Well done Tom...another consistently good review. The review formula is informative and you're not afraid to call it as it is... subscribers appreciate that honesty. Good stuff👍
Nice review. Glad you pointed out that the Tiguan's boot space of over 600 litres is only achievable via sliding the rear seats to their forward most position. (lies, damn lies and statistics!) The diesel is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km, not the 5.9 as mentioned. I would have also touched on the recline feature for the rear seat backrests. Love your work, Cheers, Ben.
I'd go Akera - feels a lot more premium inside. Comparable cargo space in reality. But make it a diesel CX-5 - if you've decided you want a petrol, Hyundai's Tucson 1.6T is better than Mazda's 2.5-litre NA petrol.
Man, I appreciate the effort put into reviews but I have to say some of these constant gripes really bother me. As a 2018 CX5 Touring owner, its frustrating to constantly be poked at because of the "smaller" cargo area - while ignoring the huge rear seating. AND then this guy compares it to a VW that will cost you at least 10K more to get anywhere near the features of his GT... Of course there are more sporty engines. There are more sporty cars too! You can't keep saying how you wish it had this or that. The review should be on what it does have, not what you wish. I wish my car could fly, I'm not going to ding the score because it can't.
First up, I'll reiterate the point that you've bought one of the best cars in the segment, so there's nothing to feel badly about. I think you've got a great car. But I will say that we've gotta be fair. Our reviews are independent consumer advice and that means laying out the pros and cons and the differences between the CX-5 and its key rivals. You're right that the Tiguan is more expensive spec-for-spec, and that is something to take into account, but the fact is that the engine is standard fit and in petrol form, the Volkswagen eclipses the Mazda by some degree. Doesn't mean the Mazda is a bad car whatsoever, merely that on that point, there is a difference to be pointed out. I do (as always) appreciate your perspective and feedback, though.
Chasing Cars Totally agree with you. He is just beat up because of the cons you said about his car. We want independent reviews, not car presentations. Don't feel bad.
It's called cross shopping and competition. It's also called his opinion. Might want to look up those things instead of being so butt hurt. He praised and critiqued it.
Ethan P. I think it’s easy to blur the line between “reviews” and comparisons. And no, I don’t think it is necessary to compare this or any other car to the competition. I don’t compare movies to the last I saw, or pizza to a way more expensive steak dinner. Best part about opinions is we all
Great review Tom, also worth noting the diesel akera is around or just under $50k with the EOFY sale on at the moment. Would the updates to the Akera raise its standing against 3008 in your opinion?
Good point Guy - and I should note here that the Akera/GT are down $800; the Touring/Maxx Sport are down $400. So, the Akera diesel's new price of $49,190 is quite compelling. I do think Mazda's twin-turbo diesel is better than PSA's single-turbo unit - Mazda's is quieter and torquier. In the 3008 range, I'd go for a GT-Line petrol, not the expensive GT diesel. In contrast to that car, the CX-5 Akera has considerably more standard kit - a sunroof, electric tailgate, full leather.
Love your reviews as usual & fully understand that not everyone is going to agree with all aspects. Maybe you might consider including pricing more in your comparisons. As a straight comparison an Audi Q5 is going to rate more highly than a CX5 but you a paying an extra $25K minimum for the Q5 so common sense dictates there is going to be a discrepancy is quality. So when you state that you prefer a 2.2 turbo diesel to a 2.5 petrol or a Tucson to a Captiva, it might be a good idea to include pricing disparities?
Chasing Cars Hmmm....I thought so. And what about 2.5 Petrol 194 hp....does it makes things better? I am considering Petrol as I don't do more than 15000 kms a year.
Red accent leather interior and some Alcantara touch probably coming out as well to have other color choices aside from the white and black leather being offered now.
Very nice suv. You said the visibility is excellent which is good, because your video makes the A pillar look quite large. Certainly Worth a look. I guess the 360 camera is only on the top spec.
Yeah, that driving commentary shot was framed a little weirdly. Driving along, I didn't get the sense that the A-pillar was much thicker than this car's rivals - but we are living in an age of the "generally thick" A-pillar because of frontal offset crash testing, which has meant they've needed to be beefed up a lot for crashworthiness.
The visibility is average at best for an SUV. Windows are narrow, pillars are wide, thats what we pay with for a sporty design. The side mirrors are very good though.
