2025 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera evaluation

An up to date Mazda CX-5 could also be simply months away, forward of an all-new mannequin subsequent 12 months, however there’s lots to love in regards to the mid-size SUV you’ll be able to at present purchase – even when it dates again to 2016.

Set to reach in June, the up to date CX-5 vary will carry a revised mannequin lineup, with the primary change being the addition of a front-wheel drive model of the mid-spec Touring to interchange the all-wheel drive Maxx Sport.

Tech and kit beforehand discovered solely on the high quality will quickly additionally trickle all the way down to cheaper variants. That makes the vary extra accessible and means individuals who need one of the best of Mazda’s gear gained’t need to pay as a lot.

These on the prime not often concern themselves with the quarrels of these on the backside although, and that rings true with the CX-5 flagship. The Akera will stay largely unchanged on the very prime of Mazda’s mid-size SUV vary.

It’ll nonetheless have a potent turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive as normal, as per the GT SP positioned beneath it. What’s not but recognized is how a lot it’ll price, and that’s the place the prevailing mannequin vary enters the image.

The present era of CX-5 went on sale in Australia in 2017, and since then a number of changes have been made to the vary. A facelifted model arrived in early 2022, the guide was dropped in late 2022, and diesel engines have been axed for 2024.

WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 G25 Touring AWD

That offers us the petrol-only vary we all know at present. Regardless of exceptionally robust competitors, the CX-5 stays a gross sales winner and holds a value benefit over its rivals.

In 2024, Mazda shifted 22,835 CX-5s, inserting it behind solely the Toyota RAV4 with 58,718 and Mitsubishi Outlander with 27,613 within the mid-size SUV section. It beat rivals just like the Kia Sportage (22,210), Hyundai Tucson (19,061), and Nissan X-Path (17,494) to the bronze medal.

The breadth of the CX-5 vary little question helped it attain these numbers. Whereas there’s no hybridisation accessible – a key omission within the context of the above rivals – there are 5 trim ranges, three engines, and two drivetrains to select from, offering one thing for everybody.

On take a look at right here is the range-topping Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera AWD, the one CX-5 variant priced at greater than $54,000 earlier than on-roads. That is pretty much as good as the prevailing CX-5 will get, so must you bide your time and anticipate the up to date mannequin and even its all-new alternative, or go for considered one of its many rivals?

How does the Mazda CX-5 examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Mazda CX-5 towards equally sized autos.

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How a lot does the Mazda CX-5 price?

The Akera is considered one of simply two CX-5 trim ranges accessible with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It’s additionally the extra luxe model of the pair and prices a sq. $55,000 earlier than on-roads.

When it comes to top-spec rivals, the hybrid-only RAV4 tops out at $58,360, the non-hybrid Outlander lineup at $55,190, and the Sportage at $55,420 – all costs are earlier than on-road prices.

The CX-5 can be cheaper than the range-topping Tucson and Nissan X-Path variants but prices greater than the equal however slower-selling Subaru Forester.

As talked about, there’s a set of working adjustments coming quickly for the CX-5 that may carry some shuffling of the variants and extra normal equipment additional down the vary, although the Akera will stay unchanged.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument

What’s the Mazda CX-5 like on the within?

Actually fairly good and actually fairly much like most different Mazda interiors.

Even alongside premium Mazdas just like the bigger CX-70, that is nonetheless up there with the nicest interiors the Japanese model affords.

The largest omission is a totally digital instrument cluster, however what you get within the CX-5 nonetheless seems elegant. As there are patrons who need a full display and others who need solely gauges, we really feel Mazda’s method here’s a stable compromise.

Actually, it’s virtually an identical to what you get in a Mazda 3, and we prefer it there too. Configuration isn’t its power although, as there are solely a few shows to scroll by way of on the 7.0-inch digital portion – completed through the use of the ‘Information’ button on the steering wheel.

