Version review

Mazda CX-5 2.2d Sport 5dr Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

site ribbon config

Thanks to the additional torque on offer, the entry-level diesel engine pulls far more strongly from a standstill and actually covers 0-60mph in almost the same time as the most powerful petrol engine. On top of that, official figures say it’ll manage 50mpg, making it a great choice for people who cover lots of miles. 

2.2d

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

If your budget can stretch to it, Sport is a great way to get lots of extra luxuries, and Mazda expects this to be the bestselling trim. It includes 19in alloy wheels, a reversing camera, black leather seats, wireless phone-charging, a clear head-up display, a digital driver display, a heated steering wheel and wiper de-ice.

Sport

2.2d Sport 5dr

22d-sport-5dr

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

Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

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.

&nbsp;

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Mazda CX-5 2.2d Sport 5dr Review

Get the best price with What Car?

The model

The trim

The engine

Buying with What Car?

Key information

50.4

510

litres

147

g/km

Also consider

Dacia Duster

MG ZS

Ssangyong Korando

Mazda CX-30

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information