Mazda CX-5 review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

The simple engine choice for the Mazda CX-5 means that some rivals with a broader spread of powertrains are cheaper to run. SUVs such as the SEAT Ateca and Peugeot 3008 offer downsized petrol engines claiming greater efficiency, but the units in the CX-5 are more frugal than their size would suggest. That’s because of Mazda’s low-friction, low compression SkyActiv engine tech, allowing the performance of a larger engine but, when driven sensibly, the economy of something smaller.

Under the latest WLTP test procedure, the 2.0 SkyActiv-G petrol CX-5 claims up to 38.2mpg combined with the manual gearbox and 36.7mpg for the 6-speed auto-equipped version, although higher spec cars on bigger wheels and with more kit have poorer claimed figures. 

The SkyActiv-D diesel also delivers different figures depending on the car's spec. The 148bhp manual model manages a best combined figure of 47.9mpg, while adding the auto box sees this reduce to 43.5mpg. Go for the more powerful diesel, and its standard-fit four-wheel drive sees fuel economy drop even further, with a 42.8mpg figure for the manual model, and 39.8mpg for the auto version. 

Emissions for the CX-5 see the petrol car ranging from 145-150g/km, while the diesels are in the 128-145g/km range. That's better than cars like the ageing Ford Kuga, but rivals such as the Peugeot 3008, Skoda Karoq and hybrid-equipped Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are even better.

Insurance Groups

The stronger, safer CX-5 looks to be competitive in terms of insurance costs. The petrol is the cheapest, starting at group 15 or 16, which puts it on a par with a 148bhp petrol Kodiaq. The diesels  slot into group 19 to group 23, depending on which variant you choose.

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Depreciation

The Mazda CX-5 has residual values in the region of 46-52 per cent, which is among the best in the Mazda range. It's also slightly ahead of cars like the Peugeot 3008 and Nissan X-Trail, and on a par with the Skoda Karoq and VW Tiguan.