Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) Review

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) At A Glance

Honest John Overall Rating

If you’re considering a used SUV, this generation of Mazda CX-5 is well worth considering. It looks great, delivers an engaging, enjoyable drive plus is reliable and well equipped.

Economical and efficient. Comfortable ride and nimble handling. Well equipped as standard.

Cabin is drab compared to exterior. Engines need to be worked hard to give their best.

Insurance Groups are between 15–21
On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure

There is a lot to like about the Mazda CX-5, not least its good looks, fine drive and efficient diesel engines. It’s not the most spacious SUV around, but it still gives the Ford Kuga and Volkswagen Tiguan some stiff competition. Read on for our full Mazda CX-5 review.

In 2012, it seemed that every car maker was jumping on the SUV bandwagon, but the Mazda CX-5 was no also-ran.

It delivered everything that’s good about owning a full-sized SUV, in a well-styled, comfortable and cheap to run package.

Part of the appeal of the Mazda CX-5 as a new car and now as a used car is its look. It’s tall and purposefully styled, with a cabin that gives the feel of a proper off-roader.

The driving position is excellent, offering long-range comfort and a commanding view of the road.

However, despite its SUV pretentions, it’s not much bigger than an everyday family hatchback. It’s more practical, though – the elevated cabin means getting in and out is effortless, plus there’s space for five and a cavernous boot.

As is the norm for cars in this class, both two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants are available, and there’s a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel engines – the latter available with two power outputs.

Chances are that most will go for the lower-powered 150PS diesel engine – official economy is 61.4mpg and emissions are 119g/km in two-wheel-drive form, making it the cleanest engine in the range.

It’s also smooth and offers useful everyday performance.

Standard equipment is impressive. Even entry-level models get cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth.

Moving up to higher equipment grades gets you more luxuries, such as leather upholstery, built-in satellite navigation and xenon headlights. All models have active safety gear, including collision-mitigating braking.

Fancy a new Mazda CX-5? Read our Mazda CX-5 review here.

Reviews for Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals

Honda CR-V

1.6 i-DTEC is punchy and efficient, massive boot and a spacious cabin for five adults, superb build quality...

Ford Kuga

Class-leading handling, practical and spacious interior, plenty of examples to choose from.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Decent SUV with diesel automatic option. Comfortable seats. Escape version capable off-road. Optional...

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) handling and engines

Driving Rating

It might be an SUV, but the Mazda CX-5 drives and handles with the verve and comfort of the best family hatchbacks. The availability of all-wheel-drive versions add to its overall appeal.

Engines range from 2.0 165 to 2.2 D 175 Automatic 4WD
Readers report Real MPG to be between 29–56 mpg

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Handling and ride quality

While the Mazda CX-5 might look and feel huge, it’s actually not much bigger than the average family hatchback, so it’s an easy car to live with day-to-day, even in town.

The driving position is excellent, with a commanding, elevated view of the road ahead and well-placed controls. It means driving the Mazda CX-5 is effortless, whether in town, in the countryside or on the motorway.

Despite being a tall, high-riding car, the Mazda CX-5 is fairly flat and stable in corners, which is good news for those who live in rural areas and have to negotiate twisting country lanes.

The steering is nicely weighted and there’s plenty of grip, even in two-wheel-drive models. Granted, the Mazda CX-5 isn’t particularly exciting, but it’s relaxed, safe and comfortable.

Many buyers will spend plenty of time in town and the Mazda CX-5 is certainly at home in an urban environment – its suspension is pliant enough to absorb the worst potholes and speed bumps without upsetting the occupants.

That said, it can jiggle and wobble over very broken and rippled surfaces, but not so much as to cause a problem.

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Engines

Mazda offers three engine options. The entry-level unit is a 2.0-litre petrol with 165PS, plus there’s a 2.2-litre diesel available with either 150PS or 175PS.

The 150PS diesel engine is the best of the bunch – it offers great performance but with low emissions and good fuel economy.

The higher-powered diesel model is only offered in conjunction with all-wheel drive and, officially, it’s no thirstier, like for like, than the 150PS engine.

Nonetheless, it’s not really worth spending the extra cash on – performance isn’t much different, the top speed is the same 126mph, and 0-62mph takes 8.8 seconds, which is only a fraction quicker than the 150PS model’s 9.4 seconds.

For most buyers, there’s no real need to fork out the extra money for all-wheel drive, especially those who live in towns or cities.

However if you live in a rural area or somewhere susceptible to snow or ice, the all-wheel- drive option might be worth your while.

Bear in mind that it’s designed for traction in low-grip conditions, rather than crossing deep ruts and climbing steep hills.

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Safety

The Mazda CX-5 was among the first to come with collision-avoiding automatic emergency braking as standard across the range when it was launched in 2012. Mazda called this Smart City Brake Support.

That helped the car achieve a five-star Euro NCAP result, along with its spread of airbags, ABS brakes, ESP traction and stability control, and the option of a Safety Pack with lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert and high beam headlight assistance.

Sport Nav models also come with a reversing camera as standard.