There are two things which annoys me at my Mazda 3 and Mazda in general. No touch screen while driving, and no android auto. To change a radio station you either go and scroll through the menu with the knob, or long press until beeps on the button on the steering wheel. Hello #mazda , we are in 2018, make thing more usuable and not annoying to use
Damnit. We don't get the diesel in the states. I only had the petrol option, but I still love the car....it's probably good I haven't been able to even try the diesel to see and feel the difference at this point.
Haha, probably true. Shame they don’t offer the diesel over there - but they could make us all happy with a compromise, by putting the turbo petrol 2.5 into this car.
I’m thinking of waiting to see what the next Forester is like. But after I hear that there could be a Turbo petrol CX-5 next year I might wait till then. Thanks
Pros it’s 10k cheaper than its nearest rival. Cons the boot is slightly smaller than its closest rival. You decide. Think this review should have made a bit more of the price difference.
Having test-driven both models at length, I feel that the new 2018 VW Tiquan 2.0 TDI Highline SUV in my opinion, is a much better car in all respects than this 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel SUV.
It’s also much more expensive. You have to tick a bunch of options to get to the same level of the CX5 and you will have higher ownership costs thereafter. In petrol guise the Tiguan is more compelling but in diesel the CX5 is a very good alternative
I'm not sure I'd agree the Tiguan is a much better car in all respects. I think the Tiguan is better to drive and the onboard tech is better (Active Info Display, CarPlay, etc.), but the 140TDI is pretty rattly, while the twin-turbo in the Mazda is a fair bit quieter. Oh, and the Mazda's cabin materials are much nicer, at least in the GT/Akera grades. Still, test driving both is the best idea!
Yep, I drove SEAT Ateca 1.4 TSI and it was better as well in nearly all respects. And it is about the same price or cheaper in Europe. Mazda has one huge advantage though - long term reliability, compared to VW Group. And if you want dynamics, 2.0 TSI ( watch Ateca Cupra) is just different class to Mazda diesels. Still Mazda is a great car.
I think the VW is a better looking vehicles, but my head says to buy the Mazda. I think the CX 5 is a better vehicle, and you know that if anything goes wrong Mazda will be there to help,unlike another manufacturer.
The VWs have so much more technology that the Japanese makers need to catch up with. Carplay/Panoramic Sunroof etc. If this all came in the CX9 and the Diesel engine I would be in one for sure, but I like the "feature" list more on the euros at the moment.
I like it for a number of reasons but I wouldn’t buy one for a number of reasons. First and foremost it’s small for its class particularly shoulder room, knee room behind the wheel and boot space. Secondly the petrol motors are on the weak side in comparison to some of the competitors. Thirdly the UI is ok but the screen is underwhelming when compared to some competitors. I fully agree that it needs the 2.5 turbo petrol as an optional engine in the mid to upper trims at least and I see no reason to buy diesel in this size of SUV when there are plenty of nice petrol options that are fuel efficient enough, I do like though that it has torque converter auto rather than a CVT. I like the interior but wouldn’t put it above the Tiguan or the latest Peugeot SUV interiors although I don’t like 5he “iSight” set up with the tiny steering wheels, it’s weird and unnecessary.
NZsarge1 yeah, I think we’re both on the same page haha. I have tried a CVT when test driving a Levorg and it was just not a nice transmission. I would definitely love a Subaru, but I mean they don’t even have LED blinkers/lights all around, so I consider that lacking :)
I don’t think there is much technology to be honest. Car place is an issue but panaramic sunroof is meh and huge cost. The CX5 has a awesome HUD which makes the virtual dashboard redundant
general comfort, the driver seat is just a tad to narrow and about an inch an half short. The 8 way motors on the GT seats do not allow you to recline the seat back much
I wouldn't recommend you Xtrail, I just had one for a week and I am totally disappointed. It has an agricultural diesel engine, noisy and loud. Try it yourself.
Hi I’ve driven the X-Trail for long drives and found it very underpowered and unresponsive. Also the CVT Is very noisy compared to others. You really need to drive it back to back.
