Pros and Cons: Mazda CX-5 - Brilliant drive, but are you willing to sacrifice space?

Since its launch in 2017, the Mazda CX-5 has had a few updates such as the fitment of semi-digital instrument cluster and GVC Plus. There are 5 variants available and we have a pick of the range for it, read about it here.

But now let’s talk about the pros and cons of the Mazda CX-5. Here’s a quick overview:

Pros

• Excellent driving experience
• Well-appointed interior
• Low NVH levels

Cons

• Not as spacious as rivals
• Lacks full suite of ADAS
• Ride quality slightly brittle

Pros – Excellent driving experience

Power delivery is linear, the engine is happy to rev, plus the 6-speed automatic transmission is ever-ready to shift down upon throttle depression. This applies to all variants of the Mazda CX-5, including the 2.2D.

Steering is sharp and direct. For an SUV, the response when you apply steering in connection to the body is rather impressive. It just feels more connected than most of its rivals.

Take it easy through the corners and the CX-5 will demonstrate a composed behaviour with well-contained body roll, exactly how a family car should behave.

Pros – Well-appointed interior

Compared to all its rivals, namely the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan, the Mazda CX-5’s interior feels noticeably more upmarket. The materials used on the dashboard, centre console, and door panels feel plush. Properly premium stuff here.

Pros – Low NVH levels

The Mazda CX-5 has double-laminated front windows to reduce exterior noise. The result may not be obvious on the move when using a sound level meter but subjectively, it feels like you’re cocooned in your own space, isolated from the outside world.

It becomes more obvious at highway speeds where other SUVs will have wind noise creeping in, there’s barely any wind ruffle in the Mazda CX-5. The only sound that’s ever-present is the engine noise, especially at higher revs. At 110 km/h, the sound level meter recorded an average of 68 dB.

Combine the low NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) level with the nicely sculptured and supportive seats, the Mazda CX-5 makes for a relaxing drive.

Cons – Not as spacious as rivals

Space in the rear is significantly less than the Honda CR-V, with only 2 tennis balls of kneeroom and slightly less than 2 tennis balls of headroom for a 177 cm tall adult like yours truly. In the Honda CR-V, this writer was able to comfortably fit 3 tennis balls for kneeroom and 2 tennis balls for headroom.

Boot space is also smaller than rivals, rated at 442 litres. In comparison, the Proton X70 has a rated boot space of 512 litres, the Honda CR-V’s boot is rated at 561 litres, and the Volkswagen Tiguan’s boot is rated at 615 litres.

Cons – Lacks full suite of ADAS

Even in the range-topping variants, there’s no adaptive cruise control, or as Mazda calls it Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC). Most of its closest rivals, save for the Volkswagen Tiguan, feature adaptive cruise control.

Cons – Slightly brittle ride quality

In the spectrum of SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 sits on the firmer side. Even on 17-inch wheels with high profile rubbers, the ride is still a tad busy. The suspension just doesn’t seem to settle at a cruise and you’d always feel the slight jiggles.

On variants with 19-inch wheels, this effect is slightly exacerbated due to the lower profile tyres. The thick profile tyres on the 17-inch wheels do round off sharp edges better, unless the bumps or potholes are abnormally sized.

Conclusion

The Mazda CX-5 boasts an excellent driving experience, plush interior, and low cabin noise levels. However, there is less interior space, it lacks a complete suite of ADAS, and the ride quality is slightly brittle.

If your priority lies on driving experience and interior quality, then the Mazda CX-5 will fit to your requirements.