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Towing

Most Mazda CX-5s of this generation are able to deal with an unbraked trailer of up to 750kg and a braked one of up to 2000kg, so it’s a useful tow car for those with a caravan.

However, some models are limited to 690kg unbraked and 1800kg braked, so be sure to check if this is a key buying factor for you.

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO₂
2.0	47 mpg	9.0–9.2 s	139 g/km
2.0 165	47 mpg	9.0–9.2 s	139 g/km
2.2 D 150	54–61 mpg	9.2–9.4 s	119–136 g/km
2.2 D 150 4WD	54 mpg	8.8–9.4 s	136 g/km
2.2 D 150 Automatic	51–53 mpg	10.0–10.2 s	139–144 g/km
2.2 D 150 Automatic 4WD	51 mpg	9.4–10.2 s	144 g/km
2.2 D 150 Automatic AWD	51 mpg	10.2 s	144 g/km
2.2 D 150 AWD	54 mpg	9.4 s	136 g/km
2.2 D 175 4WD	54 mpg	8.8 s	136 g/km
2.2 D 175 Automatic 4WD	51 mpg	9.4 s	144 g/km

Real MPG average for the Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

78%

Real MPG

29–56 mpg

MPGs submitted

725

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) interior

Interior Rating

The cabin of the Mazda CX-5 is comfortable, impressively spacious and very well built. Some drab plastics spoil the overall ambience, but most owners are unlikely to have many complaints.

Boot space is 503–1620 litres
Euro NCAP rating of five stars

Dimensions
Length	4555 mm
Width	1840 mm
Height	1710 mm
Wheelbase	2700 mm
Full specifications

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Practicality

Thanks to its SUV styling, the Mazda CX-5 has a high-up driving position that provides a commanding view of the road ahead. The cabin is spacious, with room for five.

Rear-seat passengers get ample legroom and headroom, and the boot is big enough to swallow plenty of luggage or shopping.

Its 503-litre capacity can be expanded to 1620 litres by folding the rear seats, which is an easy task thanks to quick release levers in the boot.

The boot has a clever tonneau cover which pulls out and clips into the rear window frame. It means there’s no bulky parcel shelf to move in and out of the car when larger items need carrying, and because it clips into the tailgate it doesn’t need to be manually retracted every time it’s needed.

It’s a nice touch that adds to the already impressive practicality.

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Quality and finish

While the cabin might be spacious and practical, it’s also one of the few areas in which the Mazda CX-5 can be criticised – it’s well screwed together and feels durable, but it’s a little on the drab side when compared to some rivals.

Some of the interior plastics just don’t seem quite up to the standards in other SUVs. That said, for the most part it’s impressively finished and we know the Mazda CX-5 lasts well.

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Infotainment

All models are well equipped as standard with Bluetooth and an infotainment screen. This is controlled by a dial mounted near the handbrake – those familiar with BMW’s iDrive system will recognise it - and it’s fairly easy to use when on the go.

The infotainment screen was increased in size from 5.8 inches to seven inches in 2105, so it might be worth pushing the budget for a later model if this is important to you.

Also, Nav models came with sat-nav as standard

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) value for money

Value for Money Rating

Choose the 150PS turbodiesel engine and you get good performance allied to low running costs in the Mazda CX-5. There are plenty available on the used market, so prices are keen.

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Prices

You should have no trouble finding a 150PS 2.2-litre turbodiesel Mazda CX-5, as there are plenty on the used market.

Reckon on spending about £6500 for a 12-year-old example with 75,000 miles on the clock and with a fully stamped service book.

For a younger eight-year-old example with 50,000 miles to its name, you can expect to pay around £12,500, which will bag you a high-spec Sport Nav version.

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016): Running Costs

The Mazda CX-5 with the 150PS 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is able to return up to a claimed 61.4mpg, although this was later revised down to 54.3mpg for the four-wheel-drive model.

That’s with a manual gearbox – the 4x4 auto comes in at 53.3mpg – and our Real MPG data shows you can expect 46mpg, or 42mpg for the AWD 4x4 version.

The more powerful 175PS diesel offers around 40mpg, while the 2.0-litre petrol gives much the same in normal driving conditions – it has a claimed consumption of 47.1mpg.

When it comes to road tax, all Mazda CX-5s of this generation have their duty worked out on their carbon dioxide emissions, rather than requiring the flat rate for cars registered on or after 1 April 2017.

So, a 150PS 2.2 D with a manual gearbox and emissions of 119g/km has a modest annual levy of £35. Even the 175PS 2.2 D with an automatic box pays a reasonable £210 per year.

With the 2.0-litre petrol engine, road tax is £190 for 12 months in the two-wheel-drive car with manual transmission.

You should not find insuring a Mazda CX-5 too costly, as it sits in groups 15 to 21, so premiums are on a par with its key rivals, and actually less than some competitors.

A strong reputation for reliability means a Mazda CX-5 should be cost-effective when it comes to maintenance. A good independent garage will offer keen labour rates, too, to help with balancing the budget.

Satisfaction Index

What is your car like to live with?

We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.

Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index now

Mazda CX-5 (2012 – 2016) models and specs

The Mazda CX-5 SE-L models come with cruise control, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, push button start, front and rear electric windows, remote central locking, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing lights and front and rear parking sensors.

You also get front foglights, halogen headlights, power folding and heated door mirrors with integrated indicator light, rain-sensing front wipers, 40/20/40 folding rear seats, Bluetooth, touchscreen infotainment, USB and aux-in audio system, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and steering wheel audio controls.

From 2015, the infotainment screen increased in size from 5.8 inches to seven inches. It also gained a second USB port and was easier to pair with a smartphone with the Mazda MZD Connect system.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 SE-L Lux and it adds a power sunroof, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

Mazda CX-5 Sport models add keyless entry, bi-xenon headlights, a reversing camera and a BOSE audio system.

Mazda also offered a Mazda CX-5 Nav version for each of these trims. As you will work out from the name, these models come with sat-nav included.

Dimensions
Length	4555 mm
Width	1840 mm
Height	1710 mm
Wheelbase	2700 mm

Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight	1425–1678 kg
Boot Space	503–1620 L
Warranty	3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing	12500 miles

Spare Wheel
Standard	Tyre-repair kit
Alternative	Space-saving spare wheel

Costs
List Price	£22,295–£31,295
Insurance Groups	15–21
Road Tax Bands	C–F
Official MPG	47.1–61.4 mpg

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult	-
Child	-
Pedestrian	-
Overall	5

On sale until April 2018

SUV
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.0 SE-L 2WD 5dr	£22,295	47.1 mpg	9.2 s
2.0 SE-L Nav 2WD 5dr	£23,495	47.1 mpg	9.2 s
2.0 Sport 2WD 5dr	£24,295	47.1 mpg	9.0 s
2.0 Sport Nav 2WD 5dr	£25,995	47.1 mpg	9.0 s
2.2D SE-L 2WD 5dr	£24,095	61.4 mpg	9.2 s
2.2D SE-L 2WD Auto 5dr	£25,395	53.3 mpg	10.0 s
2.2D SE-L AWD 5dr	£25,995	54.3 mpg	9.4 s
2.2D SE-L AWD Auto 5dr	£27,195	51.4 mpg	10.2 s
2.2D SE-L Lux 2WD 5dr	£25,695	61.4 mpg	9.2 s
2.2D SE-L Lux Nav 2WD 5dr	£26,895	61.4 mpg	9.2 s
2.2D SE-L Nav 2WD 5dr	£25,295	61.4 mpg	9.2 s
2.2D SE-L Nav 2WD Auto 5dr	£26,595	53.3 mpg	10.0 s
2.2D SE-L Nav AWD 5dr	£27,295	54.3 mpg	9.4 s
2.2D SE-L Nav AWD Auto 5dr	£28,595	51.4 mpg	10.2 s
2.2D Sport 2WD 5dr	£26,095	61.4 mpg	9.2 s
2.2D Sport AWD 5dr	£28,095	54.3 mpg	8.8 s
2.2D Sport AWD Auto 5dr	£29,295	51.4 mpg	9.4 s
2.2D Sport Nav 2WD 5dr	£27,795	61.4 mpg	9.2 s
2.2D Sport Nav AWD 5dr	£30,095	54.3 mpg	8.8 s
2.2D Sport Nav AWD Auto 5dr	£31,295	51.4 mpg	9.4 s

On sale until October 2015

SUV
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
2.0 SE-L 165 5dr	£22,295	47.1 mpg	9.2 s
2.2 SE-L 150 5dr	£24,095	61.4 mpg	9.2 s
2.2 SE-L 150 Auto 5dr	£25,395	53.3 mpg	10.0 s
2.2 SE-L 150 AWD 5dr	£25,995	54.3 mpg	9.4 s
2.2 SE-L Auto 150 AWD 5dr	£27,195	51.4 mpg	10.2 s
2.2 SE-L Lux 150 5dr	£25,695	61.4 mpg	9.2 s

Model History

April 2011: Mazda CX-5 confirmed
September 2011
March 2012
October 2012
October 2013: SE-L Lux and SEL-Lux Nav models added
February 2014: CX-5 Upgraded
January 2015: Mazda CX-5 2015 Upgrade announced: U
June 2015

April 2011

Mazda CX-5 confirmed

Mazda confirmed that the Minagi will go into production, but with the name changed to the CX-5. It's the first production Mazda to incorporate new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme and will also feature blend of innovative SKYACTIV technologies

Mazda Motor Corporation announced today (Monday) that its all-new compact crossover SUV, which is scheduled to launch in the UK in 2012, will be called the Mazda CX-5.

All-new, the Mazda CX-5 is the production model derived from the Mazda MINAGI concept car, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, and will also be shown at the New York International Auto Show which opens this week (20 April).

The CX-5 will be the first production vehicle to incorporate Mazda’s ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme that premiered on the Mazda SHINARI concept car last year. When it appears in Mazda showrooms around the world next year, the compact SUV will feature a full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technologies, including new-generation engines, transmissions, bodyshell design and chassis engineering.

