2022 Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Review

There are many iconic Mazda models throughout history – but only one model managed to save them from the very brink of extinction, and it’s the Mazda CX-5. It may not have been their first SUV, but it brought a range of technologies and a proper redesign of their line-up that propelled them from being the left-field alternative to other Japanese brands, to being an outright leader in their own way.

First launched to the world in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 has gone through a variety of revisions – both minor and major. While technically in its second generation, it shares a lot of the underpinnings with the first-generation model – not that it’s a bad thing, because the SKYACTIV chassis and engine lineup were a huge step forward for this relatively small Japanese automaker.

The number of variants has grown and shrunk over the years depending on what Mazda feels the Malaysian public has an appetite for, and the count currently stands at five. Buyers can pick from naturally aspirated or turbocharged petrol engines, or a turbodiesel, and either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on the particular variant.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Specifications

We’ve got a lot to get up to speed with when it comes to the Mazda CX-5 – especially with four different engines on offer – so bear with us. The 2.0-litre petrol engine on offer makes 162 hp and 213 Nm of torque. Going up one level is the 2.5-litre petrol engine, making a healthy 192 hp and 258 Nm of torque.

The most potent petrol engine is a turbocharged variant of the 2.5-litre mill, putting out 228 hp and 420 Nm of torque. The sole diesel option is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that puts out 188 hp and 450 Nm of torque – the highest amount of torque across the range and the only diesel option on the market. All engines are paired with a SKYACTIV six-speed conventional automatic transmission that delivers power to the front wheels – with the exception of the turbocharged 2.5-litre variant, which is all-wheel drive.

In terms of dimensions, the wheelbase is a surprisingly long 2,700 mm, which is what lends it such fantastic handling characteristics. The overall footprint wraps a little tighter around the wheelbase than you would expect, with a length of 4,550 mm, a width of 1,840 mm, and a height of roughly 1,675 mm. It’s almost European in this sense, where German manufacturers tend to push each wheel as close to their corner of the vehicle as possible.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Exterior

There’s no denying that the Mazda CX-5 is one of the sleekest, prettiest looking SUVs on the market – and it’s even won a couple of design awards to boot. The front grille has evolved with the changing design language of the line-up, growing larger and more elegant with every iteration – resulting in the distinctive fascia you see today.

If you manage to get your hands on one with the Soul Red paint option, the intricate bodywork becomes even more visible and vibrant. LED front headlights are standard across the range, as are LED reverse lights – though only the High spec variants get LED daytime running lights and taillights.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Interior

As gorgeous as the Mazda CX-5 looks on the outside, it’s important that the interior lives up to the expectations (and the price), and dutifully it manages to deliver. We’ll start with the big ticket items: a 7-inch MZD connect screen sits front and centre on the dashboard and functions as infotainment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Leather steering with switches is common across the range as well, although the 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster is limited to the 2.5G 2WD High or higher. The entry level 2.0G 2WD Mid variant gets gunmetal dashboard trim, while metal and wood adorn the dashboards of the more expensive variants.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Safety Features

At this price point, there are certain things you expect as standard – even in a car like the Mazda CX-5. We’re talking about Dynamic Stability Control, six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat anchors – these are all present and accounted for no matter which variant you pick. The entry level variant gets none of the fancier items though, such as the Adaptive Front Lighting System, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart City Brake Support for both the front and the rear. These are things that are progressively added to each variant as you go through the range, though the adaptive lighting system seems to be omitted from the two most expensive variants.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Strengths and Weaknesses

Being a relatively small company (compared to other Japanese manufacturers) allows Mazda to roll out updates and changes quickly, keeping their model line as fresh as possible. This means that if you’re buying a Mazda model, you will probably have the most current design language and technology – which is why the Mazda CX-5 looks absolutely stunning inside with a combination of soft touch materials and brushed aluminium stretching across the dashboard.

While you may think that means that style is the CX-5’s strong suit, you would be wrong to assume it doesn’t have substance to back the aesthetics up. The CX-5, like quite nearly every Mazda model on the market, handles incredibly well. The steering weight, the engine response, and the chassis tuning all work together to make the driver really feel like they’re in control of the car – even if that car is a relatively heavy SUV.

Unfortunately, if you’re not the kind of person who values incredible handling, then you will have to live with the downside of a slightly stiff ride. It’s far from back breaking, but it definitely isn’t nearly as supple as other offerings on the market. You also have to contend with a little less interior space for the exterior footprint – Mazda isn’t exactly known for packaging efficiency.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Price

Perhaps this is where the Mazda CX-5 starts to become a bit of a tricky proposition. Like all Mazda models in our market, the CX-5 is priced a little higher than you would expect. The entry-level 2.0G 2WD Mid variant starts at RM 132,403.80 – which is competitively priced. Going up to the 2.0G 2WD High variant is where it gets a little more expensive at RM 148,563.70.

From here on out, the price climbs drastically. The 2.5G 2WD High goes for RM 161,103.50, and the 2.2D 2WD High goes for RM 167,274.70. Running right at the top of the range is the 2.5G 4WD High Turbocharged, which crowns the CX-5 range at RM 174,852.10. When you factor in the relative interior space of the CX-5, you can see why it’s not the easiest proposition.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Features

The features a car has can make or break it, and the Mazda CX-5 has come to fight. Keyless entry and electrically assisted driver’s seats are standard apart from the 2.0G 2WD Mid variant. Keyless start is common across the range, as is Mazda’s G Vectoring Control Plus system for a more engaging drive. Mazda’s i-Stop idling system also helps to save you a little bit of fuel when you’re at long stops in traffic or at a set of lights. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, as are rear air-conditioning vents.

Mazda CX-5 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

There are no quoted manufacturer fuel consumption ratings for the current facelift, nor have we tested enough of the range to provide figures – but the top-spec turbocharged variant can travel 12 kilometres per litre – not altogether awful for an SUV.