Mazda CX-5 reader test team: readers' verdicts on new family SUV
The latest iteration of Mazda's family SUV is larger and comfier than before. But can it woo buyers away from the likes of the Kia Sportage? Let's see what some of our readers have to say...
The CX-5 is already Mazda's best-selling model in the UK and Europe, but now this third generation version has its sights set on beating the class leaders in the family SUV market.
In order to be competitive with the likes of the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan, the new CX-5 will need to be good to drive and offer a comfortable, well-appointed interior, reasonable running costs and strong practicality. On the latter front, the new CX-5 is larger all round than the car it replaces, with the aim of improving interior space. The boot has grown by 61 litres to 583 litres, making it larger than the Qashqai's but still slightly down on the Sportage's and Hyundai Tucson's.
The engine line-up has been streamlined to just one option: a 139bhp 2.5-litre petrol unit with mild hybrid electrical assistance to boost efficiency. Front-wheel drive is standard, but a four-wheel-drive version will be offered as an alternative for buyers who need additional traction in slippery conditions. Also new is a Google-based infotainment system, with a large central touchscreen that controls most functions, plus a digital instrument cluster and optional head-up display.
The CX-5 is expected to be priced from around £35,000 when it arrives in summer 2026. That will make it more expensive than most of its rivals, but slightly cheaper than premium models such as the Volvo XC40.
Will it be a hit with buyers, though? We invited a group of readers to look at a preproduction model and give us their opinions.
Michael Willmore
Age 74
Job Retired chartered structural engineer
Drives Mazda CX-30
"The exterior styling is fairly similar to that of the previous CX-5; that's good, because it means it will be immediately recognisable on the road. However, interior space has significantly improved, particularly in the back.
"I'm very impressed with the build quality and the materials used inside. It feels just as plush as the high-end six-cylinder German cars I used to own. Those cars were really expensive to run, but with its mild hybrid system, the new CX-5 should be quite economical.
"The enormous central touchscreen is something you see on a lot of modern cars, but the one in the CX-5 seems effective, with clear controls. There's no lag and it's easy to navigate through the menus.
"I do prefer physical switches, though. It's a shame they've got rid of the rotary controller from the old CX-5. have one in my CX-30, and it's something I would definitely miss.
"It's useful that there are handles in the boot to fold the rear seats down, so you don't have to open the rear doors.
"When I went on holiday to Japan, the people I spoke to seemed very proud of Japanese cars, SO the idea of owning a car built there is attractive to me.
"Having seen the CX-5 in the metal, it's probably too big for my needs, but it would be ideal for families."
Star rating 5
Amie Stringer
Age 40
Job Commercial director
Drives Mazda CX-5 and Mazda CX-80
"As a family, we demand quite a lot from our cars. We have a five-year-old daughter and a dog, and we tow a caravan and bike trailer at times. However, I don't want to drive a large SUV like the CX-80 all the time.
"This new car's towing capacity is greater than that of my old CX-5, and it's available with a tow hitch that folds away electrically. The one on my car has to be wound away manually, so I tend to leave it out, and then it'll catch my leg when I walk past the car.
"I often take children and friends out, so it's good to see there's more space in the back.
"It's handy that you can set up driver preferences for the infotainment, the car's settings and the driver's seat. My husband and I swap cars fairly often and this would make it a much smoother process.
"The full-length glass roof is better than the half-length one on the current CX-5, because it lets more light into the interior. It's good that it has an electric blind to keep the sun off my daughter. "I like the larger infotainment screen and the Google built-in features, which mean I could do more things using voice control. That's important, because it can be distracting enough to drive with children aboard."
Star rating 5
Sean Knights
Age 58
Job Retired financial advisor
Drives Kia Sportage
"I've always liked the shape of the CX-5, and it's nice that the latest model is an evolution of it rather than being dramatically different. I especially like the bonnet, front grille and headlights.
"I considered the previous CX-5 when I was buying my Sportage, but discounted it because it wasn't as roomy. That appears to have changed, though. Although the new CX-5 isn't much longer than the previous one, it feels like there's a lot of extra space inside.
"I like the large infotainment screen, which is bigger than the one in my Sportage. I'm also impressed with all the technology that's on the CX-5. I don't have a good sense of direction, SO I really appreciate having Google navigation as standard, and the Google voice assistant will be useful while driving. I like to play music while I drive, so I'd go for
"The haptic buttons on the steering wheel are a good safety feature, because they give a click to let you know you've activated a function so you don't have to look away from the road. "The boot looks a decent size, and I like the fact that there's a space to slot the load cover under the boot floor when you're not using it; that's something my Sportage doesn't have. "Now that I've seen the CX-5, I want to take one for a test drive."
