2020 Mazda CX-5 Review
The Mazda CX-5 has become a common sight on Kenyan roads just 12 years since it was launched. The CX-5 is loved by many due to its handsome exterior design, upscale interior, advanced features, and reliability. It competes with big hitters such as the Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav-4, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, and the VW Tiguan.
You can get more about this Mazda Cx-5
- Read detailed buyer guide article for this model: click to purchase
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
- If you wish to Buy, Sell or Import vehicle: use our marketplace
Detailed Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a 5-seater crossover SUV that has been in production from 2012 to the present. It’s built on the same platform as the Axela and the Atenza. The first generation known as the KE series was in production from 2012 to 2017, and the second generation known as KF has been in production from 2017 to the present. It replaced both the Tribune and the CX-7 which were discontinued due to their declining market value.
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has three engine options: a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, a 2.2-liter SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, and a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G petrol engine. These powertrains are linked to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Grades
- 20S Smart Edition– This is the base grade that comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a power-assisted steering wheel, an active driving display, fully automatic air conditioning, a traffic sign recognition system, and adaptive LED headlights.
- 20S Proactive– This variant adds crisis recognition support technology, driving support technology, collision avoidance support, and collision mitigation technology.
- 20S L Package– This trim offers improved quality and comfort, such as a 10.25-inch center display, heated seats (left and right seats), and 19-inch wheels with machined black metallic paint.
- XD– This grade has a smart device integration, climate control, a wireless phone hookup, multiple airbags, and an anti-lock braking system.
- XD L Package- This grade boasts electronic brake force distribution, traction control, blind spot monitoring, and power mirrors.
- Exclusive– this is the top of the line grade that is equipped with 19-inch aluminum wheels, high-quality Nappa leather seats, a Bose sound system, a frameless inner mirror, driving position memory, Qi wireless charging, and a USB port. It also has three pedals with manual transmission.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Interior Legroom & Space
The 2020 CX-5 comes with an upscale cabin that can be mistaken for an Audi Q5 or a Mercedes Benz. The materials are well laid giving it a premium SUV feeling. There is a real wood trim on the door panels and dashboard.
The 2020 CX-5 is spacious and bright, with the large windows all around making the cabin feel quite big. It seats five people in two rows. The front seats are supportive and roomy. The second-row seats are also comfortable to accommodate three passengers. The headroom is ample but the legroom can feel a bit tight for six-foot passengers.
The 2020 CX-5 comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen, a four-speaker stereo, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.
Moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, a six-speaker audio system, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, satellite radio, and two additional USB ports are available on higher trims.
Cabin Storage
Several storage compartments in the cabin are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags, etc. At the first row, there are 4 cup holders, door panel storage, a storage shelf below the dashboard, a glovebox, and the center box. For the second row, there are 4 cupholders, front seat jacket pockets, and door pockets.
Mazda CX-5 Boot Space
The 2020 CX-5 has 30.9 cubic feet of space with all seats in place and 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This can accommodate luggage such as groceries. A power liftgate is also available on higher trims.
Safety Features: The 2020 CX-5 comes standard with a Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of safety features. This includes advanced driver aids like lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Exterior
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best-looking midsized SUVs class ahead of its close rivals the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.
The design is based on Mazda’s KODO design language, which emphasizes minimalism and sophistication.
The front end features a large grille that makes the CX-5 look as if it’s smiling at you as you walk up to it. The bonnet swoops low into the grille and there are sleek LED headlights and daytime running lights giving it an athletic appearance.
From the side profile, the 2020 Cx-5 is cleanly sculpted and at the rear more elegant than its rivals. Dual exhaust outlets with a chrome finish give a sporty look. The rear also has a Mazda emblem together with the trim level and drivetrain. A body-colored rear roof spoiler and dual exhaust outlets are stock-fitted on all trims.
2020 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Consumption
- 2020 Mazda CX-5 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 13.1 km/l on average
- 2020 Mazda CX-5 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 12.5 km/l on average
- 2020 Mazda CX-5 2.2 L diesel engine consumption- 16.7 km/l on average
2020 Mazda CX-5 Acceleration
- 2020 Mazda CX-5 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.0 secs
- 2020 Mazda CX-5 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.8 secs
- 2020 Mazda CX-5 2.2 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5 secs
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 liters
Ground Clearance: The 2019 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
Performance Stability And Handling
Mazda offers three engine options for the 2020 CX-5; the 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, the 2.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine, and the 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D diesel engine.
All three powertrains offer sufficient power for everyday driving, but the 2.2-litre diesel is the best choice and accelerates well on the motorway.
However, if you need more power and performance, the 2.6-litre petrol engine shared with the Mazda CX-9 and Mazda 6 is available. This engine produces 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It does, however, come with four-wheel drive.
When it comes to handling, the CX-5 is fun to drive and the steering wheel is precise, giving the driver enough feedback, and is easy to maneuver. There is some body roll, but again the CX-5 has a more athletic driving experience.
The 2020 CX-5’s suspension absorbs road imperfections well, giving the SUV a smooth ride. The brakes also provide sufficient stopping power, even in an emergency.
Reliability
Since its introduction in the market, the Mazda has carved itself a niche as a reliable SUV. Mazda uses high-quality materials when manufacturing the CX-5 to ensure it is dependable. The engines have also been built to last. However, like any other vehicle, the CX-5 can experience problems.
Commonly reported issues include; transmission issues, excessive brake noise, and DPF failure on diesel engines.
It is recommended to regularly service your CX-5 to mitigate any issues that may arise. We also recommend you read the Buyer’s Guide for a detailed reliability report. click here to download the 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 2020 Mazda CX-5
- Enjoyable to drive
- Stylish exterior design
- Upscale cabin
- Quiet cabin
What we don’t
- Limited cargo space compared to its rivals
- Rear seat legroom
Conclusion
A top contender in the mid-size SUV class, the Mazda CX-5 offers an above-average driving experience with excellent steering and handling and a responsive powertrain. It is suitable for everyday use and has three engines to choose from. If you are looking for a good SUV that will meet your everyday driving needs and give you performance and reliability, the CX-5 is a good choice.
Where to buy the 2020 Mazda CX-5 in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the 2020 Mazda CX-5 locally at a reasonable price, we can help you with this process. Over the years we have developed a network of trusted dealers in both Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional vehicles. Just give us a call or send us a message at +254 722 469360 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you the right car at the right price. Cars from Japan take between 45 and 60 days, while those from South Africa take as little as a week.
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You can get more about this Mazda Cx-5
- Read detailed buyer guide article for this model: click to purchase
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
- If you wish to Buy, Sell or Import vehicle: use our marketplace