All the knowledge offered is evident and legible, contributing to the instrument unit’s general clear look. Our most popular show is the faux speedometer gauge, even when it defeats the purpose of a digital cluster.

A power is the CX-5’s 10.25-inch infotainment show, which is normal throughout the vary and holds its personal towards the bigger shows in Mazda’s bigger SUVs.

Not like lower-spec CX-5 of latest years and even the present CX-3, the display within the present CX-5s is the newest in Mazda multimedia {hardware}. It’s nonetheless jammed into the highest of the dashboard, but it surely’s a crisp show with dependable performance.

It’s, nevertheless, annoying you can’t use it as a touchscreen whereas on the transfer. As normal, you’re compelled to function it by way of the rotary dial and buttons on the centre console, which remains to be the cheaper-looking various to what’s in automobiles just like the Mazda 3 and CX-70, as an example.

That’s actually not for everybody, however I’ve at all times favored this setup. There’s one thing good about with the ability to lean on the central armrest as you scroll by way of the display slightly than lifting your arm – first-world issues, I do know.

Mazda has offered a field you’ll be able to tick to unlock the touchscreen operate, which is particularly useful for Apple CarPlay. We just like the wi-fi performance, however navigating it utilizing the dial is cumbersome.

The dial works effectively with Mazda’s native person interface, particularly when you’ve discovered some navigational methods like pulling the dial down to leap to smartphone mirroring.

Additionally purposeful is the CX-5’s local weather management system. Once more, it’s nowhere close to as extravagant as a bigger Mazda SUV’s, but it surely’s simple to make use of, due to its primarily bodily setup.

In any other case, we respect the fabric selection inside, apart from the gloss black panel surrounding the gear selector. The important thing contact factors are all delicate and padded, making it simple to settle in for an extended drive.

The well-proportioned driver’s seat is supplemented by electrical adjustment, for which there’s a variety of motion. The identical is true for the steering wheel, which affords good tilt and attain adjustment to swimsuit most seating positions.

With its giant diameter and skinny rim, the wheel itself feels fairly good within the fingers. The leather-based end can be clean and matches completely in a cabin just like the Akera’s, and we don’t hate its chrome accents and hardy buttons.

You’ll discover the distinct lack of brightly colored upholstery right here too, which isn’t in step with particular grades of the CX-3 and Mazda’s bigger SUVs. That makes it friendlier for younger households susceptible to main spills.

That stated, the Akera is the one CX-5 accessible with “Darkish Russet” Nappa leather-based. All meaning is you get materials that appears a bit extra premium with out having to fret about dirtying the tan-coloured suede or white leather-based additionally accessible.

All the things is sweet and cozy consequently. We’d cease in need of calling it high-end, however there’s a sure budget-conscious luxurious to the way in which every little thing’s offered.

As for storage and connectivity, you have got two central cupholders, bottle holders within the doorways, and a sizeable centre console storage field – to not point out a wi-fi charging pad tucked away beneath the local weather panel, effectively out of attain of the solar’s scorching rays.

There are additionally two USB-C ports up entrance, which can be utilized for charging and smartphone mirroring. As a complete, the inside design and format are impressively cohesive, to not point out surprisingly premium.

That theme continues to the second row. Again right here is similar almost-black upholstery, which covers a properly padded bench seat.

Headroom is superb due to the CX-5’s tall roofline, and passengers again right here seemingly gained’t run into any points with legroom both. There’s even sufficient house to suit three grown adults with relative ease.

Facilities at the back of the Akera embody rear-facing air vents to enhance the dual-zone setup, plus heating for the outboard seats. There’s additionally a fold-down central armrest, the place you’ll discover two cupholders, buttons for seat heating, and a novel energy financial institution with two USB-A charging ports.

It’s mildly disappointing that the Akera’s sunroof isn’t panoramic and subsequently doesn’t cowl the second row.

That stated, I’m a fan of Mazda’s all-black headliner, because it elevates the upmarket setting contained in the cabin.

