2017 Mazda CX-5 Review

Detailed Review

The first model of the Mazda CX-5 designated as KE was manufactured from 2012 to 2017. The second version of the CX-5 codenamed KF commenced its production in 2017 and it is currently ongoing to date. The 2017 Mazda CX-5 comes with two engine options, a 2.0 L SKYACTIV G (Petrol), a 2.5 SKYACTIV G (Petrol), and a 2.2 L SKYACTIV D (Diesel) linked to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Click here to purchase the 2017 Mazda CX-5 Buyer’s Guide. 

2017 Mazda CX-5 Grades

1. Mazda CX-5 20 S- This grade comes with LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, and a power-assisted steering wheel.
2. Mazda CX-5 20 S Proactive- This grade has adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and heated seats.
3. Mazda CX-5 25 S- This grade boasts parking sensors, a sunroof, a rear defrost, privacy glass, a rear spoiler, and a reverse camera.
4. Mazda CX-5 25 SL Package- This grade is fitted with a Bose sound system, a navigation system, keyless entry, and a power liftgate.
5. Mazda CX-5 25 S Proactive- This grade comes with a remote engine start, intermittent wipers, power door locks, AM/FM Radio, and an MP3 player.
6. Mazda CX-5 XD- This grade has a smart device integration, climate control, a wireless phone hookup, multiple airbags, and an anti-lock braking system.
7. Mazda CX-5 XD L Package- This grade boasts electronic brake force distribution, traction control, blind spot monitoring, and power mirrors.
8. Mazda CX-5 Proactive- This grade has child safety locks, Cross-Traffic alert, Bluetooth connectivity, a centralized door lock, and a keyless entry.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has a pleasant cabin with a five-seat configuration. The first row has supportive seats with plenty of legroom and headroom and the seats can also be reclined to fit a desired posture. The second row is also impressive as it boasts sufficient legroom and headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 encompasses numerous storage compartments designed to improve the comfort of passengers by either storing or holding items like soft drinks, paperwork, key fobs, beverages, and other staff. A glove box compartment, door panel storage, a center console, and two cupholders are incorporated in the first row. Second-row occupants have access to jacket pockets, two cupholders mounted on the armrest, and door pockets.

Boot Space

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has an ample load space that can accommodate freights of different sizes. The second-row seat can be folded to create more room.

Exterior

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has a dynamic, sporty, and elegant design. Similar to other Mazda brands, the CX-5 also features the “KODO” design language. The front end features a massive grille adorned with the Mazda emblem that is used to assert its superiority on the road. Chrome embellishments can be spotted on the frame surrounding the grille. Angular headlights flanking the grille as well as LED daytime running lights lend this crossover an upscale look. The bonnet features sculpted lines that improve the aerodynamics.

The side profile has body-colored door handles as well as mirror caps. The fenders make it look somewhat muscular. Side skirts are also present to protect their body components especially when cruising off-road. Higher trim levels come with a sunroof for ambient lighting. Its sloping roofline is perfectly complemented by a roof spoiler that also improves the overall aesthetics of the CX-5.

The rear features tail lights, turn signals, as well as an electronically actuated tailgate that could be very convenient especially when your hands are full of cargo. A reverse camera is well-positioned to aid the driver when navigating in confined spaces.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Safety Features

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 features multiple airbags, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, traction control, a rearview camera, stability control, brake assist, and an anti-lock braking system.

2017 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Consumption

2017 Mazda CX-5 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 13.5 km/l on average

2017 Mazda CX-5 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 12.8  km/l on average

2017 Mazda CX-5 2.2 L diesel engine consumption- 17.5  km/l on average

2017 Mazda CX-5 Acceleration

2017 Mazda CX-5 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.2 secs

2017 Mazda CX-5 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.2 secs

2017 Mazda CX-5 2.2 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.9 secs

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has a ground clearance of 7.6 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Mazda CX-5 spare parts are easily available in major towns. However, its body components are somewhat expensive

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has a smooth and comfortable ride. The power-assisted steering wheel is very responsive hence the vehicle adapts very well to road curvature. The suspension system not only cushions occupants from experiencing unstable motions when traversing on rough surfaces but also helps this crossover to have minimal to zero body rolls when driving in tight bends. The cabin is properly insulated to prevent unwanted noise from causing discomfort to the passengers. The driver has a commanding view of the oncoming traffic owing to its slanting bonnet that gives good visibility.

Its approach and departure angles allow it to cruise off-road without the risk of damaging its body components. The braking system is very robust and capable of bringing the CX-5 to a complete halt in a matter of seconds which helps in averting any kind of calamity. Anti-lock braking system and electronic brake force distribution also play a big role in the braking system.

The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration.

Reliability

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is regarded as a reliable crossover. It has a high clearance that allows it to cruise in off-road terrains. The most notably problems reported by CX-5 owners include transmission issues and excessive brake noise. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such troubles.

Click here to purchase the 2017 Mazda CX-5 Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Average

Mazda CX-5 Competitors: Toyota’s RAV4, Nissan’s X-Trail, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

What we like about the 2017 Mazda CX-5

Upscale interior

Quiet and comfortable ride

Good fuel economy

What we don’t

Limited cargo space compared to its rivals

Conclusion

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is undeniably one of the finest crossovers owing to its stylish exterior design, spacious cabin, and reliability. It makes a perfect choice for a family car. Urban residents can use it to commute for it has an excellent fuel economy. As much as it depicts a modern appearance that could only be driven in the metropolis, folks in rural areas can also enjoy driving this car on their roads as its clearance is more than above the required standard on Kenyan roads, hence there is no worry of damaging its body components. Due to its high acquisition cost, folks on a tight budget may not be in a position to own this car. Click here to download the 2017 Mazda CX-5 Owner’s Manual.