September 2011

Engine line-up to include Mazda's 165ps SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine and SKYACTIV-D 2.2 diesel engine, which will be available in 150ps and 175ps versions. Each engine has a record-breaking compression ratio of 14:1 for enhanced efficiency. Mazda's engineers focused on achieving exceptional environmental performance for a compact SUV and targeted CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km for the 2WD SKYACTIV-D 2.2 Mazda CX-5.

The 150ps derivative has a CO2 emissions figure of just 119g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 62.8mpg. Meanwhile, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine has a CO2 emissions figure of 139g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 47.1mpg. The Mazda CX-5 features the full range of SKYACTIV Technology including improved aerodynamics, vehicle weight reduction, chassis developments and new manual and automatic transmissions matched to the new engines.

March 2012

Standard Smart City Automatic Braking fittedMazda has developed a new advanced safety technology called ‘Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS), which helps a driver to avoid a frontal collision when driving at low speeds in the city or in slow moving traffic. The SCBS system will make its first appearance fitted as standard on the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, which goes on sale this spring.

The innovative SCBS system uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front of the Mazda CX-5 and if the driver fails to slow his/her vehicle appropriately, or to take avoiding action, SCBS automatically activates the brakes and reduces the engine output at the same time. In this way, SCBS helps to avoid collisions or mitigate the damage from rear-end collisions at low speeds, which are among the most common accidents.

When driving at speeds between 2.5 and 19mph, a laser sensor mounted at the top of the windscreen detects a vehicle or obstacle in front of the car and monitors the gap and the closing speed. If the SCBS calculates that there is a risk of a collision occurring - if the driver were to take no action - it pre-pressures the braking system. This ensures a faster response when the driver activates the brakes or, if the driver fails to perform any avoidance manoeuvre or apply the brakes, an automatic braking operation is activated. Effective when the speed difference between the driver's car and the vehicle in front is less than 19mph, the system is designed to avoid or mitigate the damage from a collision.

Mazda Motor Corporation is intensifying its safety-related research and development efforts, aiming for the ultimate goal of realising an accident-free and safe motorised society. Mazda intends to extend its advanced safety technologies, such as SCBS, to future new models, following its debut on Mazda CX-5, to contribute to provide all customers with driving pleasure together with outstanding environmental and safety performance.

CX-5 2.0SE-L 165PS 2WD £21,395 BIK 18%
CX-5 2.0SE-L NAV 165PS 2WD £21,795 BIK 18%
CX-5 2.0 Sport 165PS 2WD £23,595 BIK 18%
CX-5 2.0 Sport NAV 165PS 2WD £23,995 BIK 18%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L 150PS 2WD £22,995 BIK 17%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L Auto 150PS 2WD £24,295 BIK 21%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L NAV 150PS 2WD £23,395 BIK 17%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L Auto NAV 150PS 2WD £24,695 BIK 21%
CX-5 2.2 D Sport 150PS 2WD £25,195 BIK 17%
CX-5 2.2 D Sport NAV 150PS 2WD £25,195 BIK 17%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L 150PS 4WD £24,695 BIK 21%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L Auto 150PS 4WD £25,895 BIK 22%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L NAV 150PS 4WD £25,095 BIK 21%
CX-5 2.2 D SE-L Auto NAV 150PS 4WD £26,295 BIK 22%
CX-5 2.2 D Sport 175PS 4WD £27,195 BIK 21%
CX-5 2.2 D Sport Auto 175PS 4WD £28,395 BIK 22%
CX-5 2.2 D Sport NAV175PS 4WD £27,595 BIK 21%
CX-5 2.2 D Sport NAV Auto175PS 4WD £28,795 BIK 22%

Available in UK from mid May 2012.

October 2012

Mazda CX-5 Insurance Rates Cut. Mazda's investment in ‘active' safety technology to help drivers avoid accidents or reduce the severity of collisions has resulted in cheaper insurance for the owners of every Mazda CX-5.

Because Mazda's ‘Smart City Brake Support' (SCBS) system is standard-fit across the CX-5 compact SUV range, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) has decided to lower the original insurance group ratings for this model by two groups - across the 18-strong line-up - from 20 October.

2WD SKYACTIV-G Petrol	'On the road' Retail	CO 2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Lowered Insurance Group	P11D Value	Monthly BIK 20 / 40%
2.0 SE-L	£21,395	139	E	15E	18%	£64 / £127
2.0 SE-L NAV	£21,995	139	E	15E	18%	£65 / £131
2.0 Sport	£23,595	139	E	16E	18%	£70/£141
2.0 Sport NAV	£24,195	139	E	16E	18%	£72 / £144
SKYACTIV-D Diesel
2.2 SE-L (150)	£22,995	119	C	18E	17%	£65 / £130
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£23,595	119	C	18E	17%	£67 / £133
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£24,295	139	E	18E	21%	£84 / £169
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£24,895	139	E	18E	21%	£87 / £173
2.2 Sport (150)	£25,195	119	C	19E	17%	£71 / £142
2.2 Sport NAV (150)	£25,795	119	C	19E	17%	£73 / £146
AWD	'On the road' Retail	CO 2 (g/km)	RFL Band	Lowered Insurance Group	P11D Value	Monthly BIK 20 / 40%
SKYACTIV-D Diesel
2.2 SE-L (150)	£24,695	136	E	17E	21%	£86 / £172
2.2 SE-L NAV (150)	£25,295	136	E	17E	21%	£88 / £176
2.2 SE-L Auto (150)	£25,895	144	F	17E	22%	£94 / £189
2.2 SE-L NAV Auto (150)	£26,495	144	F	17E	22%	£96 / £193
2.2 Sport (175)	£27,195	136	E	21E	21%	£95 / £189
2.2 Sport NAV (175)	£27,795	136	E	21E	21%	£97 / £193
2.2 Sport Auto (175)	£28,395	144	F	21E	22%	£103 / £207
2.2 Sport NAV Auto (175)	£28,995	144	F	21E	22%	£106 / £211

