Mazda CX-5 | .au

Reviewed posted End Oct 2025 This might seem a bit lengthy, but if you are thinking of buying a CX5 it’s the kind of thing you want to know. Compromises often have to made when buying a car, so knowing which ones you are willing to make helps in the decision making process. I’m sure I’ve missed something; hopefully it’s not too important to you.… Read more

Bought a new Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sports produced Dec 2024 (have been driving for a few months)

What I like:

I enjoy driving it (we’re off to a good start) I find the seats are comfortable The vision is good The brakes work well I find steering wheel is pleasing to hold and turn The tyres are great (costly to replace but still good) The acceleration is ok (not amazing) but ok, and Sports mode is a bit better. The rear seats are comfortable (so I have been told by passengers) The interior is nicely appointed I like the ‘Heads up display’. I get that it tends to be a ‘love it or hate it thing’ but it can be turned off. I found the cruise control easy to use (which I didn’t find on a Rav4 I hired). I find the dash display quite good. The hands free telephone is great, easy to use and very clear. The sound system is good (not that I’m much of an expert, but son (who always plays music in his car) thinks so too Paint work is beautiful (at the moment) I find the boot space (and the adjustable floor) adequate for me (it’s an individual thing) Goes up hills no problem Ok with turn signal sound (can be adjusted a bit) The cross traffic alert when reversing works well and gives confidence The reversing camera produces a high quality picture. Ok with the glove box size (not huge but not small) The wireless Bluetooth system works There are cable ports for charging you phone in the console Getting in and out of the car is easy due to the elevated height of the car (fantastic if you have knee or back problems) Has a sunglasses holder (I was going to buy a Corolla Cross before the Mazda but it didn’t have a sunglasses holder) and in the end that was the deal breaker for me. Door parking positions (great for getting out of the car when parked next to another one).

Not so keen on:

I really feel that the console should be sliding. I am used to resting my arm on them whilst still holding the steering wheel on a long drive (which I can’t do now). Unable to find a ‘retrofit sliding armrest’ on the internet. There should be an auto wing mirror closure option. It’s sort of annoying to remember when you park. Whilst I don’t really have a problem with the system control dial, I think a touch screen option would be better. The engine is a bit ‘whinny’ when getting up to speed, and then it’s fine (not so noticeable if the radio is on). Not exactly economical with petrol, but I knew that prior to purchasing. I really wish car companies stopped with the forward pointing head rests that only touch the top of your head (my wife has to lean her head forward giving her neck pain). At least make them with an adjustable tilt. I think the tailgate lift arms could have been a bit stronger (basically self lifting). I would like to be able to turn off the cruise control auto distance from the next car. I have had more than one instance where I went to change lanes and it braked (a car moved into my lane and the auto distance decided it was too close and then self braked) which gave the potential for an accident (it can be a bit of an OMG moment). I would like to be able to turn off the auto engine turn off/turn on permanently (current you have to do this every time you restart). You can buy a kit from the internet which can do this for about $80 so why don’t Mazda just give us the option. If you reduce the air con to ‘’Lo’’ this will stop the stop/start (ok in summer, not so much in winter). The keyless entry is ok but had to replace the fob battery after a few months. I would prefer it if the wings mirrors were both ‘as it is’ size instead of the driver’s side only, and the passenger side a reduced size, as it makes it look as if you have more room to change lanes than you actually have.

What I really don’t like

I have found the information display system non intuitive, and have had to spend a lot of time on the internet to figure it out. Mazda should in my view make videos (doesn’t need to be professional quality) on how to use all its functions for each model, and place them on its website. When driving using Google maps, I want to move the map so I can see where I am going, and because it is not a touch screen I can’t. There has been a number of times I have had near accidents because there is no touch screen, and my moving the dial all over the place to find what I want takes my attention away from the road. In my view the display operating system is the single biggest failure in the car: No touch screen and no user friendly interface. I really don’t like the fact that what the petrol usage display states I am using, is in conflict with my own maths (which states less usage). I would I record the Km since last fill up against petrol used to fill the tank to the click to work out how many litres per 100kms. Did this several times when I first had the car and it always differed a lot, so which do I believe? This makes the feature unhelpful.