Mazda CX-5 KF Akera AWD, 2.5L Turbo Petrol (2018-2026)
Also referred to as: Mazda CX-5 KF Akera AWD, 2.5L Turbo Petrol 2025 and Mazda CX-5 KF Akera AWD, 2.5L Turbo Petrol 2027.9 reviews
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Mazda, No Zoom, Zoom, No Care – This is about Mazda appalling customer care and even worse dealership service. I like the car, second one I have owned, it will be the last because of this. The Mazda is two years old, 5 year warranty, low mileage. The rear wheel trim came loose, flapping around in the wind. I secured it with duct tape, and replaced a screw fitting that had come… Read more
out in order to eliminate further damage and the whole trim ripping off. I went to Mazda dealership at South Nowra, asked for it to be repaired under warranty. We will take a look, take some photos and forward to Mazda for approval the dealership said. Should be ok as it doesn’t indicate any wilful damage. We will repair it next service. 2 months later I have received no call back, service is due so I phoned up. We haven’t heard back from Mazda was the reply. Bring in the car for service, we’ll fix it. I turn up, there’s a new Service Manager. No we cannot fix it I will have to refer it to Mazda I’m advised abruptly. Service carried out, no we haven’t submitted the claim you will have to come back. We can replace it for around $500. But it’s clearly a warranty issue I say. No we cannot fix it unless approved by Mazda. We will send the photos again showing there is no obvious wilful damage. I follow up again 2 months on, still no reply. It’s now 12 months and 4 follow ups since I reported the fault. I have no resolution, never received a call except those I made and the Nowra dealership refuses to address it. Very, very sad Mazda. I shall continue to relate this lack of customer care and warranty failure until I receive at least a call why this is not being addressed.
- +8
As far as small SUVs go, it's hard to beat the CX-5 for power, features and space – Mazda’s build quality is certainly above par. Mazda’s solid construction helps make it feel more luxurious than the likes of Subaru and Toyota, especially when it comes to the materials and finishes used in the CX-5. Our ‘Akera’ model of the CX-5 had some additional flair in the form of Nappa leather seats. However, the door handles, climate… Read more
controls and volume buttons all added to a higher sense of build quality. The way these elements felt weighty, crisp and slick to engage with were the reasons why the CX-5 felt like it had a superior quality to its construction.
Compared to a Subaru, the Mazda oozes attention to detail making it more appealing to those who would appreciate that. The small interactions with this car scratch a certain itch in my mind, like adjusting the temperature with high quality metal dials that turn with a satisfying ‘click’.
The AWD Akera trim of the CX-5 starts from $55,842 drive away.
To be honest, that’s a fair price for the features you’re getting and the amount of car you’re receiving. I appreciate Mazda restraining from heading north of the $60,000 range.
You can start the range for $45,190 drive-away with the entry-level Maxx Sport trim, but I’d recommend getting the most out of your CX-5 with something like the GT SP or the Akera.
Mazda offers a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty with the CX-5, and 5 capped price services.
Servicing intervals are 10,000km apart, which can seem a little short compared to the likes of Subaru.
Despite featuring twin tail pipes and a turbocharged motor, this is just as quiet as you’d expect a family SUV to be.
I absolutely adored the sound isolation provided by the CX-5. It was levels above its competition, preventing outside noise from bleeding into the cabin.
The upgraded speakers inside were a delight to listen to, but I’m not sure that should be the sole reason why you’d spend more money on going up the CX-5 range.
It was clear the CX-5 was trying to emulate the buttery braking experience found in the CX-8 and MX-30 Electric. It didn’t quite achieve that same status.
Rather, pushing the brake pedal felt predictable and perfectly responsive to your inputs, but there was a bit more pitch in the body when decelerating.
This CX-5 was fitted with the most powerful engine option you can get: a 2.5L turbocharged petrol four-cylinder.
Producing 170kW and 420Nm, with power being sent through all four wheels, this is one of the faster SUVs in its class. VW and Cupra take the crown when it comes to the quickest SUV options at this price point.
With more power than cars like the Subaru Outback and the RAV 4, you can ride the wave of torque without having to dig deep into the accelerator pedal.
The 6-speed automatic transmission provides smooth and seamless shifts, but is lacking a few gears that are usually found in other SUVs.
