Top 3 Mazda CX-5 trims head to head: here’s our winner.
No fewer than 7 Mazda CX-5 derivatives are currently available, offering 4 different trims and a selection of engine and gearbox combinations. We look at the top 3 trims to see how they differ - you may not need the top-spec after all.
It's been with us for 8 years and the Mazda CX-5 is still going strong. Now in its second generation, the KF series, the Mazda CX-5 continues to be a volume seller and many have found their place in the garages and hearts of the South African public.
Competitively priced and well-specced, the Mazda CX-5 offers a generous amount of space, comfort and convenience, all bundled into an attractive package and backed by Mazda's renowned reliability.
Related: Is the Mazda CX-5 good for families?
Trims
The model range consists of Active, Dynamic, Individual and Akera trims. Here's how the top 3 trims fare against each other:
| Feature | Dynamic | Individual | Akera |
| Sunroof | No | Yes (2.5 only) | Yes |
| Electric tailgate | No | Yes | Yes |
| 8-way electric seats | Driver | Driver + Passenger | Driver + Passenger |
| Leather upholstery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 19-inch alloy wheels | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Park Distance Control | No | Yes | Yes |
| Adaptive LED headlights | No | Yes | Yes |
| High Beam Assist | No | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | No | Yes | Yes |
| Heads-Up Display | No | Yes | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Keep Assist | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning | No | Yes | Yes |
Summary
While the Akera is the top-of-the-range model, it is only available with a single engine and gearbox combination; a 2.2-litre SkyActiv Diesel with an automatic gearbox sending drive to all four wheels. The Individual model offers a near-identical trim package but only has two petrol engines on offer, a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre, the latter with AWD. Both are fitted with automatic gearboxes.
If you don't want, or can live without, a diesel engine, the Individual model will do an admirable job of serving your needs.
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