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Cars > Driven

Mazda CX-5 2.5 AWD Sport: Time-defying goodness

The seven-year-old crossover continues to wow

Believe it or not, this stunning crossover is already seven years old. PHOTO BY RED SANTIAGO

In 2017, Mazda wowed crossover lovers with the launch of the second-generation CX-5. It was sleek, and it offered many advanced features, a clean diesel engine option, and a driver-oriented compact crossover.

It isn’t the roomiest in its class; neither is it the most fuel-efficient. It’s also lacking in the versatility section, failing to be the most practical choice in the segment. But because it drives like a dream, enthusiasts here and abroad gravitated toward this SUV from Hiroshima.

Simple but tasteful tweaks make the front look fresh. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

But seven years is an eternity in a vehicle’s life cycle. Unless it’s a passenger van, a commercial vehicle, or a full-size SUV, that length of time is long-drawn-out, and an all-new model is definitely overdue.

There are rumors about an all-new model coming. However, if this refresh in some markets—including ours—says something, this generation will continue to live on some more.

The author is not a big fan of the wheel design. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

At a time when newer generations of compact crossovers have been launched (including its supposed successor, the CX-60), is the CX-5 still a good buy? We tried one for a couple of days to find out.

Looks-wise, there were minimal changes done here. The base 2.0 Sport and this 2.5 AWD Sport variants now adopt the external upgrades of the range-topping Turbo trim.

The CX-5 still has one of the best-looking bums in the segment. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

This includes the grille, the trims around it, the quad-style headlamps, and the revised front bumper. Gone are the small front fog lamps as the headlamp clusters now have adaptive lights.

The sides also get a new set of 19-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55-series rubber. Rounding out the styling changes are the new taillamps and a revised rear bumper.

This interior layout is one of the simplest yet classiest ones. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Inside, it is mostly unchanged. The seats, for one, do look the same but follow the spine’s natural S-shaped curve. These perches are wrapped in high-quality black leather with orange contrast stitching.

The choice of materials and trims is top-notch, and the fit-and-finish is great. The tried-and-tested and sweet-sounding 10-speaker Bose audio system is now standard across the range. Right above the front row is a sunroof.

Why change the infotainment system when it sounds so sweet? PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

It is not the roomiest in its class, but there is enough space for five occupants and their stuff. The CX-5 AWD also offers modern niceties like a bigger infotainment screen with updated software and a wireless charger.

These upgrades are far from being groundbreaking. The same can be said about the carried-over 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine (187hp/252Nm) and the six-speed automatic transmission on this mid-variant.

The rear seats and the boot are straightforward but very functional. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

It won’t win drag races, but it magically feels more powerful than what the spec sheet says. Acceleration won’t shove you against your seat. But it is linear and continues to pick up speed the harder you step on the accelerator.

While cornering, this vehicle feels planted, even at speed. The ride is on the stiffer side of things, but it absorbs road imperfections well. Handling is pretty good, too—as expected of every Mazda.

The powertrain combo feels much more powerful than what the spec sheet says. PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Bad city-traffic driving yields around 6-7km/L. But when traffic isn’t that bad (which is a rarity nowadays), 9-10km/L is possible. Drive on the open highway and it delivers up to 17km/L.

Now, more powerful and fuel-efficient powertrains from competitors can easily eclipse these figures. However, they’d find it hard to match the smiles per mile that the experience of driving a CX-5 gives.

The author didn’t test the off-road mode, but who’d take this beauty to do serious trails anyway? PHOTOS BY RED SANTIAGO

Simply put, it continues to provide a great driving experience—one that is a bit hard to explain, but is best experienced.

While competitors have significantly improved, the CX-5 continuously feels much better to drive. It may be old, but it will still leave you grinning from ear to ear when you do some spirited driving.

Is this the second-generation CX-5’s last hurrah? PHOTO BY RED SANTIAGO

To further sweeten the deal, this is now priced more affordable than its newer rivals, with only the diesel-fed Hyundai Tucson in the same price range. For example, the base Honda CR-V variant is priced at P2,100,000 (although it gets a P150,000 discount for this month).

This midrange all-wheel-drive CX-5 is P50,000 cheaper at P2,050,000. The Honda may offer more power, and the diesel Hyundai Tucson may be more fuel-efficient, but the Mazda easily trumps the two if we zero in on the driving dynamics.

With several newer options available today, the CX-5’s case may not be as compelling as when it was first unveiled. But it has aged like fine wine, and continues to wow in many ways. And if only for that, this crossover deserves to be on your shopping list.

MAZDA CX-5 2.5 AWD SPORT

Engine2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline
Transmission6-speed automatic
Power187hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque252Nm @ 4,000rpm
Dimensions4,575mm x 1,845mm x 1,680mm
Drive layoutAWD
Seating5
PriceP2,050,000
UpsideA well-aged design. Comes with a great list of creature comforts and safety features. With loads of jinba-ittai goodness.
DownsideTighter interior space, modest power output, and fuel efficiency.


Red Santiago

A jack of all trades, Red is passionate about cars, motorcycles and audio. He sometimes drives for a ride-hailing app company—just because he really loves driving.



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