The model
Read full reviewThe Mazda CX-5 is one of the best large SUVs you can buy. Why? Well, it may not have the additional practicality of seven seats that a Peugeot 5008 comes with as standard, but it's well priced, very well equipped, safe and classy inside. Stick with the 2.0 petrol in entry-level SE-L trim for the best value for money, although the diesels are well worth a look if you do above average mileage.
get the best priceThe trim
See full equipmentOn top of SE-L you get 19in alloys, a reversing camera, electric tailgate, leather seats, which are electrically adjustable and heated in the front, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, keyless entry and a 10-speaker Bose sound system. Definitely worth looking at if your budget can stretch to it.
The engine
See full engine specsThe sole petrol option is a 2.0-litre (badged Skyactiv-G 165). Unlike nearly every other modern petrol engine, it doesn't benefit from turbocharging, so you need to rev it hard to get the best from it. But there’s just enough low-rev oomph to help you make decent progress – as long as you aren't in a hurry. The big plus is it’s much cheaper than the diesels, which is why it's our pick of the range. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard (and what we’d go for) but an automatic gearbox is also available. If you go for the manual then the petrol engine gets cylinder deactivation technology, which automatically shuts down two of its four cylinders in certain scenarios and helps make it surprisingly economical for such a big car.
Key information
41.5
506
litres
153
g/km
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