October 2013

SE-L Lux and SEL-Lux Nav models added

Come with a powered tilt-and-slide glass sunroof, full leather trim in Black or Stone (no cost option), a six-way power adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats with three-stage temperature settings.

The Mazda CX-5 2.2-litre diesel 150ps 2WD SE-L Lux is available from £24,495 on the road (OTR), while the SE-L Lux Nav costs from £25,195 (OTR) - both prices being £1,200 above the standard SE-L models.

February 2014

CX-5 Upgraded

Every model is equipped with revised suspension featuring re-tuned dampers, bushes and stabilisers which improve driving dynamics by delivering increased ride comfort and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

Manual transmission Mazda CX-5 models are now fitted with a new clutch restart system that allows engine restart by depressing the clutch (within three seconds of stalling), without the need to use the engine start/stop button. Automatic transmission models now have a straight-shift gate, as fitted to the all-new Mazda3.

Further upgrades are applied to all SE-L Lux and Sport models, with a memory function for the powered driver’s seat and a 6-way powered passenger seat as standard. Full leather trim comes in Black (as standard) and for 2014, Light Stone leather (as featured on the all-new Mazda3 and Mazda6), is a £200 option.

The 20-strong line-up of Mazda CX-5 models for 2014 is priced from £21,595 to £29,595 on-the-road (OTR). Customers can choose from 165ps petrol or 150/175ps diesel engines, six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, three specification levels (SE-L, SE-L Lux and Sport, with or without Nav) and 2-wheel drive (2WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) – depending on model.

January 2015

Mazda CX-5 2015 Upgrade announced: U

pgraded 2015 Mazda CX-5 model range priced from £22,295 to £30,595 on-the-road (OTR), on sale in the UK from Spring 2015. 16-strong two-and all-wheel drive range features improved standard equipment throughout SE-L, SE-L Lux and Sport Nav model grades. New DAB radio, 7-inch colour touch screen, Multimedia Commander, MZD Connect infotainment and an Integrated Navigation system. Technologically enhanced Sport Nav option Safety Pack, including Adaptive LED headlamps (ALD), Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSMw/RCTA), and Rear Smart City Brake Support (RrSCBS)

Standard equipment specification of every model in the CX-5 line-up has been enhanced through the addition of manual front passenger seat height adjustment, an electronic parking brake, a coming/leaving home headlamp function, and the company's Multimedia Commander with separate volume dial for safe, intuitive interactivity and infotainment control.

A new 7-inch, full-colour, centre console touch-screen incorporates DAB radio, two ports for USB connectivity and MZD Connect. Paired with a smartphone, MZD Connect makes it easier to take advantage of functions such as internet connectivity and access to social networking services.

Top-of-the-range Sport Nav models benefit from new exterior features including 19-inch Gunmetal alloy wheels, LED headlamps including LED daytime running lights, and LED foglamps.

Inside, the Sport Nav standard equipment specification is further bolstered by a new Integrated Navigation system which offers greater accuracy, improved search features and three years of free map updating.

SE-L Lux and Sport Nav grade options now include Stone Leather upholstery (in lieu of black), whilst the Sport Nav options list further benefits from Mazda Radar Cruise Control, and an evolution of the Safety Pack which incorporates several newly-developed technologies.

Adaptive LED headlamps (ALH) automatically adjust the array of high beam illumination to avoid dazzling the occupants of both oncoming and preceding vehicles, without the need to switch to low beam lighting.

The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) with Driver Attention Alert (DAA) builds on the existing Lane Departure Warning system, providing steering wheel vibration and assisted steering if the driver strays from the middle of the chosen lane. Having first learned the owners driving style, DAA operates at speeds of over 40mph, alerting drivers to take a break if it detects a degradation in driving style indicating fatigue.

Advanced Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (BSMw/RCTA) combines two systems in one for greater safety. The system's larger detection area to the side and rear of the vehicle provides better coverage, whilst BSM employs the same system sensors to detect pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles when reversing.

Rear Smart City Brake Support (RrSCBS) operates at speeds of between 2 and 5mph when reversing, automatically applying the brakes if the system detects an imminent rear impact..

June 2015

Mazda CX-5 2.2D Skyactiv 175 Sport Nav won best Tow Car 2015 in the 1,550-1,699kg category by the experts from Practical Caravan Magazine, What Car? and the Camping and Caravan Club.

