Mazda CX-5 review | Lexus vibes without Lexus prices!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Interesting for an American like me to see an Irish perspective on the Mazda CX-5. We get a version of the CX-5 but it's a version with significant differences and is seen quite differently here. In North America the CX-5 is viewed as a "compact" SUV as is the CR-V, the RAV4, and the Tiguan (labelled the "AllSpace" in Europe.) among others. The "midsize" Mazda SUV offers in America is the huge CX-9. At 199" long it's about 20" longer than the CX-5! (Our preference for humungous SUVs is well known in Europe and doesn't apply just to the Mazda brand.) Nobby's daughter is very perceptive about size of the CX-5. But it's not because Mazda designs vehicles for smaller humans. Rather, it's Mazda's Koda design language that's the source of cramped passenger and cargo space compared to rivals. The designs of all Mazdas involve a VERY long distance from the front bumper to the base of the "A" pillar relative to the overall length of a vehicle. It's a design approach used in sports cars for nearly a century in order to emphasize power, performance, and potency and it results in appealing designs, especially to males. (Freud can explain why.) Unfortunately it means a major sacrifice in passenger and cargo space, a high priority in a sport UTILITY vehicle. In its defense the CX-5 suffers less from this deficiency than its CX-9 sibling. The larger SUV is among the largest so-called "midsize" vehicles in ithe category. In fact, it's longer than all but 2 rivals (the Dodge Durango and Chevy Traverse.) Yet it has less total cargo space than a Honda CRV, a "compact" SUV (by American standards) that's about 18" less in length than the CX-9. That contributes to the CX-9's slow sales. It has the least sales of any midsize 3 row SUV in the US. The CX-5, on the other hand, while its sales of about 150,000 vehicles annually in the US ranks only about ninth in terms of compact SUVs, it is by far the best selling Mazda vehicle in America. Here in the US (and Canada) the CX-5 comes with only two drivetrain choices, a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4 cylinder petrol engine and a turbo version of the same engine that's standard in the CX-9 and optional in a variety of other Mazda models. No diesel is offered and each is paired with a long-in-the-tooth six speed AT. No manual transmission is available. Unlike the performance of the CX-5 Nobby reviewed, the turbo version of the CX-5 is among the quickest in its class (About 6 seconds to 60 mph and 14.6 seconds in the quarter mile.) Of course, without hybrid versions that other brands offer the CX-5 turbo suffers in terms of fuel economy. But while Americans' tastes are shifting to make fuel economy a higher priority, our cheap petrol compared to nearly every other nation still makes performance vehicles more appealing than elsewhere. Finally, it's not a major issue but the US and European spec CX-5's placement of usb charging ports in the center folding armrest of the back seat is unique but not necessarily a plus. Put three passengers in the back and any access to to those ports is eliminated. My big dog wouldn't object but my teenage daughter and her friends certainly would.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Very interesting reply, appreciate you taking the time to write it. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@2004cyrus]

@@NobbyOnCars he writes long reviews on every car channel. He has to be retired like me! But I don’t have the patience to leave reviews from an engineering perspective! Lol

[@theedge508]

This is provably the best CX5 i ever see with Manual transmission a dying breed .I wish i could buy this

[@NobbyOnCars]

Ah there’s still a bit of life in the old manual yet !

[@artmt0914]

I agree! Someone mistook my CX 5 into being a Lexus. I just laughed😀 Another proud owner

[@NobbyOnCars]

classy looking thing for sure.

[@aloobi]

It's an insult for Mazda. Lexus should be flattered and Mazda should be embarrassed.

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@aloobi Why is that? Lexus make cool looking cars.

[@aloobi]

@@NobbyOnCars We all have different taste. To me, recent Lexus cars look like a man having a serious midlife crisis.

[@jay9yce]

@Art MT how does it feel to own a cx5

[@gib321]

Nice handsome car - I could live with it. The rear seat leg room is in the huge boot for those that are looking for it. Great review.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks 👍

[@wideloads15]

Hey Nobby just a heads up with the sunroof. It does go all the way up as well as the tilt function. It’s a 3 way switch. Push it up and it tilts. Pull it back and the roof opens right up. Push it forward and it closes.

[@tristanjaiden3057]

a tip : watch movies at KaldroStream. Been using it for watching loads of movies recently.