2016.5 Mazda CX5, even auto glass shops know Mazda's windshields suck. Brought mine to two different auto glass shop to get a new windshield and both suggested to get a different brand of glass because Mazdas are very common to their shop and known for having cheaply made glass. I know Mazda knows this very well with the rising complaints online. Try carcomplaints.com
Good review. However, VW is a German brand. There is premuium brand value associated with VW. Plus, the 2018 Mazda doesn't really have revolutionary changes like the 2018 Tiguan.
Yes and no. I do think VW sits a little higher in the average person's brand esteem but only slightly. In Australia at least, Mazda have carved out a little semi-premium niche.
Lol my parents own a CX5. Called up to ask for paint and got it for free within 2 days via mail. Is very reliable. I think your mistaken for when it was apart of ford lol that’s when it was shit
Well done Tom...another consistently good review. The review formula is informative and you're not afraid to call it as it is... subscribers appreciate that honesty. Good stuff👍
i love white and grey
Australians surely love the CX-5s! Great video - thanks for sharing
No problem!
Chasing car channel in general you have the best test drive in the world
Wow, that's kind. Thanks, Mohammad!
Nice review. Glad you pointed out that the Tiguan's boot space of over 600 litres is only achievable via sliding the rear seats to their forward most position. (lies, damn lies and statistics!)
The diesel is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km, not the 5.9 as mentioned.
I would have also touched on the recline feature for the rear seat backrests.
Love your work,
Cheers, Ben.
I don't know. It seems like common sense that cargo area is going to be bigger if the seats are slid forward.
Good review guys!! Looking to upgrade, finally come down to this (Akera) vs Tucson Highlander....Thoughts?
I'd go Akera - feels a lot more premium inside. Comparable cargo space in reality. But make it a diesel CX-5 - if you've decided you want a petrol, Hyundai's Tucson 1.6T is better than Mazda's 2.5-litre NA petrol.
Man, I appreciate the effort put into reviews but I have to say some of these constant gripes really bother me. As a 2018 CX5 Touring owner, its frustrating to constantly be poked at because of the "smaller" cargo area - while ignoring the huge rear seating. AND then this guy compares it to a VW that will cost you at least 10K more to get anywhere near the features of his GT... Of course there are more sporty engines. There are more sporty cars too! You can't keep saying how you wish it had this or that. The review should be on what it does have, not what you wish. I wish my car could fly, I'm not going to ding the score because it can't.
First up, I'll reiterate the point that you've bought one of the best cars in the segment, so there's nothing to feel badly about. I think you've got a great car. But I will say that we've gotta be fair. Our reviews are independent consumer advice and that means laying out the pros and cons and the differences between the CX-5 and its key rivals. You're right that the Tiguan is more expensive spec-for-spec, and that is something to take into account, but the fact is that the engine is standard fit and in petrol form, the Volkswagen eclipses the Mazda by some degree. Doesn't mean the Mazda is a bad car whatsoever, merely that on that point, there is a difference to be pointed out. I do (as always) appreciate your perspective and feedback, though.
You care way to much about what some guy says about this car. Seriously.
Chasing Cars Totally agree with you. He is just beat up because of the cons you said about his car. We want independent reviews, not car presentations. Don't feel bad.
It's called cross shopping and competition. It's also called his opinion. Might want to look up those things instead of being so butt hurt. He praised and critiqued it.
Ethan P. I think it’s easy to blur the line between “reviews” and comparisons. And no, I don’t think it is necessary to compare this or any other car to the competition. I don’t compare movies to the last I saw, or pizza to a way more expensive steak dinner. Best part about opinions is we all
Favorite car and fav color ... now to have it with AWD and that 2.5Turbo engine
like the US version Mazda 6.
Great review Tom, also worth noting the diesel akera is around or just under $50k with the EOFY sale on at the moment. Would the updates to the Akera raise its standing against 3008 in your opinion?
Good point Guy - and I should note here that the Akera/GT are down $800; the Touring/Maxx Sport are down $400. So, the Akera diesel's new price of $49,190 is quite compelling. I do think Mazda's twin-turbo diesel is better than PSA's single-turbo unit - Mazda's is quieter and torquier. In the 3008 range, I'd go for a GT-Line petrol, not the expensive GT diesel. In contrast to that car, the CX-5 Akera has considerably more standard kit - a sunroof, electric tailgate, full leather.