What to watch out for

19-12-2012:

Mazda in Australia ordered a recall and issued the cars with new dipsticks on which the X mark is 11mm higher. This is combined with a PCM upgrade to reduce the overfuelling.

22-07-2013:

Shortage of replacement front windscreens for UK CX-5s in June and July of 2013. Mazda responded: "We have a number of windscreens coming by both air and boat, with a delivery due next week of around 50 pieces. A further delivery is due 2 weeks after this and then a further delivery is due the week after that."

29-04-2014:

Problem reported with fuel filler of Mazda CX-5 2.0 SE-L petrol model. Seems that the return air filter system that keeps CFCs out of the atmosphere is blocked.

30-04-2014:

Another report of a cracked screen on a Mazda CX-5 (see 22-7-2013) and continuing shortage of replacements.

27-05-2014:

Reader bought 3,300 mile ex-demo 2013 Mazda Mazda CX5 2.2 4-Wheel Drive in September 2013. on 27-4-2014 red engine oil pressure light came on translating to "Engine Oil Pressure Inspection Required". Engine had to be stripped down and many components replaced plus a double oil flush, total dealer bill £4,635 + VAT, paid by Mazda.

18-06-2014:

Stress cracks across the windscreens are becoming increasingly common because the edges of the glass are exposed at the screen pillars where they are vulnerable to stone chips. These then turn into cracks right across the screen, same as on a Mazda 5.

03-09-2014:

June 2014 Mazda CX-5 plagued with persistent electrical gremlins that the dealer has been unable to rectify.

22-01-2015:

Battery of 8,000 mile 13 month old Mazda CX-5 drained overnight. This was after a 600 miles run. Side doors open but hatch stayed locked. Suspect salt laden moisture getting into the hatch lock solenoid and causing the drain.

06-02-2015:

Handful of complaints of 2013/63 CX-5 Skyactiv diesel: i-eloop required new capacitor at 25k miles and subsequently does not shut off the engine as often as before. TPMS is over-active, (possibly due to tyre wear). Engine is over-fuelling leading to a repeated rising oil level.

23-08-2015:

Like a Mazda 5, the windscreen of a CX-5 is bonded to its frame and the outer edge of the glass is exposed. If a stone strikes that part of the screen it will probably start a stress crack that slowly crosses the screen, requiring a replacement screen.

21-12-2015:

Report of clutch judder on February 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel at 15,000 miles especially changing 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Possibly DMF, but then seemed to self-cure. Reader then received TSB recall notice heded "unusual brake pedal feeling" that was really about replacing the sump oil strainer or the oil filter.

12-02-2016:

Complaint of terrible unreliability from 2012 Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav 175 AWD over 2 years requiring 7 garage visits in 20k miles. ("over 2 years" implies bought used.) "Problems included all manner of warning lights on 'engine oil pressure inspection required' 'vehicle system inspection required' being the most recent. Been in twice to have different sensors replaced. Reversing camera has been replaced. Rear electric window switch has been replaced. Sticking brake calliper has been replaced. Some pump or other has been replaced. Climate control stopped working on one side. It's been losing power when accelerating up a hill. 2 different Mazda dealers have failed to solve all the problems. They say they are fixed then 2 months later more lights back on. Looks like I just got a bad one."

29-07-2016:

Complaint of alarm of used 2014 CX-5 going off spasmodically. Thought to be a fault with a door sensor.

20-10-2016:

Report of leather seat stitching coming apart on 2013 Mazda CX-5. Bought used 9 month previously.

19-03-2017:

Report of heater in 32k mile 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2d stopping working. Mazda dealer said the cooling system needed a citric-acid flush. While waiting for this, within a couple of weeks, the dash went from occasionally showing an overheating warning to severe overheating and the EMC unit putting the vehicle into “limp mode”, requiring immediate return to the dealer. The dealer finally carried out the citric-acid flush and all appeared back to normal.

21-07-2017:

Report of severe corrosion on rear brake discs of September 2016 (10 month old) 9,300 mile Mazda CX-5.

28-11-2017:

Report of Mazda 45k mile 2012 CX-5 2.2 diesel AWD having a TSB recall a few weeks ago for a vacuum pump. Now, the turbo has failed. Mazda had told the dealer to strip out the camshafts as part of the rebuild. Owner read about problems with Vac/Turbo/Cams which seem to be linked and probably batch-related. As yet, not been quoted any costs, although it's likely there will be some 'goodwill'.

21-12-2017:

Complaint echoed in Owner's Reviews that "the driver’s seat (of a 2015 Mazda CX-5) feels a bit out of alignment to the steering wheel and peddles". Owner writes, "as result of this misalignment I feel back pain every time I drive the car. I raised the issue with both the dealer and the manufacturer but feel that I'm being bounced between the two, with near-zero likelihood of the problem being fixed before the warranty expires. My only hope now is to be able to prove beyond any doubt to both the dealer and the manufacturer that the seat is misaligned (slightly to the left of the middle of the steering wheel) and the size of this misalignment."