It additionally contributes to creating the CX-5 really feel a bit smaller from behind the wheel, which helps for an SUV of this dimension, with out making the cabin really feel cramped or closed-in. It’s nowhere close to as cozy as a Mazda 3 feels inside.

Out again, the boot is massive and sensible. It could supply much less capability in comparison with rivals just like the RAV4 (as much as 580 litres) and the petrol Tucson (539 litres), however the carbo ground remains to be lengthy, flat and stage with the boot opening to creating loading simpler.

The CX-5’s rear wheel-arches eat into cargo capability, and Mazda has added two comparatively shallow storage nooks behind them on both facet. There are additionally cargo hooks above them and a retractable privateness cowl on prime.

Lifting the boot ground reveals a space-saver spare wheel, which is normal throughout the vary. There are further storage areas to be discovered right here too, if it’s essential to eke out some additional room.

There’s not lots to complain about concerning the CX-5’s inside, particularly on the pricier Akera stage.

To deal with these minor first-world issues, we wouldn’t complain if a bigger sunroof was put in and the few bits of shiny black plastic have been eliminated, however we discover the general cabin design simple on the attention and comfortably habitable.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument

What’s underneath the bonnet?

Our Akera was fitted with Mazda’s turbocharged G35 petrol engine, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing essentially the most energy of any engine throughout the CX-5 vary. It delivers 30kW of energy and an enormous 168Nm extra torque than its naturally aspirated equal, and continues with the six-speed torque converter automated that’s normal throughout the vary.

Our week with the automotive concerned primarily suburban driving, with a handful of freeway stints thrown in for good measure. With that in thoughts, our recorded gas economic system was on par with Mazda’s city cycle declare of 10.3L/100km.

Mazda’s mixed declare is kind of excessive for what’s a reasonably normal household commuter – a direct results of the high-output engine underneath the bonnet. Naturally, we needed to plant the foot just a few occasions to see what it might do.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument

How does the Mazda CX-5 drive?

It may not ship its additional efficiency in essentially the most inspiring vogue, however Mazda has seasoned this CX-5 with one thing somewhat spicier than what we’re used to with Australia’s single hottest new car kind.

In a single sense, the turbocharged G35 engine within the CX-5 is a catch-22 – it makes this household SUV lots quicker, but it surely undermines the gas economic system advantages that outline one of the best household SUVs.

Then again, the G35 brings the CX-5 to life. It’s surprisingly fast, particularly whenever you’re capable of capitalise on that near-instant torque hit at low pace.

The CX-5 has no concern getting its energy to the bottom both, due to its well-sorted all-wheel drive system. A bonus is how easy the engine makes regular driving really feel, because it’s capable of fortunately chug alongside at freeway speeds and gently speed up with out having to drop down a gear.

Within the context of the two.0-litre engine on the backside of the vary, the G35 is kind of a refined possibility too. In fact, the draw back is increased gas consumption, which is one thing you’ll have to simply accept if you happen to go for this configuration.

Mazda’s gas economic system declare gained’t be in any respect stunning to patrons coming from an SUV from the mid-2000s, but it surely’s effectively above what the opposite two CX-5 engines are claimed to devour. At the very least its potential to deal with common 91-octane gas soothes the sting.

In real-world driving, you seemingly gained’t be capable of match Mazda’s declare. It’s simple to lose monitor of how a lot you’ve really drank till you test the journey laptop and make the stunning revelation.

As such, the non-turbo 2.5-litre might be the higher various. There’s no questioning the higher efficiency of the G35, however you’ll need to weigh up whether or not you need a bit extra urge or to avoid wasting a bit extra on the bowser.

The turbo does ease the pressure on the engine, which might really save gas throughout low-demand driving, however there’s no cylinder deactivation tech like with the G25. What we don’t love is the CX-5’s transmission, which is an unlucky theme throughout Mazda’s automated catalogue.