Love your reviews as usual & fully understand that not everyone is going to agree with all aspects. Maybe you might consider including pricing more in your comparisons. As a straight comparison an Audi Q5 is going to rate more highly than a CX5 but you a paying an extra $25K minimum for the Q5 so common sense dictates there is going to be a discrepancy is quality. So when you state that you prefer a 2.2 turbo diesel to a 2.5 petrol or a Tucson to a Captiva, it might be a good idea to include pricing disparities?
Great review, nice vehicle. All the tech will filter down in time .
True, it will. At least stuff like rear AEB is range-wide here.
So, between this and the Skoda Karoq, Which one do guys you pick?
Great review again.... what is your opinion on 2.0 Petrol Engine 160 HP in automatic version?
Underpowered.
Chasing Cars Hmmm....I thought so. And what about 2.5 Petrol 194 hp....does it makes things better? I am considering Petrol as I don't do more than 15000 kms a year.
Red accent leather interior and some Alcantara touch probably coming out as well to have other color choices aside from the white and black leather being offered now.
Very nice suv. You said the visibility is excellent which is good, because your video makes the A pillar look quite large. Certainly Worth a look. I guess the 360 camera is only on the top spec.
Yeah, that driving commentary shot was framed a little weirdly. Driving along, I didn't get the sense that the A-pillar was much thicker than this car's rivals - but we are living in an age of the "generally thick" A-pillar because of frontal offset crash testing, which has meant they've needed to be beefed up a lot for crashworthiness.
The visibility is average at best for an SUV. Windows are narrow, pillars are wide, thats what we pay with for a sporty design. The side mirrors are very good though.
Brilliant review
great review. and finally one that isnt on the metallic red color
I actually prefer Machine Grey 🤷🏼♂️
Great review and class car, especially in metallic red.
Thanks! Soul Red Crystal is a really nice colour - although Machine Grey as seen in the intro here is also quite fetching
I agree
came for the Machine Grey look ended up seeing moste Soul Red haha
There are two things which annoys me at my Mazda 3 and Mazda in general. No touch screen while driving, and no android auto. To change a radio station you either go and scroll through the menu with the knob, or long press until beeps on the button on the steering wheel.
Hello #mazda , we are in 2018, make thing more usuable and not annoying to use
Great review!
Thanks Bill!
Totally agree the diesel is place to be with the CX5. Very punchy, refined and sounds like a petrol.
It’s a very good engine.
Damnit. We don't get the diesel in the states. I only had the petrol option, but I still love the car....it's probably good I haven't been able to even try the diesel to see and feel the difference at this point.
Haha, probably true. Shame they don’t offer the diesel over there - but they could make us all happy with a compromise, by putting the turbo petrol 2.5 into this car.
Chasing Cars I do have the 2.5 over here.
The turbo 2.5 CX-9, or the naturally aspirated 2.5 CX-5? Huge difference in torque between those two.
Chasing Cars sadly, no turbo
Hi Tom, do you think moving from a MY15 Subaru Forester XT to this is a downgrade?
No, I think it’s an upgrade.
I’m thinking of waiting to see what the next Forester is like. But after I hear that there could be a Turbo petrol CX-5 next year I might wait till then. Thanks
I am not Australian but great review
Much appreciated, thanks!
Pros it’s 10k cheaper than its nearest rival. Cons the boot is slightly smaller than its closest rival. You decide. Think this review should have made a bit more of the price difference.
Which rivals are you talking about? The CX-5 is pretty similarly priced against its main rivals here - Tiguan, Tucson, Escape...
Should be interesting to see how it will compare to the next-generation Subaru forester.
Agreed, will definitely set up a comparison when we get the new Forester here in Australia.
There's only been 2 generations of the CX5
Which was clearly stated on screen... we all make mistakes, even me
Having test-driven both models at length, I feel that the new 2018 VW Tiquan 2.0 TDI Highline SUV in my opinion, is a much better car in all respects than this 2018 Mazda CX-5 diesel SUV.
It’s also much more expensive. You have to tick a bunch of options to get to the same level of the CX5 and you will have higher ownership costs thereafter. In petrol guise the Tiguan is more compelling but in diesel the CX5 is a very good alternative
I'm not sure I'd agree the Tiguan is a much better car in all respects. I think the Tiguan is better to drive and the onboard tech is better (Active Info Display, CarPlay, etc.), but the 140TDI is pretty rattly, while the twin-turbo in the Mazda is a fair bit quieter. Oh, and the Mazda's cabin materials are much nicer, at least in the GT/Akera grades. Still, test driving both is the best idea!
