not also consider the smaller and more affordable Mazda CX-3? We reckon it is perfect for new drivers, and you can grab yourself a bargain under R200k. Search AutoTrader for CX-3 models here!
