Mazda’s best-selling SUV, the CX-5, has been updated and is now available for purchase in the UK, with prices starting at £31,550. The new model features a refreshed interior, mild-hybrid petrol engines, and subtle design tweaks while retaining the familiar Mazda styling that customers clearly favor.
Positioning in a Competitive Market
The CX-5 competes directly with popular family SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Kuga. Unlike many rivals offering hybrid or electric options, Mazda is sticking with petrol power for now, reserving its electric SUV strategy for the upcoming CX-6e model. This decision reflects Mazda’s current powertrain direction, prioritizing refinement in traditional engines rather than rushing into electrification.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The CX-5 is available in four trims: Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura.
- Prime-Line (£31,550): Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.9-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and essential safety features like adaptive cruise control.
- Centre-Line (£34,050): Adds 19-inch alloys, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless smartphone connectivity. This trim represents a significant step up in comfort and convenience.
- Exclusive-Line (£36,550): Features electric front passenger seat, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bose sound system.
- Homura (£38,950): The top-spec model boasts black wheels, gloss-black cladding, ventilated leather seats, adaptive LED headlights, and a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen.
Design and Interior Changes
The exterior updates are subtle but noticeable, with redesigned vertical headlights giving the CX-5 a more aggressive front fascia. Mazda’s design philosophy, known as ‘Kodo’, is preserved, reflecting a deliberate strategy to maintain brand identity and customer loyalty.
Inside, the biggest change is the reduction of physical controls, with most functions now managed through the touchscreen. This minimalist approach is a departure from traditional Mazda interiors, though it aligns with modern automotive trends. The steering wheel now displays the ‘Mazda’ logo prominently, a design element seen in other brands like Skoda, Lexus, and Tesla.
Powertrain and Performance
All CX-5 models launch with the same 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G petrol engine producing 140bhp, paired with mild-hybrid assistance. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option for Exclusive-Line and Homura trims at an additional £1,600. The engine delivers fuel economy between 37.7mpg and 40.4mpg, depending on drivetrain configuration.
Mazda has confirmed that future engine updates will focus on hybrid technology, with a full-hybrid system planned for release one year after launch to meet Euro 7 emissions standards. However, a plug-in hybrid or fully electric CX-5 is not currently in development.
Practicality and Safety
The new CX-5 is slightly larger than its predecessor, offering increased rear passenger space and a larger 583-liter boot – exceeding the capacity of competitors like the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq. The vehicle is equipped with the latest safety tech, though some features like the 360-degree camera are exclusive to higher trims.
Mazda aims to maintain the CX-5’s five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, but the increasingly stringent testing standards will require the latest safety systems.
Conclusion:
The updated Mazda CX-5 provides a familiar yet refined experience for buyers in the competitive family SUV segment. While it lacks hybrid or electric options at launch, the petrol powertrain offers a solid balance of performance and efficiency. The interior changes prioritize a minimalist aesthetic, and the increased practicality ensures the CX-5 remains a compelling choice for families seeking a well-equipped and stylish vehicle.
