Mazda CX-5 Review (2022)

Read Caroline’s Mazda CX-5 review for everything you need to know about buying the CX-5 in Ireland in 2022.

The Mazda CX-5 first appeared in 2012 and quickly established itself as one of the core models of Mazda’s range, competing in the family SUV side of the market.

In 2017, Mazda launched an all-new generation of the CX-5 with significant changes to styling, interior design, technology and driving dynamics.

Now in 2022, Mazda refreshes the popular CX-5 family SUV with headline features including new drive mode selection feature, greater differentiation between trim levels, new styling and improved comfort and refinement. I travelled to Barcelona, Spain, with Mazda Ireland to drive the 2022 Mazda CX-5.

The CX-5 is on sale in Ireland now, priced from €36,745.

Styling

The CX-5 is ageing exceptionally well, and has beautiful surfacing, best shown off in Soul Red Crystal. The styling of the Mazda CX-5 has been given a lift for 2022, including a new, more three-dimensional grille and signature wing design, new lights and bumpers, and a more individual look for the different trim levels. There’s a new colour called Zircon Sand.

Mazda has also introduced a new trim level for Ireland called the Newground, which adds more vibrant and rugged style to the CX-5. It features silver underguard-style treatment to the front and rear bumpers and door garnishes, black door mirrors, lime green accents to the front grille and 19” black machine-cut alloy wheels.

The CX-5 Homura also returns, accentuating the slick and premium look of the CX-5. The Homura has a sporty gloss black finish to the front grille, signature wing, lower bumper sections, wheel arches, door garnishes and door mirrors, 19” alloy wheels finished in black metallic paint, and the front grille incorporates red accents.

The GT LUX combines a unified, one-colour exterior to highlight the CX-5’s dynamic Kodo design and is matched with silver 19” alloy wheels.

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Interior

Inside the 2022 Mazda CX-5, there have been few changes to the interior design so it does not feel as modern inside as newer rivals. Yet quality is a strong point, it feels a cut above many of the SUVs that pack this segment now.

Connectivity has evolved to support both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and the latest MyMazda App Connected Services features. Infotainment is provided via a 10.25” colour centre console display. A heads-up display is available. Seats have also been revised for more comfort. New equipment includes a four camera, 360 degree monitor is available to aid manoeuvring in tight spaces, and a wireless Qi phone charging tray in the centre console.

Newground models get suede upholstery with lime green stitching and lime green surround to the air-conditioning louvres.

Homura models are differentiated by red stitching on the black leather seats, steering wheel, gear shift lever and door panels.

GT Luxe models feature Nappa leather and more luxurious trim elements such as genuine woodgrain.

Practicality

The Mazda CX-5 will seat five with a spacious cabin up front and generous footwells in the rear. There is over 500 litres of boot space and a powered tailgate is available for extra convenience. Split folding rear seats boost practicality. The two-piece, reversible load-space floorboard and the tailgate sill are on the same level to help with loading.

Newground models also feature a floorboard with a water-resistant side for wet or dirty items.

Engines

In Ireland, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 is available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 165 hp (‘Skyactiv-G’) and a 2.2-litre diesel with 150 hp in front wheel drive versions, and 184 hp in all wheel drive versions (‘Skyactiv-D’). 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes are available depending on model.

Manual versions of the Skyactiv-G 2.0 litre petrol engine are equipped with cylinder deactivation to boost efficiency. On the road the Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-G is quiet and smooth, offering a very refined cabin experience.

The Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D is a bit louder behind the wheel but offers more satisfying torque and efficiency. On our test drive we returned 5.2 litres per 100 km.

On the road

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 introduces Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) for the first time, which gives the driver the option of switching between a few driving modes and is available on some but not all models.

Mazda has refined the comfort and driving character of the Mazda CX-5 over time with revisions to powertrains, suspension, electric power assisted steering, and the adoption of G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus). There have now been further enhancements to the suspension and NVH (noise vibration harshness) performance.

Mazda’s next generation of Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture has now been applied to the 2022 CX-5, further evolving the bodyshell, suspension and seats to enhance ride comfort and reduce fatigue.

On the road the Mazda CX-5 is still an agile and engaging drive for a five seat family SUV. It holds the road exceptionally well and all the controls feel good. The steering is well-weighted and even manual versions are fun and easy to drive. Comfort levels are high while road noise has been reduced even further.

Petrol versions offer an exceptionally quiet and smooth experience behind the wheel; diesels offer greater economy and punchier performance.

Equipment

The updated CX-5 range of i-Activsense safety systems now includes Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS). CTS helps reduce driver fatigue by assisting with accelerator, brake pedal and steering operations when stuck in traffic jams.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is available in Ireland in a number of trim levels – GS-L, Newground, GT, GT Sport, Homura, and the range topping GT Lux.

Equipment levels are high with even the GS-L entry into the range getting 17″ alloys, 10.25” colour screen display, keyless entry, cruise control, automatic air con, automatic lights and wipers, and parking sensors.

The GT adds black leather upholstery to the spec with power control and memory function as well as 19″ wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel. A powered tailgate and rear parking camera are available from GT Sport and above.

Pricing

The new Mazda CX-5 range starts at €36,745 for the 2.0-litre 163 hp petrol 2WD model in GS-L trim. The Newground with more equipment and a unique outdoors look starts from €38,745, as does the GT with a more refined look. GT Sport models start from €41,895. The Homura starts from €43,895. The GT Lux starts from €44,640.

Diesels start from €40,625 and all wheel drive from €54,770 in top of the range GT Lux trim.

Summary

The Mazda CX-5 range now has more options than ever with some very distinct new offerings including the CX-5 Newground and the CX-5 Homura.

The CX-5 remains one of the most quality offerings in the segment. The cabin experience is no longer the most modern in the segment, but still feels ‘a cut above’ many competitors from the driver’s seat.

It’s subtle things like the way you are positioned in relation to the steering wheel and the controls, and the slick action of the manual gearbox, the refinement of the transmission. Things that last the test of time and make every drive a pleasure.

It’s easy to spend a lot of money on a CX-5 (looking at you Homura), which would be my pick of the range for a truly premium finish to the high end design.

At a time when every new model launch seems to be electrified in some way, the Mazda CX-5 proposes a simple line-up of well-proven petrol and diesel engines. Electric and hybrid might be absent but there is a market for what’s available in the CX-5 range, and diesels are particularly strong for drivers who are seeking a good return on economy.

Mazda will next month take the covers off the first of two new SUVs to launch here in the coming months. First up is the CX-60, which will be the brand’s first plug-in hybrid SUV and is expected in Ireland later in the year.

Caroline Kidd