It simply doesn’t react shortly sufficient to sharp throttle inputs. When attempting to speed up shortly from low speeds, it’ll take a good whereas to kick all the way down to the suitable gear – earlier than the G35 actually takes off.

Shifting underneath excessive load is constant, although energy supply tends to peter out as you get nearer to the highest of the rev vary, and it turns into time to seize the following gear. It’s low-speed, suburban driving the place the transmission can get in the way in which by being somewhat sluggish.

You possibly can take management your self utilizing the paddle shifters on the wheel, however don’t count on lightning-quick shifts. Typically talking, the gearbox is okay for the job it must do, but it surely’s simply not as snappy as we’d like for an engine producing as a lot energy as this.

As for journey consolation, the CX-5 is effectively sorted. Whereas there’s no adaptive suspension tech, the spring and damper setup manages the Akera’s dimension and weight effectively.

It handles giant rises and dips confidently and irons out smaller imperfections in a means that gained’t tire you out on lengthy drives. That’s regardless of the bigger 19-inch wheels fitted to the Akera, although the chunkier rubber fitted on the bottom CX-5s makes the journey even comfier.

Street noise is the same story. The Akera is quieter than we’d count on from an eight-year-old mannequin on low-profile tyre, however the cabin is effectively insulated and its aerodynamic form minimises wind noise too.

Regardless of all this physique and chassis refinement, dealing with is crisp and, as a bonus, there’s nonetheless a considerably mechanical really feel to the steering. It’s direct and weighty with out being cumbersome, making the CX-5 appropriately agile consequently.

You additionally get the peace of thoughts of all-wheel drive, offering a contact extra traction on moist or unsealed roads. That is normal for all CX-5s, bar the underside two variants.

So the driving expertise of the CX-5 is confidence-inspiring and its security tech is an enormous motive for this. Whereas the CX-5 is now not rated by the unbiased ANCAP security organisation, there’s a complete suite of drugs within the Akera – as you’d count on for a top-spec mannequin.

Amongst them is Mazda’s extra superior cruising and site visitors help system. That is solely discovered on the GT SP and Akera, and it really works effectively to maintain the automotive centred in its lane whereas matching the pace of site visitors round you.

Lengthy-distance driving is subsequently very simple within the Akera, and the snug and spacious inside make it even higher suited to racking up time being the wheel. Moreover, different security methods like blind spot monitoring can usually be trusted, whereas its reversing digital camera is of acceptable high quality.

The Akera can be the one CX-5 to be fitted with a surround-view digital camera, which works effectively, is nice to have and may make you’re feeling higher about paying additional for the top-shelf CX-5.

All of that is backed up by beneficiant visibility out of the cabin. The seating place is comparatively excessive and makes seeing over the bonnet simple, whereas the facet home windows are giant sufficient for fast head-checks.

The one factor that might be thought of an inconvenience is the rear window, which seems fairly slender when trying by way of the rear-view mirror. It’s not the top of the world, however the tailgate can obscure smaller automobiles with decrease rooflines – particularly in low gentle circumstances.

All up, this can be a robust, cohesive package deal, although the spotlight is certainly that engine. The efficiency benefit might not justify the additional cash when you think about the trade-off in gas effectivity, but it surely provides a little bit of character to the CX-5 and fits its sporty chassis effectively.

Not like the larger and newer CX-60, for instance, now we have no complaints with journey consolation, and people minor transmission niggles are on no account a deal-breaker.

The stable foundations of this CX-5 are adequate to make it Mazda’s top-seller and even Australia’s hottest mid-size SUV for some time, and so they nonetheless stack up effectively alongside its newest opponents.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument

What do you get?

There are a complete of 5 distinct CX-5 grades, and the turbocharged Akera sits on the prime of the meals chain.

