If you pay attention to what's on our roads, you will have noticed that SUVs dominate the tarmac in their droves. Be it a compact Jimny or a grand Bentayga, they're everywhere. But it's the middle ground that remains the sweetspot.
The midsized family SUV sector remains extremely popular with consumers looking for the consummate car - practical, well-priced, luxurious, safe and good to drive. The Tiguan, Sportage and RAV4 all spring to mind here as competent contenders.
However, often forgotten is the CX-5 from Mazda. We've been spending some time with the elegant Japanese SUV and thought we'd share some of our favourite things about the premium-feeling SUV.
Styling
While it may not seem like a big concern in this segment, customers demand a good-looking car. If they didn't care, Volkswagen wouldn't sell so many R-Line Tiguan's. The CX-5 has an elegant, sophisticated body shape that looks absolutely gorgeous when painted in a metallic shade, particularly the Soul Crystal Red. Even the base-model 2.0 Active is equipped with LED headlamps and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels.
Standard equipment
While premium brands will have you pay extra for some luxuries, Mazda has equipped even the base model Active with a comprehensive list of standard kit. Your R471 500 nets you six airbags, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless start, a reversing camera and automatic wipers. At the other end of the model range is the halo 2.2 DE Akera. The only diesel in the range is also the most expensive, at R699 900. But aside from all the aforementioned goodies, you also receive a head-up display, lane-keep assist, satellite navigation, a sunroof, leather upholstery, adaptive LED headlamps and lastly, an electrically adjustable driver's seat.
Perceived quality
Step into the CX-5 – particularly the Akera — and there's an overwhelming feel of luxury and solidity. The leather is plush and feels expensive. But even the plastics used to craft the door panels and dashboard feel posh, as if they belong in a car costing twice as much. Subtle metal finishes give an extra upmarket feel. Everything you touch feels built to last, from the damped switches to the doors which shut with a reassuring thud. Mazda provides the CX-5 range with a three-year/unlimited km warranty and service plan.
Practicality
As is the case with all family cars, the deciding factor is made on how practical they are. The Mazda is no different to its accomplished rivals, offering plenty of room for a family of five and their luggage. The rear row is deceptively spacious, with legroom aplenty - even for taller passengers. Open the bootlid (electric on the 2.5 Individual and Akera) and you will find a commodious 442 litres of packing space. Need more? Fold the rear seats down, and the Mazda boasts a panel van rivalling 1914 litres. Fuel economy varies with engine choice but the turbodiesel can achieve a rather frugal 5.7 L/100 km (claimed).
Value
As our money has to work harder these days, value is important to almost everyone. And the Mazda delivers, with stellar value for money. While the diesel Akera is certainly our favourite, we would have to opt for the 2.0 Dynamic Auto, purely from a value perspective. Priced at R516 700, it offers the right blend between the luxuries of the high-end models and the value of the lesser variants. Add in the unlimited km service plan/warranty and the CX-5 is the ideal vehicle for those who travel long distances.
In what is a highly competitive segment bristling with opposition, the CX-5 can still hold its own and is an excellent choice for a family who wants style, luxury and safety in one package.
Also worth a look: the Mazda Gives the CX-3 a Tech and Style Boost for 2026 and the Mazda Cx 60.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mazda CX-5 cost in South Africa?
The Mazda CX-5 range starts at R471,500 for the base 2.0 Active model and tops out at R699,900 for the flagship 2.2 DE Akera diesel variant, making it competitively priced in the midsize SUV segment.
Q: Is the Mazda CX-5 worth buying in 2024?
The CX-5 is absolutely worth considering if you want a premium-feeling SUV without the premium price tag, offering exceptional build quality, generous standard equipment, and striking styling that rivals much more expensive competitors.
Q: How does the Mazda CX-5 compare to the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The CX-5 stands out with superior interior quality and more standard equipment than most rivals, though it offers fewer engine options than the Tiguan and doesn't have the RAV4's hybrid powertrain option.
Q: What engine options are available in the Mazda CX-5?
The CX-5 range offers a 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Active and Individual models, plus a 2.2-litre diesel engine exclusively in the range-topping Akera variant for maximum fuel efficiency.
Q: Does the Mazda CX-5 have good safety features?
Even the entry-level CX-5 Active comes with six airbags, a reversing camera, and automatic emergency braking, while higher-spec models add lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control for comprehensive safety coverage.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium-feeling midsize SUV under R500,000 in South Africa is the Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active at R471,500. If you're shopping in this segment, the CX-5 deserves serious consideration alongside the usual suspects like the Tiguan and RAV4. The build quality genuinely rivals German competitors, the styling is drop-dead gorgeous in Soul Crystal Red, and you get a surprising amount of standard kit for your money. The only real downsides are limited engine choices and Mazda's smaller dealer network compared to Toyota or VW. For buyers who prioritise quality and style over badge prestige, the CX-5 is a smart buy that will make you feel like you spent far more than you actually did.