A 6-speed seems a little lacking on paper, but I never found the CX-5 to be high in the rev range at highway speeds. The ratios are clearly tuned for optimal efficiency and power delivery, seeing as it’s not ultra exciting to engage with.
Riding on larger 19-inch alloy wheels, the road can be felt just that little bit more through the cabin. It’s a lot better than some other SUVs that opt for 20-inch wheels, but it’s going to feel a little more stiff than 18-inch wheel options.
The CX-5 feels more sporty and engaging than other SUVs in this category thanks to the suspension and steering. It’s clear why most people consider Mazda more fun to drive.
Corners can be a bit of entertainment too. However, I can’t help but feel there’s just a little lacking in the driving experience from the engine and gearbox.
There’s enough ground clearance to confidently head into Off-Road mode too. It’s not enough to traverse over really deep mud ruts or get lost on the beach, but is rather a handy mode to head to a farm house or your favourite campground.
This SkyActiv motor returned figures around the 10L per 100km mark. That’s a fine and respectable figure for an SUV of this size and power.
The Mazda CX-5 doesn’t have an interior as visually striking as Kia’s new cars, but it has a restrained and minimalist finish that hones in on the right things.
There are three displays, a drivers display (flanked by analogue dials) and a central 10.12-inch infotainment non-touch screen.
The interior is simple, but effective. The controls are easy to navigate and understand, and there’s little to no learning curve to using them.
I love the clean, parallel lines and the back to basics approach of the interior. More impressive though is the use of materials; rich Nappa leather, stitching, and high quality switchgear elevate the interior design, pushing it above the likes of Toyota.
The Subaru Forester has the upper hand when it comes to interior storage, but the CX-5 isn’t too far behind.
An automatic tailgate reveals a boxy, flat load area. That’s good enough for 438L of cargo. Fold the seats down in a 40:20:40 configuration, and you’ll see just over 1,340L of cargo space. It’s not the biggest SUV, but at least you can make the most of the internal space by folding just that middle seat down.
However, there’s a slight problem by just folding that middle seat, or having someone sit in it, as the controls for the rear heated seats and USB port are found in the centre arm rest. It’s a strange oversight from the company that pays great attention to the small details in their cars.
Certainly consider it against the likes of the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV 4 and VW Tiguan, as the CX-5 might not appeal to all. You might need more boot space (Forester), prefer more power (Tiguan) or want a hybrid drivetrain (RAV 4). But for the best blend of all of the above, the CX-5 is the ideal ‘just right’ option for many.
*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.
Amazing suv – Have a 2023 model, the build is very good, interior feel moat premium than other japanese make. Good power from 2.5T but it’s a drinker, suspension tune is so impressive. Show details
Excellent car – Cornering is so direct....the turbo has that extra uuump for country roads..thevAWD has dragged us out of a ditch a 2 wd would fail...quiet little vibration except rough bitumen...you get used to know for tech,.though with andriod auto plug and talk...it is a lutttoo thirsty in city driving notbso country cruising...comfortable seats... Show details
Love it – We bought August 2022 cx5 petrol turbo akera. Bought to have the safety of surround cameras, have the open road truck passing go of a turbo ( last car 2.5l mazda6), have the awd to go off on dirt roads, under clearance to use dirt roads. 3 weeks into ownership reversed into ditch outside Jindabyne, left front wheel basically off the… Read more
dirt...selected off road and the traction control on 3 wheels drove dar out of ditch ( in mazda6 a tow job). Turbo has good power. Akera is very quiet abd smooth. City fuel economy about 15l a 100k, whereas open road about 7l a 100klm
Incredible Luxury without breaking the bank – Been using this car for 2 years now. Had always been with Honda cars before. But the first time got into a Mazda, it was a pleasant surprise to see so many luxurious features at this price. It beats all other Japanese brands with amazing features and the big German brands in value for money. What I love - 1. It's such fun to drive compared to my… Read more
previous Hondas and Suzukis. Found my lost love for driving again. Especially the Turbo charged engine model is superb. 2. Incredible features like the Bose music system, the Nappa interiors, HUD, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, etc 3. Seeing in believing. One has to be inside a Mazda to see how brilliant is the design and interiors compared to other Japanese brands like Honda and Toyota.
