MAZDA CX-5 Medium Crossover SUV CX5 New Car Gasoline Vehicle

• Vehicle Specification

The Mazda CX-5 is an SUV that, unlike many of its rivals, manages to look svelte despite its large proportions. As well as good looks, the CX-5 benefits from some of the same character and driving dynamics Mazda’s engineers built into the Mazda MX-5. The CX-5 is fun to drive as a result, especially when compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan, Vauxhall Grandland, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Qashqai, and it runs the upmarket BMW X3 and Audi Q3 close on an open road too.

The design is unlike that of its blocky and bulky rivals. The grille is much larger than before and is partnered with slim headlights, which together give it a more distinctive and confident appearance that topped voting in our most recent Driver Power survey. And although it’s a little shorter than its predecessor, it looks sleeker. In short, it’s better looking than most of its rivals, including the stylish Skoda Karoq and SEAT Ateca.

Mazda has given its big-selling CX-5 a makeover for 2022. New cars get redesigned lights and bumpers, there are new trim level selections – some with vivid red or green detailing – and the suspension setup has been overhauled. The focus has been on making the CX-5 more comfortable than before, and after our test drive, we can confirm the changes have been mostly successful.

The interior of the CX-5 looks much as before, but has a different feel thanks to Mazda’s use of higher-grade materials. Surfaces are pleasantly tactile while discreet chrome highlights convey a real sense of quality. There’s up-to-date technology too, including a prominent 10.25-inch infotainment screen. A conveniently located rotary controller avoids you having to reach to operate it and leaving smudges on the screen.