23-01-2018:

Engine problem with used Mazda CX-5 reported. On 15 December the car suddenly lost power and wouldn't restart. After local garage spent a week trying to solve the problem, it was towed to another independent gartage on Thursday 11 January. Diagnostics couldn't find the problem, but once they spoke to Mazda on Tuesday 16 January an issue with the camshaft and Turbo was identified. Fixing it would cost £2,762.09 to which owner agreed. VIN is JMZKEN91600163092 and affected cars known for camshaft problems are up to number 163230 starting with JMZKE. The car was collected on Saturday 20 January, driven home, but then failed to start on a slight incline later that morning. Once it was freewheeled to the flat it started but obviously the issue is not resolved and the garage will need to look at the car again.

27-04-2018:

Report that at 52,000 miles a Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel needed the camshaft replacing together with a new turbo and an angine flush. Mazda paid 50% of the cost of £1,760, so owner paid £880. Apparently this is a known manufacturing fault in a specific batch of 2013 cars. (See 23-1-2018.) The engine now needs to be replaced entirely because shards of metal from the faulty camshaft have circulated though it in the oil and damaged the crankshaft. Owner told he will have to cover the cost. We think this is grounds for a Small Claim against the original supplier of the car because it was supplied with a fault that has now become widely known.

27-04-2018:

Report of 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel losing power from the turbo when accelerating. It is rather slow in each gear until you hit 3000revs and the turbo kicks in again. Might be the turbo actuator or might be worn turbo bearings due to oil starvation from switching the engine off when the turbo is too hot and blocking the turbo oil feed pipe with carbon. Might be the camshaft issue above.

15-06-2018:

Faulty exhaust pressure sensor on 22k mile 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel cost owner £138. Dealer told him that Mazda would not consider 'goodwill' on wearing parts costing less than £150.

03-08-2018:

Report of turbo failure on 2015 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv D. "Last week I experienced a slight loss off power and a sudden lag in the power kicking in in low gears and zero acceleration in fourth and fifth. Mazda Horsham tell me that something that was an integral part of the turbo sheared off. They are telling me its a 12.1 hr (book) job at £117 an hour, plus the cost of a new turbo." (See 27-4-2018) Owner told an arm became separated and a rivet that is part of the top of the turbo sheared off. "They reckon the missing bit is in the intercooler." Mazda agreed to pay 100% of the cost of replacing the turbo, parts and labour.

29-08-2018:

Report of engine failure of unspecified age Mazda CX-2 2.2 Skyactiv diesel at 63,000 miles. Car has full Mazda service histpory but was taken to an independent specialist for an oil pressure problem. Specialist "shocked" at the level of damage (possibly caused by a blocked sump strainer). Unfortunately, because the car was dismantled by an independent, Mazda will not help.

10-10-2018:

Report of loss of power and engine management light illuminating in a used 2013/63 Mazda CX-5 2.2d AWD bought from a Mazda dealer in 2015. Turbo and cams are damaged and need replacing, with a bill of nearly £3,000 all in. The car has only done 53k miles. Owner says "This is because of a known issue with these engines, I have found the Mazda service documents online and the VIN matches the affected models." Mazda UK has offered 50% of the repair cost, which is more like 40% taking account of the cost of the investigation. Has full Mazda service history.

07-12-2018:

Cylinder head gasket failure reported on 2013 Mazda CX-5 at 86k miles. Apparently very difficult to repair because both block and head are aluminium. Mazda dealer quoted £2,600.

10-12-2018:

Front brake calliper pins of 2016 Mazda CX-5 found to be failing at 30,000 miles. Mazda agreed to replace the callipers under warranty, but not the front brake discs or pads because the pads had previously been replaced by Halfords and are regasrded as a wear and terar item not covered by warranty.

19-01-2019:

Report of Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv diesel in for injector recall. Owner got car back, then 3 days later white smoke out of exhaust and car shuddering. Called AS who ran tests and showed us that it appeared one of the fuel injectors was firing too much fuel into engine. Car got taken back to dealer to fix. They have now run a compression test at a cost of £228. Been advised now that the 3rd cylinder has no power and they will need to strip down engine (£114 per hour for a 12 hour job) to see the cause. Could be piston or rings? They are expecting owner to foot the bill even though he believes it is linked to the reason for the injector recall.

23-02-2019:

Helpful reader report: "For Mazda diesel drivers, there is actually a way to see when the DPF is actively regenerating. In Mazda infotainment system, there is a page for "Fuel Economy Monitor" and "i-stop" system. It essentially tells you that there are three criteria that need to be fulfilled before the "i-stop" can be functional: engine, battery, and aircon. During most of journeys, all three criteria would be almost always be shown in a "ready" stated (with their respective icon being highlighted), but when active regen is on, the engine would be shown as not ready (for stop & start), the other scenario when engine may not be "ready" is when you just start the journey, and the engine is still cold. So if drivers check this page at the end of their journey (I used to always leave the infotainment system on this page), they would be able to know for sure if the active regen is still on-going."

21-03-2019:

Report of new engine being fitted to a 2013 Mazda CX-7 Skyactiv D under goodwill after a TSB recall.