What could be better - 1. Fuel economy. But this is true for all fuel-hungry SUVs. I get around 11L/100Km in everyday use. Highways 8L/100km
Buyer Beware! – Beware Mazda do not honor the warranty you receive when you buy a new vehicle from them, they pick and choose what they want to cover note: don't rest your arm on the arm rest because if it cracks and caves in they will not replace it under warranty, truly poor quality cheap plastics used. High priced vehicle with sub standard quality in various… Read more
areas of this vehicle, they ignore you hoping you and the problem go away. Well I will be going away....I won't buy another Mazda ever !
Definitely a drivers SUV! – The CX-5 is used for mainly commuting as well as the occasional long drive. With the leather seats (cool / heated at the front), LED lighting inside and out, HUD, bose sound system and safety features paired with a petrol turbo it really feels like a premium SUV. It is a great car to drive with its 6 speed auto. Boot space is a little smaller… Read more
compared to other SUVs but it is also easier to park.
Car is serviced in line with recommended timing / distance and is reasonably priced (though not capped).
My real experience with Mazda Australia and Penfold Burwood after getting my CX-5 - 4 days with engine issue – I am a fan of CX-5 before I meet below so sad story with Mazda in Australia. I have a CX-5 2012 in my country and it almost never have issue since 2013 to Oct, 2019. I arrived at Melb in Oct, 2019 and with no think I buy CX-5 cause I trust the product and Mazda. But below sad experience really make me sick and I will sell my CX-5 and buy a new… Read more
car in other brand.
Sick experience with Mazda AU, and Penfold Burwood Dealer: I buy a brand new CX-5 Akera, 2.5L Turbo Petrol in Nov, 2019, the engine has issue after 4 days around 30KM drive. Mazda request me to drive it back to Penfold. After few days they said the engine DO have issue and there is a part of the engine need to be changed, the part will be delivered in few day, and Penfold mentioned this is their first time to change this part engine...
I am not car specialist and I feel so anxiety cause I don't know if the car is still safe after changing engine, so that's why I buy a brand new instead of used car. I reject to replace the engine, instead I request AU Mazda to give me a new car cause this one I only drive 4 days but have engine issue, it's a bad quality product.
Mazda said we will consider to change a new car for you cause you only drive 4 days, but you need to agree fix it first. Then I agreed. Then after 2 weeks Penfold Burwood call me that the car is fixed after changing the part engine (VVT part for sure and something part I cannot remember all). I said OK, but I reject to get the car cause I am waiting for AU Mazda to give a new. And they said YES, usually this kind of issue happen in one week Mazda should give you a new car...then I am confidence I will get a new car.
After another 2 weeks AU Mazda call me --- Look, it's very very very rude: a guy said that he is a case manager, he is responsible for delivering a decision to me: they reject to give a new car to me, reason:the engine issue is identified fixed already.
That guy is so so so rude. I asked who did the decision, who should I contact if I am not happy with this result, and he said this is the MD level decision, there is no further escalation channel. He said he is just for delivering the message, he is not decision maker, don't ask him the questions...My GOD, is this Mazda? Is this the right way to treat customer? even I buy a 5 dollar egg in supermarket and find it is broken, they will explain to me or change a new for me. It's a $50000 car, just a deliver of decision with no discussion...
Since then, Mazda never contact me. And I go to Penfold Burwood, their leadership is very nice and said they can do nothing but help contact Mazda again, I said OK. They said they will call me back the next Mon, but they didn't. I call back and they said they will contact me the next Mon, but till now, it's Jan, 2020 been more than 2 months, nobody ever contact me...
As customer, I feel we are really weak when dealing with big company like Mazda or Dealer like Penfold. I tried escalate to ACCC - Reference NO. REF28322XX, but I cannot proof that change of engine will cause safety issue or not. I try to contact lawyer but it's time consuming and expensive. I have no choice but get the brand new car which have engine fixing...Cause I need to send my son to school...
I will never, ever buy a Mazda product, never. I hope you good luck and never experience any issues with Mazda, if unlucky you meet issue, for sure, Mazda will not take care you.
This is a message from a Mom who have a son and just arrived at Melb, from a Mom who want her baby in a safe car instead of a brand new car but engine have issue. The experience above is 100% true, hope it is helpful for you.
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