New Mazda CX-5 & Ford Kuga vs Skoda Kodiaq
Mazda’s spacious and upmarket new CX-5 aims to reclaim the large SUV crown – but first it has to beat our reigning champ, the Skoda Kodiaq, and Ford’s updated Kuga...
Our verdict
Sometimes last place seems harsh. Finishing third doesn’t necessarily mean a car is way off the pace and undeserving of your consideration. In this case, though, one of our trio is a long way behind its peers: the Kuga. It may have just been treated to a facelift, but the improvements haven’t addressed the cheap-feeling interior, unsettled ride or the absence of automatic emergency braking. While cheaper versions of the Kuga make some sense (prices start at £21,895), this ST Line model is best avoided.
The Kodiaq has heaps more going for it. In fact, in some ways it’s the best car here: it’s the most spacious inside and rides bumps in the most sophisticated manner. However, while value for money is usually something Skoda excels at, it’s actually the one area that lets the Kodiaq down in this form. The asking price seems reasonable enough, yes, but you have to pay extra for features that really should be standard. So, unless you’re prudent, you’ll end up spending well over £30,000.
That’s one of the main reasons why the CX-5 wins. It’s incredibly well equipped with standard luxuries you won’t find on most luxury cars, yet it’s more than spacious enough for most families’ needs. It’s the most fun to drive, too, will cost you the least at the pumps and, unlike most Mazdas, doesn’t feel at all cheap inside. It’s a shame the ride isn’t softer (choosing smaller-wheeled SE-L Nav trim will probably help), but that’s our only real criticism of what’s otherwise a thoroughly brilliant SUV.
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1st – Mazda CX-5
For Loads of standard kit; tidy handling; great driving position; fuel economy; flexible engine
Against Firm ride; expensive to lease
Verdict A brilliant SUV and the best model from Mazda in years
Rated 5 out of 5
2nd – Skoda Kodiaq
For Comfiest ride; smartest and biggest interior
Against You’ll want to add lots of options; no discounts
Verdict Fundamentally a fine car; could be better value
Rated 4 out of 5
For Cheapest company car; biggest dealer discounts
Against Low-rent interior; cramped; noisy; nervous handling; heavy depreciation
Verdict Hard to recommend at this price
Rated 2 out of 5
Specifications: Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi 150 ST Line
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £28,745
Target Price £25,036
Power 148bhp @ 3500rpm
Torque 273Ib ft @ 2000rpm
0-60mph 9.4sec
Top speed 121mph
Gov't fuel economy 60.1mpg
True MPG 43.9mpg
CO2 emissions 122g/km
Specifications: Mazda CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D 150 Sport Nav
Engine size 2.2-litre diesel
List price £28,695
Target Price £27,486
Power 148bhp @ 4500rpm
Torque 280Ib ft @ 1800-2600rpm
0-60mph 9.3sec
Top speed 127mph
Gov't fuel economy 56.5mpg
True MPG 47.4mpg
CO2 emissions 132g/km
Specifications: Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 150 SE DSG
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price £27,115
Target Price £27,115
Power 148bhp @ 3500-4000pm
Torque 251Ib ft @ 1750-3000rpm
0-60mph 9.2sec
Top speed 123mph
Gov't fuel economy 56.5mpg
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