[@theodoreezequiel3720]

@Tristan Jaiden definitely, I have been using KaldroStream for since november myself :D

[@damienkieran8905]

@Tristan Jaiden yea, have been using kaldrostream for years myself =)

[@tristaryul]

Just bought a 2021 CX-5 shame the 6 speed manual transmission isn't available in Canada. Nevertheless i absolutely love this car!

[@nmfl100]

Nice car. Thanks for the review, Billy Corgan.

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Enjoyed your review Mark. Only two complaints from a huge Mazda fan; the infotainment system was completely redesigned only two years ago (first appearing in the Mazda 3) and it is a huge improvement over the previous system. Secondly the sunroof does open fully backwards, doesn't just tilt!

[@NobbyOnCars]

thanks Eamonn. I think the graphics etc are still a little behind many of the others. Sunroof caught me out so, I messed around with it and could only get it to tilt. Raging to try it again now!! Thanks for watching.

[@Nigelrudyardmusic]

I'm late to the party on this one, but it's a great car. Thinking about one.

[@heikopanzlaff3789]

On most Mazdas U can switch off the alarm on the key fob if someone is in the car like a dog or so. It also has a seat occupy sensor so if someone is in the car 20 kg+ the doors won`t lock if the driver goes away with the key fob. My 2017 CX 3 AWD is not locking when someone is sitting in it. If U want to have the doors locked after doing 6 km/ h + U have to use the key in the key fob, start the car and turn the key in the drivers door`s lock see manual.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Handy-ish but most kids and a lot of dogs are under 20kg.

[@mohzaher2000]

Beautiful channel, mate. Subscribed and bell’s on 👍

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thank you so much 👍

[@colm112]

This has to be the best in this segment for a mainstream company. I absolutely love it 😍

[@NobbyOnCars]

A nice place to sit.

[@darren2282]

Always enjoy your reviews Nobby even if I’ve no intention of buying this Mazda. Your G20 3 Series review helped make my decision not so long ago 😊

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks Darren :)

[@billyphelan7649]

I have had 2 cx5 I have my 3ed on order for July I Love the Mazda cx5

[@terryosborn]

Hi, two USB’s in rear armrest and reclining rear seats in English version, check yours.

[@slugger7440]

For me, Mazda need to address a few key things for me to buy: 1. Diesel engines need to be more reliable but if getting phased out the petrol needs a turbo as its gutless even in top 2.5l 2. Needs a newer auto gearbox 3. Needs a panoramic roof 4. Why can't the CX5 get the seats of the Mazda 6? Way better 5. Bring out an extended wheel base or call it a CX7 or something

[@NobbyOnCars]

Some good points Hector !! Didn't get to try the auto in this obviously but it would be a nice car to have in auto.

[@Lord-Brett-Sinclair]

All good points.

[@tDes865]

In the USA, they give us a 2.5 turbo, 256 horsepower, 320 lbs of torque..it’s a pretty quick little beast here..best in class for sure❤️

[@slugger7440]

Would love a review of the refreshed Hyundai Santa Fe Nobby 😁

[@1flutedude]

Nice car. I want that manual in the Turbo Signature trim in the USA but it’s only offered in automatic :(.

[@bobmarley6161]

Fantastic car especially the diesel.... Plenty of power and refinement...

[@gporourke627]

Hi Nobby. I had a CX5 petrol and everything you noticed is right. It was very slow on the take up. And you could get stuck on a motorway when looking for speed . I found the back to a bit cramped. I changed to a CX 30 sky active x and it is much more responsive and better to drive , for speed anyway. But even with the CX 5 's negative points , I still kind of miss it. Great review...cheers, g

[@NobbyOnCars]

Had a CX30 for months last year due to first lockdown and agree.

[@jacekkaminski5698]

I believe, you generally reviewed that car honestly. A bit surprised when you mentioned you had to downshift when entering a motorway. Was it the first time you had driven a naturally aspirated engine ? No offence, but you look older than a millenial and should be familiar with that type of engine. It's a standard until 2010. It"d be obvious for me that I select lower gear. Did you compare 0-50 km time vs. turbo charged ? You could be surprised...Should you also speak abou reliabilty of naturally aspirated vs. turbo engines in the longer run ?

[@NobbyOnCars]

The point I was making is that it doesn’t have enough torque even joining a motorway that has had the benefit of a downhill slip road. No doubt there’s the benefit of no risk of a blown turbo but it’s not a NA versus turbo review.