Star rating 5
Alan Pryor
Age 53
Job Insurance claims manager
Drives Ford Kuga
"I haven't owned a Mazda before, but I test drove a CX-5 six years ago before buying my Kuga. I didn't buy one then because there wasn't enough space in the rear seats for my son to sit behind me; I'm 6ft 6in and he's even taller.
"However, there's far more leg and head room in the latest version. I also found it easy to get a good driving position using the electric seat adjustment.
"The infotainment screen is bigger than my Kuga's, and I like the fact that there's a separate instrument panel. Many new cars have one long, 'wraparound' panel encompassing the instruments and infotainment, but that feels a bit overwhelming to me. Having a head-up display is important; it's something I find useful in the Kuga.
"The Kuga is a plug-in hybrid and it does 30-35 miles on electric power, but once that's used up, it's pretty heavy on fuel. While most of my journeys are fairly short at present, my commute could change soon, and that might mean I'm better off with a mild hybrid like the CX-5. I'll do the maths to find out.
"I wasn't that impressed by the CX-5 or Mazda in the past, but this model has really changed my mind and made me think it's definitely worth considering when I come to change my car."
Star rating 5
Ian Katz
Age 70
Job Psychotherapist
Drives Mazda MX-5 and Volvo XC40
"I'm seriously considering the new Mazda CX-5 as a replacement for my Volvo XC40, because I've been impressed with my MX-5 and previous Mazdas I've owned. "I like the subtle changes that have been made to the exterior; it now looks quite imposing. Although it's slightly bigger than the previous version, it doesn't look huge, and the wheels aren't too big. It's a positive progression from the previous generation.
"The interior is excellent, with nice materials and robust controls. The steering wheel feels thick and sturdy, and it's heated, as are the front seats. The damping in the sunglasses case and glovebox is a nice touch.
"The infotainment touchscreen is clear and easy to navigate. The icons are big, and they aren't too close to each other. I do a long journey once a month, so ease of use and comfort are important to me, and the CX-5 should do both of these things well.
"I find the rear seats a little too low, so shorter passengers might struggle to see out of the window. But it's spacious in the rear, even with the front seats slid right back; I'm six feet tall and my knees don't touch the back of the seat in front. I sometimes drive my grandchildren around, and I'd have no concerns about fitting their child seats in the back."
Star rating 5
Martin Young
Age 65
Job Retired business analyst
Drives Honda Jazz
"I'm looking for a new hybrid SUV to replace my Honda Jazz, and I've always been a fan of Mazdas, so the new CX-5 could be a contender.
"The new version looks a lot smarter than the previous generation; I especially like the sleek roofline.
"Inside, the CX-5 feels solidly built and really comfortable. The seats are supportive, so they would be good for longer drives.
"As well as local driving, I often do 200 to 300-mile round trips to visit relatives in Lancashire and friends who live elsewhere around the country. Although the Jazz is comfortable enough for these drives, I would like a bigger car, and I think the CX-5 would be suitable.
"I'm not a huge fan of the all-black interior in the car we looked at, though; I'd prefer something a bit more colourful.
"Having lots of tech isn't a priority for me, but it's good that the CX-5 has a big infotainment screen and icons for all the most important functions on a bar at the bottom of the screen. Even though they aren't physical buttons, I think they would be easy to operate on the move.
"I'm really impressed with the space in the rear seats. Even with the front seats as far back as they can go, there's plenty of room for your knees."
Star rating 5
Graeme Williams
Age 70
Job Retired heating engineer
Drives Mazda 3 and Skoda Octavia Estate
"I've owned five different Mazda models over the past 20 years. I find it good to stick with the same brand, because the new models often have controls that are similar to my current car's, and that makes me feel like I already know the new car when I get in.
"My wife and I are finding that getting in or out of our Mazda 3 is becoming more difficult, and we struggle to get our granddaughter into her child seat, but the CX-5's doors open really wide, so it would be better for us. Our granddaughter has a large pushchair, and that would fit easily into the CX-5's boot. It's also handy to have a powered tailgate.
"It feels as though the CX-5's interior has been well thought out to make it easy to live with. The front seats are extremely luxurious and comfortable; you feel like you're sitting in an armchair.
"It's good that the infotainment screen is in a landscape orientation, because it doesn't stick up as much as the portrait ones on some new cars; these can obscure your view while you're driving. I also appreciate the heated front seats and driver's head-up display.
"I like to clean my car every week, so I'm glad to see that the CX-5 has lots of smooth surfaces on the outside and no matt black trim, which isn't easy to keep looking nice."
Star rating 5
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