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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 63

The second generation KF-era Mazda CX-5 took all the things we liked about the original version and finessed them into a smarter, more accomplished and ultimately more appealing package. This model's slightly more spacious and sophisticated than other cheaper rivals from its era in the mid-sized five-seat SUV segment, but its trump card remained an involving driving experience that was anything but SUV-like.

Modelsword count: 7

5-door SUV [2.0 petrol / 2.2 diesel]

Historyword count: 341

Revolution is usually followed by evolution, particularly when it comes to cars. Here's a good example of that - the second generation Mazda CX-5. It was a car with quite an act to follow. Its predecessor was so successful that by the time this MK2 model was introduced in the Spring of 2017, CX-5 sales were accounting for more than 25% of Mazda's global production. That original design, launched back in 2012, was a late-comer into the market for Qashqai-class family-sized Crossover SUVs and therefore needed to make an impact. It did, being the first of the brand's cars to feature 'KODO' 'Soul of Motion' design language and 'SKYACTIV' drivetrain and chassis tech - the two things that defined every modern Mazda launched in the next decade and rejuvenated the company's fortunes. By 2017 though, with over 1.5 million sales on the board, it was time for a re-think. Not only was the CX-5's shape become a little over-familiar but other rivals were starting to threaten this Mazda's acknowledged position as one of the best driver's cars in the class. There was also the need to update this SUV with the latest safety and infotainment tech; and add in equipment features that couldn't be had on the original version - things that segment buyers were by now demanding, like a powered tailgate and a head-up display. So this second generation CX-5 was evolved in all of these areas in order to counter the increasing threat posed by the new rivals that were pouring into this sector, most notably back in 2017 from Vauxhall, Volkswagen Skoda and SEAT. Mazda saw no need to go to the expense of a completely new platform or a fundamentally redeveloped range of engines, but this MK2 design did get a much smarter look, a classier interior, a more rigid body that further improved the drive dynamics and a whole host of new technology features. The MK2 CX-5 got a light mid-term update in 2021, which saw it through to the end of sales in early 2026.

What You Getword count: 292

This second generation CX-5 is a lower, sleeker thing than its predecessor, further developing the so-called 'KODO' 'Soul of Motion' design philosophy that defined the look of the previous model. Take a seat at the wheel and you're treated to a master class in how it's possible to completely change the look and feel of this part of the cabin without altering any of its essential dimensions or hard points. Two things are primarily responsible for this and the first change was predictable given the fact that interior quality was one of the original CX-5 model's biggest flaws. With this MK2 design, it was a very different story, with an up-market feel clearly inspired by the German brands that Mazda wanted to emulate. The other key MK2 model change related to the centre-dash 'MZD-Connect' colour touchscreen. With the previous generation design, the infotainment monitor was a pokily-shaped thing buried into the centre of the dash. This display gained new eye-line free-standing dash-top positioning and grew in size to 7-inches - and grew in capability too. Incorporated features not only include standard navigation and Bluetooth connectivity but also Facebook and Twitter integration and 'Aha'-powered internet radio streaming. In the rear, you can stretch out a little, with proper space for your head, leg and shoulders on the more supportive rear bench. You might expect that the relatively long length of this CX-5 (by the standards of a mid-sized SUV) would give it a class-leadingly large boot but in actual fact, the cargo area's 506-litre capacity (just 3-litres more than the original design could offer) merely meets the segment standard. To be fair to Mazda, the area provided is significantly bigger than the space you'd get in rival Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga models.

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