14-04-2019:

Report of misfire from engine of 2013 Mazda CX-5 diesel in July 2018. Local garage identified a problem with the fuel injectors. They tried to fix it (cost £800). Then in October owner received recall R/2018/288 stating there was a potential problem with the injectors causing misfiring and stalling that reqired a software update. Owner contacted Mazda and they checked that the work on the injectors been carried out properly with Mazda parts, but because the work was done in July when the recall was not until September and because an independent local garage did the work, the actual recall software update could not have been carried out by the independent. When owner asked about recompense Mazda said that as the problem arose before the safety recall letter he was not entitled to reimbursement. Owner contacted the ombudsman who agreed with Mazda.

16-06-2019:

Report of clutch is judder on April 2017 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D at 6,800 miles. Mazda quoted £2,00o for a new clutch and DMF. Accused owner of slipping the clutch. This happened after a software update for a fuelling problem. Owner thinks that SkyActive system where the engine revs to 1800rpm, is a factor in the burning of the clutch causing high spots on the flywheel.

17-07-2019:

Report of engine failure of 2016 Mazda MX-5 Skyactiv D automatic at 82,000 miles whle towing a caravan in Greece. Caused by failure of the chain drive to the engine oil pump. After repatriation, it was discovered that some oil changes were either late or had been missed, so Mazda refused any goodwill.

20-07-2019:

2015 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D reported as needing a decoke under warranty in March 2018, then again in July 2019. Work to be carried out free of charge. Dealer needs car for whole day.

03-10-2019:

Report oil pump chan failure on 2016 Mazda CX5 Sport diesel purchased used for £10,500 in June 2019. After 6 weeks the Fan belt failed and resulted in buyer having to claim on the 3 month warranty provided with the car. Then on 25 Sept 2019 the engine light came on again and upon closer inspection it appears the oil pump has failed and oil chain has snapped. The car has 93,000 miles and Mazda will not assist because the first 12,500 mile service was not carried out until 23,000 miles. This was a cheap car, but supplying dealer could be held liable.

11-10-2019:

Report of sump oil strainer issue with 2012 Mazda CX5 2.2 Skyactiv diesel purchased in Australia in 2012 and subsequently shipped to the UK in 2016. A few weeks following an annual service at the dealership the car broke down and displayed a red oil warning light. The dealer advised removing the oil sump to investigate. It transpired that the oil strainer was blocked by accumulated carbon that was cleaned and given the all clear with a bill for £500. The dealer suggested this was common for CX-5 diesels of this age and owner was aware that it isn’t unusual for sludge to accumulate in the oil strainer if the car is shut down mid DPF regen. Now Mazda is recalling 35,000 in Australia for this reason.

24-10-2019:

Confused report of Mazda CX5 being recalled under AJ024/D AJ024B/Cin July 2019. Now indicating low oil pressure. Owner thinks it should be recalled under AJ024E and get a new engine. Mazda Europe says in this case (DTC P0524) only a repair procedure should be followed.

22-11-2019:

Report of cylinder head warping and cylinder head gasket failing on 2014 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D at 67k miles. The cost of replacing the head gasket and cylinder head has been quoted as £5,000.

27-11-2019:

Report of slight whine from turbo of 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv D at 86k miles. Went in for a service, which included a 'carbon clean'. The following day, the turbo failed after 80 miles on the motorway. Dealer charged £2,000 to replace the turbo. We think the reason for the whining turbo could have been that the turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes were partially blocked with carbon, reducing the oil supply to the turbo bearing. It's highly likely that the carbon clean loosened some of this, leading either to a complete blockage of the oil feed pipe or to carbon from the oil feed pipe damaging the turbo bearing. So I think the dealer needs to accommodate the owner over the cost of the new turbo, and he also need to make sure that new turbo bearing oil feed and oil return pipes are fitted or the new turbo will fail.

21-12-2019:

Report of cylinder head and head gasket failure on 2014 Mazda CX-5 at five and a half years old. Cost of repair was £5,000. Mazda contributed £340. (Might be the same car as 22-11-2019.)

24-08-2021:

Carbon build up problems on 2015 CX-5 diesel with 55000 miles on the clock and a full Mazda service history. In recent months it has had a few stalls and limp mode journeys and on inspection the dealer reports an error code P0101. Dealer now suggesting the manifold needs removed with an extensive carbon clean.

07-09-2021:

Report of second turbo failure on 2016 CX-5 diesel. Owner had two new turbos fitted by their local Mazda dealer, first at 50k and second at 90k miles.

15-09-2021:

Owner reports their 2016 CX-5 AWD diesel has experienced two turbo failures. First at 50,000 miles and the second at 90,000.

14-10-2021:

Turbo failure report on 2015 CX-5. Owner quoted around £2000 for repair. Neither the dealer or Mazda UK is willing to contribute towards the cost of the fix.

10-01-2023:

Reader complains that the CX-5's Smart Brake Support 'nearly killed' him when it detected a non-existent obstacle at 70mph and performed an emergency stop on the motorway. Car currently at dealer being investigated.