Yep, I drove SEAT Ateca 1.4 TSI and it was better as well in nearly all respects. And it is about the same price or cheaper in Europe. Mazda has one huge advantage though - long term reliability, compared to VW Group. And if you want dynamics, 2.0 TSI ( watch Ateca Cupra) is just different class to Mazda diesels. Still Mazda is a great car.
I think the VW is a better looking vehicles, but my head says to buy the Mazda. I think the CX 5 is a better vehicle, and you know that if anything goes wrong Mazda will be there to help,unlike another manufacturer.
Fair point.
The VWs have so much more technology that the Japanese makers need to catch up with.
Carplay/Panoramic Sunroof etc. If this all came in the CX9 and the Diesel engine I would be in one for sure, but I like the "feature" list more on the euros at the moment.
I like it for a number of reasons but I wouldn’t buy one for a number of reasons.
First and foremost it’s small for its class particularly shoulder room, knee room behind the wheel and boot space.
Secondly the petrol motors are on the weak side in comparison to some of the competitors.
Thirdly the UI is ok but the screen is underwhelming when compared to some competitors.
I fully agree that it needs the 2.5 turbo petrol as an optional engine in the mid to upper trims at least and I see no reason to buy diesel in this size of SUV when there are plenty of nice petrol options that are fuel efficient enough, I do like though that it has torque converter auto rather than a CVT.
I like the interior but wouldn’t put it above the Tiguan or the latest Peugeot SUV interiors although I don’t like 5he “iSight” set up with the tiny steering wheels, it’s weird and unnecessary.
NZsarge1 yeah, I think we’re both on the same page haha.
I have tried a CVT when test driving a Levorg and it was just not a nice transmission.
I would definitely love a Subaru, but I mean they don’t even have LED blinkers/lights all around, so I consider that lacking :)
I don’t think there is much technology to be honest. Car place is an issue but panaramic sunroof is meh and huge cost. The CX5 has a awesome HUD which makes the virtual dashboard redundant
The seats are pretty uncomfortable for me at 6'5"
Headroom wise or just general comfort?
general comfort, the driver seat is just a tad to narrow and about an inch an half short. The 8 way motors on the GT seats do not allow you to recline the seat back much
This or the Xtrail 2018?
This.
I wouldn't recommend you Xtrail, I just had one for a week and I am totally disappointed. It has an agricultural diesel engine, noisy and loud. Try it yourself.
Hi I’ve driven the X-Trail for long drives and found it very underpowered and unresponsive. Also the CVT Is very noisy compared to others.
You really need to drive it back to back.
My fav
You do have sliding seats
I don’t think so. The CX-5 rear bench doesn’t slide in Australia.
Doesn’t slide
I’m a mazda owner and I can tell you their windshield is weak and fragile.
Good to know, what year and model is your Mazda?
2016.5 Mazda CX5, even auto glass shops know Mazda's windshields suck. Brought mine to two different auto glass shop to get a new windshield and both suggested to get a different brand of glass because Mazdas are very common to their shop and known for having cheaply made glass. I know Mazda knows this very well with the rising complaints online. Try carcomplaints.com
I can confirm that with my 2015 CX-5.
Good review. However, VW is a German brand. There is premuium brand value associated with VW. Plus, the 2018 Mazda doesn't really have revolutionary changes like the 2018 Tiguan.
Yes and no. I do think VW sits a little higher in the average person's brand esteem but only slightly. In Australia at least, Mazda have carved out a little semi-premium niche.
Totally agree with you there!!
Totally agree with you there again!!
Chasing Cars Nice talks. Cheers
Just associated ... not in reality... nothing premium with a VW.
It's still has crappy headlights should have laser headlamps
The LED headlights standard in Australia are pretty good
Mazda beste Auto Nummer eins 👍👍👍👍VW 👎👎👎👎
Paint chipping,not reliable piece of shi..customer support dont exist.
No long term value.
Islander NY haha, u comments on every cx5 videos. But agree with paint chips.
Lol my parents own a CX5. Called up to ask for paint and got it for free within 2 days via mail. Is very reliable. I think your mistaken for when it was apart of ford lol that’s when it was shit