[@paullelys161]

Fuel usage is closer to 10L/100km. The large badge on the front has a radar built in for the collisions avoidance etc. Mine is the GT SP version and doesn't have cooled seats only heating which I don't want anyway especially here where it gets very hot and my bum usually gets warm pretty quick just from sitting on it. Why would I want to be poking my finger at a touch screen especially while driving? Major hazard if you ask me. People already don't know how to drive. It would be a dangerous distraction and the large knob which is used to navigate around the menu is just fine. We can't even touch our phone here to look at the time without getting a massive fine if caught so a touch screen is definitely out of the question. Compared to the RAV4 and the KIA Sportage the Mazda CX-5 had a better leg room for me as I am over 6ft tall and had the console digging in to the side of my leg for the other makes.

[@fergalreidy9669]

very honest.............thank you............................................like diesel.................

[@garethtalbot8950]

Great review again Nobby.

[@stuartmchugh1754]

Long term Mazda owner (2 x RX8, then a modern 6 estate) so when I went to a Mazda/Skoda/Seat garage I was so disappointed Mazda not even at the races for “around 40k” big family SUV. Gorgeous interior and styling but I fear Mazda’s independence might soon come to an end if their next 3/6/CX3 isn’t a hit. The MX30 is a disaster. FWIW I bought a mid spec Kodiaq.

[@NobbyOnCars]

What did the Kodiaq have for you that the CX-5 didn't?

[@stuartmchugh1754]

@@NobbyOnCars SPACE! Basically I’ve got a 4.5yr old and a 8 week old. I needed space for big rearward facing seats, buggies in the boot and the optional friends in the 6th and 7th seats in the future. The Skoda feels a bit more “wipe down” safe if you know what I mean. I had a platinum Mazda 6 estate and it was very snug but in the Skodiaq you can literally swing a cat in the back. Huge back doors. Plus the VW AG small petrols are very good. Mazda don’t have the financial clout to keep up with interior and tech innovation. They have wasted their money on SkyActiv X and REXelectrics like the the MX30 which has useless doors for small kids!

[@yagoceron]

Mazdas are so underrated...

[@S7tronic]

I have a 172 150hp 2.2D, lovely car to drive, comfortable and planted to drive. reliability is not great; at 110,000 KM's the first turbo failed, 135K now and the second one is going, intermittent check lights etc. Mazda replaced the first under warranty, the scabby dealer added on €500 for 'additional diagnostics'... It's a company car so I'm not too bothered, but if it was a private purchase I would say run a mile from their diesels, absolute rubbish.

[@NobbyOnCars]

history won't be kind to that diesel engine !

[@alans1313]

we must get a different set up in the diesel in australia,,,we dont get a manual,but we get 140kw and 440 nm of torque,,,,0 t0 100 time of 8.6 sec...turbo petrol is 7.8 so we definatley get a different tune for the motor and also 4wd..and off road selection on the auto,,there are videos.on youtube ,one comparing the two different output ...2017 was 120 and 420,,,from 2018 it is 140 kw and 440nm...i am awaiting delivery of my top of the range diesel in the lovely soul red ,,kind regards to all and cheers from australia

[@tonymante8759]

im just suprised one thing you mention is corners not being good out of the toyota rav 4 honda crv volkswagon tiguan kia sportage hyundai tuscon / santa fe this has the best steering feel and cornering feel with less body roll. in fact this is the funniest one to drive out of them all drive wise and turbo charged is the best performance one aswell. i specficly chose the cx-5 for its drive no its not some drag car by any means it never claimed to be but it handels corners and winding roads with joy and the tight responsive steering is great at higher speeds winding roads you feel glued to the road

[@sventibold]

I have the 2019 version Love it

[@ArshadAli-gh4wu]

Very informative review but I haven't seen two reviews that agree on anything. English reviews say it handles very well. Who do I believe?. Best to test drive it yourself.

[@stevencampbell1150]

Great review Nobby, I have to be honest and say for a car at that price the tech in it is a wee bit behind plus unless you weren't doing the mileage to justify a diesel, because that car is petrol and it's heavy it's going to be quite gutless as you keenly observed. I can put the boot down in 6th in my diesel Kadjar and easily join the motorway but that's because with 130hp and 320nm of torque it has the shove to do so. I don't even know if the cx 5 is even available as a diesel but I think the engine would frustrate the life out of me. Apart from the old school tech and oddly placed usb ports in the back it does seem well finished and being a Mazda it should in theory be very reliable but for the price I think there are better options.

