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Mazda CX-5 2.2d [184] GT Sport 5dr AWD Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

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As with the two petrol engines, the most powerful diesel option isn’t all that much faster or more efficient than the entry-level version. That means we’d stick with the 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 if diesel is your chosen fuel. 

2.2d [184]

Estate

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

CX-5

The range-topping GT Sport trim gets all the bells and whistles, including Nappa leather, heated outer rear seats, ventilated and heated front seats, wood trim on the dashboard, adaptive LED headlights, off-road mode (on petrol all-wheel drive models), a 360-degree parking camera and some aesthetic exterior changes.

GT Sport

2.2d [184] GT Sport 5dr AWD

22d-184-gt-sport-5dr-awd

DSTC-Dynamic Stability and Traction Control

8 way electric driver seat with lumbar support + memory

Electric front/rear windows with one touch auto up/down

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best large SUVs you can buy. Why? Well, while it lacks the additional practicality of seven seats the Peugeot 5008 comes with as standard, it's well priced, very well equipped, safe and classy inside. The 2.0 petrol in entry-level SE-L trim offers the best value for money, but the diesels are well worth a look if you do above average mileage.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

The Seat Ateca and&nbsp;Skoda Karoq should definitely be on your shortlist. But if you have a bit more to spend,&nbsp;the Range Rover Evoque is another strong option. If money is a concern, then the Dacia Duster provides comfortable, spacious and well-equipped transportation for an affordable price.

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Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Mazda CX-5 2.2d [184] GT Sport 5dr AWD Review

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44.8

510

litres

165

g/km

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