Mazda’s mid-sized CX-5 family SUV is back with an update in 2022, boasting new features and a fresh facelift. The changes come with a price increase over the superseded MY21 model, with the entry-level Maxx now priced from $32,190 before on-road costs. Already a popular unit, this car has started the new year on a bright note as January’s top-selling SUV, but things are now even more appealing.

Why has the CX-5 been such a popular model over the years? For starters, Australians can’t get enough of SUVs. But beyond that, Mazda has put together a winning formula that really excels across the board, and families are prepared to pay a little premium for a quality car that meets all their day-to-day needs.

What features are included?

The refreshed CX-5 is nearing the end of its second-generation run, but that hasn’t stopped the Japanese auto-maker from giving this popular model an upgrade that ensures its rivals don’t get one over on it. As part of the changes, Mazda has dropped the three all-wheel-drive versions of the Maxx and Maxx Sport, as well as the GT variant. The company has introduced one new variant into the fold, with the 2.5-litre petrol or turbo-diesel Touring Active slotting in between the Maxx Sport and GT SP.

When it comes to features, the CX-5 has always been brimming with kit. In 2022, that trend continues, with this unit benefiting from a swag of new gear. First, however, Mazda has given the CX-5 a makeover, with the exterior borrowing styling tweaks from the smaller CX-30, and CX-50 sold exclusively overseas.

The updated features list across the range includes full LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, auto high-beam, heads-up display, infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity, digital radio, plus active safety aids that we’ll touch on later.

If you upgrade from the Maxx to the Maxx Sport, you can also expect dual-zone climate control, sat-nav and traffic-sign recognition, among other perks. The Touring receives bonuses like heated side mirrors, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, leather and suede trim, plus front parking sensors, while the Touring Active is treated to unique styling.

Most of the high-end inclusions are saved for the GT SP and Akera, including larger alloys, sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, power adjustable seating, Bose audio system, heated seats, and more.

Engine options include naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol units, as well as a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged diesel - each mated to a six-speed auto or manual transmission. Output ranges from 115kW of power and 200Nm of torque in the Maxx, to 170kW and 420Nm in the top-spec turbo petrol or 140kW and 450Nm in the top-spec turbo-diesel. The inclusion of drive mode select system is a welcome addition, while fuel economy across the range runs from as low as 5.7L/100km in the turbo-diesel to 8.2L/100km in the turbo petrol.

Rounding things out, Mazda offers a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as a five-year roadside assistance program. It also offers new car buyers a capped-price servicing program covering the first five years or 50,000 kilometres, starting from a total cost of $1,810.

Practicality, amenity and comfort

As a family car, the CX-5 offers plenty in the way of amenity, especially as you work your way up the range towards the GT SP and Akera variants. Mazda has really paid more attention to ergonomics in the MY22 version of this SUV, and the Japanese auto-maker believes its efforts to redesign the seating with its new S-shape seat structure have paid dividends in terms of stability and comfort.

Cabin noise has also been reduced dramatically, which is another major improvement compared with the outgoing range. With that said, for a family SUV, the CX-5 falls a little short in terms of cargo space. While it’s not small by any means, a claimed 438 litres with the rear seats upright, or 1,340 litres in a 40/20/20 folded format is well behind some of the rivals like the RAV4, with a minimum of 580 litres.

The infotainment system and smartphone connectivity work well, while the all-new heads-up display adds to the practicality of this unit. The rest of the interior has a premium feel, with ok legroom in the rear - perhaps a touch on the shorter side for tall occupants - and what is otherwise an organised and logical design. You’ll also find up to 2000kg braked towing capacity, a handy inclusion.

How does it drive?

One of the original criticisms of the CX-5 when it was launched years ago was that the base model offered a relatively subdued performance. Things have come leaps and bounds since then, with turbo models at the top of the range flipping that equation on its head, but the Maxx is still a little ‘light’ on.

Pleasingly, there is ample power in the top-spec models such as the GT SP and Akera, although it still doesn’t quite feel as robust as you might expect based on the numbers. Obviously that means at the entry-level point you may find the CX-5 a little short in terms of gusto, but at the same time, we are talking about a practical and family-oriented SUV here, not a sports wagon.

On a similar note, the CX-5 falls a little short in terms of ride comfort, mainly through corners at speed, despite adjustments to the suspension set-up and a stiffer structure. Mazda has sought to improve overall dynamics, and truth be told, the MY22 CX-5 is a cut above the outgoing model, but not over the line yet.

The manufacturer has made steering and dynamic enhancements that are noticeable, it just feels as though there is still room for improvement. In what is a good sign, however, Mazda has tweaked the damping settings and transmission for smoother acceleration, while cabin noise is dramatically lower as we mentioned earlier.

How safe is it?

Based on an ANCAP safety from 2017, the Mazda CX-5 wears a five-star safety rating. Since testing, Mazda has packed even more features in this model, really cementing the status of this SUV as a safe vehicle for the family.

Back to the ANCAP rating, and the CX-5 scored 95% for adult occupant protection, 80% for child occupant protection, 78% for pedestrian protection, and 59% for safety assist - a rating that will no doubt be higher if the CX-5 were to be re-tested today.

Active safety runs deep across the entire range, and this is really one of the highlights of the CX-5. It might be the full suite in terms of practicality and polish on the road as some of its peers, but it has no better when it comes to safety. 

Safety inclusions across the entire CX-5 range span dual frontal as well as side chest and head airbags, AEB with forward pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assistance, driver attention alerts, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Verdict

PROS: Lengthy equipment list, exemplary safety suite, improved seating, less cabin noise, noticeable improvement in dynamics over outgoing model

CONS: Small cargo hold compared with peers, not the most spacious second row, ride comfort and performance still has room for improvement

Mazda may have increased prices across the board for the MY22 CX-5 range, but it has also gone all out in making a number of improvements, design changes, and adding an assortment of features to justify the higher price-tag. It’s easier to say that this model now represents even more value than it did at the lower price-point, such is the evolution on offer here in this refreshed model.

While the cargo hold and second-row are not quite as roomy as others on the market, and the performance of the CX-5 could still do with some tweaks, Mazda has done a commendable effort in bridging the gap against our expectations with this interim update. Packed with all sorts of features, active safety, a generous aftercare program, as well as sharper dynamics, the MY22 CX-5 is the best version of this family SUV thus far. There are plenty of configurations to choose from, and with that it is easy to see why Mazda and the CX-5 are enjoying runaway success despite all the competition.

Mazda CX-5 Maxx specifications

Body: 5-door, 5-seat SUV

Drive: FWD

Engine: 1998cc 4-cyl, DOHC, 16v

Power: 115kW @ 6000rpm

Torque: 200Nm @ 4000rpm

0-100km/h: Undisclosed

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km (combined)

Weight: 1576kg

Transmission: Six-speed auto or manual

Suspension: Front - MacPherson strut; Rear - Multi-link

Price: $32.190 (from)