[@echoindiajuliet]

Great review Nobby! Im still looking for something to challenge my future choice of either an Ateca or a Karoq and this hasn’t done it

[@Lord-Brett-Sinclair]

We have a 2019 2.2 d auto it’s fantastic, but Not big on the inside. For 3 or us it’s fine. The Driving experience is better than my 2018 5 series. Very well tought out and tested.

[@Ben-oy1td]

Terrific review ! I’ve binned carwow to come to you

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks Ben. Not sure the production values are quite up to Carwow standard but thanks :)

[@Ben-oy1td]

@@NobbyOnCars content is better and no stupid childish gags. Nobby , have you reviewed the Skoda Enyaq yet ?

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@Ben-oy1td bit of a delay on it, was meant to be here around Easter for a video similar to the ID.4 first look, not sure if it’s May or June now at this stage

[@leequist2908]

Same here. Binned car wow. Thanks for being practical and honest with the review. Earned a new subscriber

[@conorhanley9009]

Would you prefer to the Honda CR-V ? Good review as always

[@NobbyOnCars]

I think the Mazda wins for looks, the Honda for cabin space.

[@chillpill1888]

What’s the mpg on it? I had a diesel Cx5 that I wish I’d never got rid of

[@NobbyOnCars]

It was around 8L/100kms

[@ronmccullock1407]

Good review

[@Dongzzzzzz]

Thats a new infotainment though. The old one had a 16:9 aspect ratio and a touchscreen while the new one does not which was first seen in 2019 while the old one is around 2014.

[@NobbyOnCars]

It's a little behind what many others now have in their cars!

[@Dongzzzzzz]

@@NobbyOnCars i agree on that, infotainment is mazda's weakpoint. Hyundai's infotainment is better.

[@HienQuyen]

My CX-5 has usb ports hidden in the pull-out arm rest in the back. Do they cut it off on the newer models? Edit: nvm, should've done watching the video before commenting 😂😂

[@NobbyOnCars]

Ha, left that bit in just to catch people out!

[@Ivandrago89]

Don't have great interest in Irish content (or any European content), Conor McNuggets kinda turned me off Ireland, but cause u asked nicely :) , so subscribed, best wishes from an Indian If you don't mind answering is this a 2.5 naturally aspirated or a 2 litre n.a. ? And how many Kms. do u have on it?

[@talpolano4549]

Why can't we have that elusive manual?! :(

[@NobbyOnCars]

What country are you in?

[@talpolano4549]

@@NobbyOnCars duterte archipelago! 3:)

[@mycoyz8416]

is the road noise comparable to Lexus?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Jury is out.. haven’t driven the Lexus yet

[@PreeMoo]

All the stylistic creases and curves that manufacturers are adding to the bodywork add to the vehicles’ girth. Unfortunately, these styling cues do not convert well into actual inside space. That’s my take, anyway.

[@NobbyOnCars]

The generous boot size probably costs some interior space too.

[@benbigballs6297]

Great guy

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Nice car

[@gdirkjan]

Great review Nobby. Because i’m a CX owner: the tires make a huge difference in handeling of the car! The oem Toyo’s are crap. Love te car!

[@NobbyOnCars]

never skimp on rubber......!

[@Lord-Brett-Sinclair]

What type of tires did you for Dirk for when our need changing.

[@gdirkjan]

@@Lord-Brett-Sinclair Vredestein Quatrac Pro

[@tofislam]

That is the updated software dude.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Mazda is great classy, and sexy .

[@ridgmont61]

A great shame that the sat nav system is still the same - a good looking car though.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Very good looking and will age well I reckon.

[@ivanino200]

when I see the steering wheel on the right side, I'm sick ..

[@Where1smyCamera]

I subscribed because of the accent🤣 review was great also 👌

[@NobbyOnCars]

Ha thanks 👍🏻

[@KensleyInnocent]

Wait what, they still have manuals?!

[@NobbyOnCars]

They do 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@andyfx7.929]

not the car for me..... nicely reviewed though!

[@NobbyOnCars]

thanks Andy

[@2004cyrus]

Better get a Dodge Charger

[@user-cj7dv2kc6d]

Too much focus on rear seat space. If ya want more space get a bigger longer vehicle.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Well as a parent, it’s pretty important.

[@2004cyrus]

Yes the CX-9

[@goodkingkarlos]

I thought they were good to drive?

[@Cali_12024]

Beautiful sexy car!!

