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 loads to love concerning the mid-size SUV you possibly can presently purchase – even when it dates again to 2016.

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

Tech and kit beforehand discovered solely on the top quality will quickly additionally trickle all the way down to cheaper variants. That makes the vary extra accessible and means individuals who need the perfect of Mazda’s tools received’t should pay as a lot.

These on the high hardly ever 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 high 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 identified is how a lot it’ll price, and that’s the place the present mannequin vary enters the image.

The present technology 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 handbook 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 provides us the petrol-only vary we all know immediately. Regardless of exceptionally sturdy 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, putting it behind solely the Toyota RAV4 with 58,718 and Mitsubishi Outlander with 27,613 within the mid-size SUV phase. 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 doubt 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 nearly as good as the present CX-5 will get, so must you bide your time and look ahead to the up to date mannequin and even its all-new alternative, or go for one in every of its many rivals?

How a lot does the Mazda CX-5 price?

The Akera is one in every 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.

By way of 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 convey 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

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

Actually fairly good and actually fairly just 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 provides.

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

In actual fact, it’s virtually similar to what you get in a Mazda 3, and we prefer it there too. Configuration isn’t its energy although, as there are solely a few shows to scroll by means of on the 7.0-inch digital portion – accomplished through the use of the ‘Data’ button on the steering wheel.

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

A energy is the CX-5’s 10.25-inch infotainment show, which is normal throughout the vary and holds its personal in opposition to 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, nonetheless, annoying you can’t use it as a touchscreen whereas on the transfer. As normal, you’re pressured to function it by way of the rotary dial and buttons on the centre console, which continues to be the cheaper-looking various to what’s in automobiles just like the Mazda 3 and CX-70, for example.

That’s definitely not for everybody, however I’ve all the time appreciated this setup. There’s one thing good about having the ability to lean on the central armrest as you scroll by means of the display moderately than lifting your arm – first-world issues, I do know.

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

The dial works properly with Mazda’s native consumer 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 straightforward to make use of, due to its primarily bodily setup.

In any other case, we respect the fabric alternative inside, apart from the gloss black panel surrounding the gear selector. The important thing contact factors are all mushy and padded, making it straightforward 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 provides good tilt and attain adjustment to go well with most seating positions.

With its giant diameter and skinny rim, the wheel itself feels fairly good within the palms. The leather-based end can be easy 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 per particular grades of the CX-3 and Mazda’s bigger SUVs. That makes it friendlier for younger households susceptible to main spills.

That mentioned, the Akera is the one CX-5 accessible with “Darkish Russet” Nappa leather-based. All which means 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 pieces is sweet and comfy in consequence. 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 may have 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, properly out of attain of the solar’s sizzling rays.

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

That theme continues to the second row. Again right here is identical 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 probably received’t run into any points with legroom both. There’s even sufficient house to suit three grown adults with relative ease.

Facilities behind the Akera embrace rear-facing air vents to enrich 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 singular 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 mentioned, I’m a fan of Mazda’s all-black headliner, because it elevates the upmarket atmosphere 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 large 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 continues 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 high.

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

There’s not loads to complain about relating to 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 straightforward on the attention and comfortably habitable.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

What’s below 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 computerized that’s normal throughout the vary.

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

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

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

How does the Mazda CX-5 drive?

It won’t ship its further 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 automobile sort.

In a single sense, the turbocharged G35 engine within the CX-5 is a catch-22 – it makes this household SUV loads sooner, but it surely undermines the gasoline financial system advantages that outline the perfect household SUVs.

However, the G35 brings the CX-5 to life. It’s surprisingly fast, particularly whenever you’re in a position to capitalise on that near-instant torque hit at low velocity.

The CX-5 has no situation 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 in a position to 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 sort of a refined choice too. In fact, the draw back is greater gasoline consumption, which is one thing you’ll have to simply accept should you go for this configuration.

Mazda’s gasoline financial system declare received’t be in any respect shocking to consumers coming from an SUV from the mid-2000s, but it surely’s properly above what the opposite two CX-5 engines are claimed to devour. A minimum of its means to deal with common 91-octane gasoline soothes the sting.

In real-world driving, you probably received’t be capable to match Mazda’s declare. It’s straightforward to lose observe of how a lot you’ve truly drank till you test the journey pc 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 should weigh up whether or not you desire a bit extra urge or to save lots of a bit extra on the bowser.

The turbo does ease the pressure on the engine, which might truly save gasoline 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 computerized 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 below 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. Usually 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 trip consolation, the CX-5 is properly sorted. Whereas there’s no adaptive suspension tech, the spring and damper setup manages the Akera’s dimension and weight properly.

It handles giant rises and dips confidently and irons out smaller imperfections in a approach that received’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 trip even comfier.

Street noise is an analogous story. The Akera is quieter than we’d count on from an eight-year-old mannequin on low-profile tyre, however the cabin is properly 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 in consequence.

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 cause 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 properly to maintain the automobile centred in its lane whereas matching the velocity of site visitors round you.

Lengthy-distance driving is subsequently very straightforward within the Akera, and the snug and spacious inside make it even higher suited to racking up time being the wheel. Moreover, different security techniques like blind spot monitoring can typically 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 properly, is nice to have and will make you’re feeling higher about paying further 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 straightforward, whereas the facet home windows are giant sufficient for fast head-checks.

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

All up, it is a sturdy, cohesive bundle, although the spotlight is certainly that engine. The efficiency benefit might not justify the additional cash when you think about the trade-off in gasoline effectivity, but it surely provides a little bit of character to the CX-5 and fits its sporty chassis properly.

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

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

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

What do you get?

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

2025 Mazda CX-5 Maxx tools 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 fabric 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 cellphone 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 Assist
• 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

Is the Mazda CX-5 secure?

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

Customary security options embrace:

• 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 Assist system. The Akera additionally will get a surround-view monitor.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

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

To see how the Mazda CX-5 stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software

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 arduous to go incorrect 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 sweet, and the on-road bundle you get proper throughout the vary makes it all of the automobile you’d ever want.

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

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

Nevertheless, 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 the perfect 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 phase.

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

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

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