2025 Mazda CX-5 Maxx gear highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automated LED headlights
• Automated high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Physique-coloured facet mirrors with energy folding
• 7.0-inch TFT CLD digital instrument cluster
• 10.25-inch infotainment system (Mazda Join)
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 6-speaker sound system
• Head-up show
• 2 x entrance USB-C ports
• Push-button begin
• Air-conditioning
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-based-wrapped gear shifter
• Electrical parking brake with auto-hold
• Keyless window open operate
• Black material upholstery
• Rear seat reclining operate

CX-5 Maxx Sport provides:

• LED tail lights
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Rear air vents
• Paddle shifters
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Rear centre armrest
• Two rear USB-A ports

CX-5 Touring provides:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Energy-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Keyless entry
• Black Maztex upholstery

CX-5 GT SP provides:

• LED daytime working lights
• Distinctive grille
• Adaptive Entrance-Lighting System
• Single-pane sunroof
• Arms-free energy tailgate
• 10-speaker Bose premium sound system
• Cruising and Site visitors Help
• Black leather-based upholstery with pink stitching
• Heated entrance seats
• 10-way energy driver’s seat with two-position reminiscence
• 6-way energy passenger seat

CX-5 Akera provides:

• Adaptive LED headlights
• Encompass-view digital camera
• Heated steering wheel
• Inside ambient lighting
• Darkish Russet Nappa leather-based upholstery
• Ventilated entrance seats
• Heated outboard rear seats

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument

Is the Mazda CX-5 secure?

The Mazda CX-5 doesn’t have a present ANCAP ranking, as its earlier take a look at outcomes expired on the finish of 2024.

Customary security options embody:

• Twin frontal, facet chest and curtain airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Reverse AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep help
• Driver consideration alert
• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Reverse digital camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Tyre strain monitoring

Maxx Sport and up get site visitors signal recognition, Touring and up get entrance parking sensors, whereas the GT SP and Akera get Mazda’s Cruising and Site visitors Help system. The Akera additionally will get a surround-view monitor.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument

How a lot does the Mazda CX-5 price to run?

The Mazda CX-5 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, with capped-price service prices for the primary seven visits are outlined beneath.

The G35 is the dearest to run of the three accessible CX-5 engine grades, costing $491 and $447 greater than the G20 and G25 respectively over seven years.

For context, Toyota caps the primary 5 providers of its RAV4 at $260 every for a complete of $1300, whereas Mitsubishi does the identical for the primary 10 non-hybrid Outlander providers – totalling $4340 over 10 years, or $2740 over seven – so this CX-5 turbo will price you extra to keep up.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera

The G35 is loads of enjoyable, but it surely’s not the one to go for if a sensible SUV is all you want.

As a place to begin, it’s exhausting to go fallacious with the CX-5. It’s cheaper than comparable rivals, in addition to snug and pretty luxurious in its presentation – regardless of now getting somewhat lengthy within the tooth in 2025.

Practicality is nice, and the on-road package deal you get proper throughout the vary makes it all of the automotive you’d ever want.

That’s why the G35 engine is admittedly simply superfluous; it’s there for purchasers who’ve somewhat more money to splash on a cultured mid-size SUV with additional efficiency, each when it comes to buy value and working prices.

Whereas it’s extra highly effective, the most important benefit of the G35 is that it doesn’t need to work as exhausting, whether or not it’s round city or out on the open highway, plus you get 200kg of additional towing capability.

Nonetheless, whereas the G35 is enjoyable however impractical, the CX-5’s G20 2.0-litre engine is somewhat strained even within the significantly smaller Mazda 3, not to mention a 1700kg SUV.

Due to this fact, we’d recommend the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre G25 might be one of the best decide for the CX-5, which might be why it dominates on this SUV lineup.

You’ll additionally save upwards of $3000 by going for an equal G25, and that makes it aggressive on this section.

There’s nonetheless no electrification to match the RAV4, Sportage, Tucson, X-Path, Honda CR-V and even the incoming Subaru Forester, however that shall be remedied when the next-generation CX-5 arrives a while in 2026.

Eager about shopping for a Mazda CX-5? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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