[@michaelgoh5830]

Sorry Nobby, you aren’t that tall either, so this car suits you just fine! 🤣🤣🤣

[@NobbyOnCars]

I’m not the one buying it though am I wise ass ! 😎

[@michaelgoh5830]

@@NobbyOnCars Jokes aside Nobby, do enjoy watching all your reviews, from Melbourne Australia.

[@martyjacqz7901]

Mazda should be in the talks of BMW and leux

[@richardhowlett9424]

Why on earth would you buy that monstrosity , when you can buy a 6 estate for much the same money ?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Some prefer the height for getting in and out of...

[@raulcarrera726]

This guy literally said Mazda’s don’t have leg room because they’re made for an Asian car market. 😂

[@NobbyOnCars]

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a1/19_Year_Old_Male_Height_in_2019-NCD_RisC.png

[@NobbyOnCars]

Europeans are taller generally speaking, that's simply fact.

[@mryoutubeuncle8403]

If ypu need more leg room then this, go to America 😂😂😂​@@NobbyOnCars

[@Pinkielover]

mazda is junk plain and simple . i will never buy one again, And I've only owned Mazda for the past 25 years and I still currently own one..I'll drive it into the ground but I'll tell you nothing but a waste of money.. Anything rubber has failed on my mazda ,You name the engine component with rubber it has failed within 65,000 miles car currently has 69,000 You name it I've replaced it and I have the high-end model. mazda 6.. Even whole engine replacement,All out of pocket.. and i babied the car from day one...At least I saved money by doing it all myself minus the engine replacement,, Engine replacement labor $1900 ,, the actual engine... Salvaged from a wrecked car that had 23,000 miles on it,, cost $1200 with a 5 year 50,000 mile warranty if installed by a ase certified technician... rental car for about 1 month $900.. I had to wait this long because it happened mid Covid 19 over the summer in blazing 110* heat in arizona... at least I now have that warranty... Would've did it myself but I wouldn't get a warranty.. Engine was shipped ,,,it took about 2 1/2 weeks to get,, car was drivable Just to go to the shop from where I had parked... bearing and rod knock like you wouldn't believe...Took the guy about a week and a half to have everything fully installed because he was behind and backed up with work... car runs great again... I also had the manifold Cat converter replaced at 52,000 miles It's under federal warranty for up to 80,000 miles by USA law.. Mazda dealer Told me $2,200 to do it... i Started laughing at him and told the Mazda Dealer that you have to replace it for free because it's under federal warranty... So they ordered the part they got it in and they did it about a week later everything free of charge... Still if it was a normal person that didn't know about the warranty they would've charged them.. Here is my list of things I've done personally to the car ,done after 55,000 miles.. all 4 break rotors and Brake pads ,i used Akebono Brake pads and Supreme brake rotors from Napa auto parts.. All 2 engine mounts, 1 transmission mount, 2 cv Axles , both upper and both lower control Arms , both a new Engine idle pulley and engine tensioner pulley , 2 all rubber Stabilizer bushings Was a pain in the neck because you need to drop the sub frame of the car, 1 New radiator (Original one started leaking around the neck of the Radiator) ,, 1 new battery , 1 new alternator,1 serpentine belt, I currently still need to do , both stabilizer links, both tie rod ends , both front struts.. One strut is currently leaking.. One of the tire rod ends the rubber was cracked stabilizer link one was very loose mainly the rubber was deteriorating.. I just need to figure out what struts I want to buy.. And I've been putting it off for a couple months..lol all the work was done before engine replacement.. car current says 73,268 miles , Most of the parts I bought have lifetime warranties now.. As long as I own the car. Mind you i have no place to do work on the car, Everything was done in a store parking lot.. I even have clearcoat failure.. In about an 8 inch to 3 foot section of the rear of the car.. Clearcoat is completely removed..First it went white and then I picked it off because it looked like crap..It's slowly getting bigger .Otherwise the car looks great. You have to really look to find it ,,for now.. So you can see why i am highly disappointed with Mazda... I will not buy a Mazda again. I'll buy a used Toyota or lexus first

[@pooh4519]

You should have leased for 3 yrs or got an extended warranty.

[@kevinW826]

I have a 2015 Mazda3. 100,000 kms no issues. I have talked with people with 300,000 kms, same year and no issues. Maybe it’s an operator malfunction. I have known people who say everything you do, but the cars condition proves otherwise.

[@leprechaunshelper]

Mazda utter crap they can’t make a decent engine why people buy this make is beyond me ! 💩

[@Julzc1975]

I have owned mazdas for the past 10 years and have never had one issue and I have not had one engine problem!!!!