Mazda CX-5 2018 review
Overview
The second-generation (KF) Mazda CX-5 reached Britain in June 2017, replacing the original CX-5 that had put Mazda on the UK family-SUV map. By 2018 it had settled into its stride: the model year split into an early run (SE-L Nav and Sport Nav trims) and a revised range from 31 August 2018 (SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+), which made adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist standard, introduced a petrol automatic for the first time, and upgraded the top diesel from 175ps to 184ps.
Three SkyActiv engines served 2018 UK buyers: the 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol with 165ps (front-wheel drive only), the 2.2-litre 150ps diesel (2WD, manual or automatic) — the predicted best seller — and a high-output 184ps 2.2 diesel, reserved for the Sport Nav+ with all-wheel drive. All were Euro 6, so every 2018 CX-5 is ULEZ-compliant. The 2.0 petrol covered 0-60mph in 10.0 seconds and officially returned 38.2mpg, while the 150ps diesel managed 47.9mpg and the 184ps AWD diesel towed up to 2,100kg.
Reviewers consistently called the CX-5 the best-driving SUV in its class — sharp steering, G-Vectoring Control and minimal body roll — with a premium-feeling cabin above its price point and a five-star 2017 Euro NCAP rating. Mazda said it was its UK best seller, with 3,612 second-generation cars sold in Great Britain by August 2018.
Buyers should note the 2.2 diesel's DPF and oil-dilution issues on cars used mainly for short trips (the petrol is the safer town-car pick), the thin paint that chips on leading edges, and the MZD Connect infotainment's occasional ghost-touch freezing, usually cured by a software update. The warranty is a short 3 years/60,000 miles, well behind Hyundai and Kia — and 2018 cars never got Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as standard.
UK price from: £24,795
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0L SkyActiv-G petrol (1,998cc) |
| Power | 165 PS (162 bhp) |
| Torque | 213 Nm |
| 0-60 mph | 10.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 125 mph |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (6-speed auto available) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel economy | 38.2 mpg combined (WLTP) |
| CO2 emissions | 146 g/km |
| Boot space | 506 litres |
| Kerb weight | 1,520 kg |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (tested 2017) |
| Insurance group | 14 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Features
- 2.0 SkyActiv-G 165ps naturally-aspirated petrol (213Nm), front-wheel drive
- Full LED headlights, 7-inch touchscreen nav with rotary controller and DAB on every trim
- Mazda Navigation, dual-zone climate, privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers as standard
- Active safety suite on MY2018: adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, high-beam control
- Sport Nav+ adds Bose 9-speaker audio, windscreen-projected head-up display with traffic-sign recognition and power tailgate
- Heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 8-way electric driver's seat with memory, keyless entry (Sport Nav+)
- 506-litre boot with 40:20:40 split-folding reclining rear seats and Karakuri tonneau cover
- i-ACTIV all-wheel drive on 184ps diesel models with 2,100kg braked towing
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £34.99 | Pattern part; OEM specification |
| Oil filter | £8.99 | |
| Engine air filter | £14.99 | |
| Cabin pollen filter | £14.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £18.99 | Bosch/Valeo flat-blade pattern |
| 12V EFB battery | £109.99 | i-stop start/stop requires EFB/AGM spec |
Pros
- Best-driving SUV in its class — sharp steering, G-Vectoring Control, minimal body roll
- Premium-feeling, well-built cabin that tastes above its price point
- Torquey 2.2 diesels: effortless motorway progress, 45+mpg real-world, 2,100kg towing
- Excellent reliability reputation and strong used residuals (AutoTrader)
- Five-star Euro NCAP (2017) with autonomous emergency braking standard across the range
Cons
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto standard on 2018 cars — behind most rivals
- 506-litre boot is smaller than the CR-V's and Tiguan's
- Diesel DPF and oil-dilution risk for short-trip drivers; AdBlue top-ups needed on diesels
- Short 3-year/60,000-mile warranty; thin paint chips easily on leading edges
