2017 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport Review | Mid-Sized Family SUV Goes From Strength To Strength
Second-album syndrome is the music-equivalent muse for the 2017 Mazda CX-5.
Just like a band that smashes its first-ever album out of the park, the original CX-5 came from nowhere in 2012 to become the best-selling SUV in the country for four years straight. Now the follow-up act arrives, mostly singing to the same hymn sheet.
Three engines – a 2.0- and 2.5-litre petrol, and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel – remain, in familiar Maxx, Maxx Sport, GT and Akera grades, plus a new Touring in between.
The Maxx Sport with the larger petrol engine is tested here, which is claimed to be the most popular model grade, with the most popular drivetrain, for the first year the new CX-5 is on-sale. Can it again become Australia’s next top medium SUV model?
Vehicle Style: Medium SUV
Price: $37,390 (plus on-road costs)
Engine/trans: 140kW/251Nm 2.0 four-cylinder petrol | six-speed automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 7.5 L/100km | Tested: 10.7 L/100km
OVERVIEW
At $37,190 plus on-road costs, there is a reason the 2.5-litre CX-5 Maxx Sport might be the most popular Mazda medium SUV. It really does squeeze nicely in between the base-auto $30,640 (plus orc) 2.0-litre Maxx and $44,390 (plus orc) 2.5-litre GT.
There is, however, now hardly a stretch to the new $38,990 (plus orc) 2.5-litre Touring, though it only adds electric-fold door mirrors, head-up display, fake leather/suede trim, front parking sensors and keyless auto-entry to the below list.