2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5G AWD High Review

The C-segment SUV market has always been a fiercely competitive arena for family users and practicality-focused consumers in Malaysia. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5G AWD High, as a popular contender in this segment, returns this time with a 2.5T engine and comprehensive safety upgrades. After receiving the test car, our core goal was to verify whether it matches its RM187,200 price in terms of performance, space, and everyday comfort, and whether it has enough competitiveness compared to other models in the same class.

First, let’s look at the exterior. The new car continues Mazda's signature Kodo design philosophy. Its front shield-shaped grille, complemented by chrome accents, stands out with high recognizability. The sharp-shaped LED headlights on both sides come with automatic lighting as a standard feature, making daily use more convenient. The smooth lines on the sides of the car, extending from the hood to the rear, give the vehicle a longer and sleeker look. The addition of 19-inch alloy wheels enhances the visual height, aligning with the rugged positioning of an SUV. At the rear, the LED taillights echo the design of the front headlights, while the silver protective plate below the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flavor. However, the overall design leans towards a steady and family-friendly aesthetic.

Sitting inside, the materials and layout of the interior make for a great first impression. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a refined tactile feel. The 7-inch touch center screen, although not particularly large, operates smoothly and supports the Sound Plus feature. Paired with the 6-speaker system, it delivers audio quality sufficient for daily use. The instrument cluster is a 7-inch TFT LCD display, clearly showing speed, fuel consumption, and driving assistance information. In terms of features, the front seats offer 10-way electric adjustment (driver seat) and 6-way electric adjustment (passenger seat), with enough adjustment range to accommodate drivers of different heights. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and power outlets, showcasing thoughtful design details. In terms of space, the car's 2700mm wheelbase provides ample front-row seating, with surplus headroom and legroom for passengers around 180cm tall. In the rear, three adults can sit comfortably, with about two fists of legroom, avoiding any sense of crowding. The trunk space is 442L, more than sufficient for storing a few suitcases for daily use. The rear seats can fold down in a 40/20/40 split configuration, expanding the space to accommodate larger items, which greatly enhances practicality.

For performance, the 2.5T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power output of 170kW (231PS) and a maximum torque of 420N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the power response is quick at startup; a gentle tap on the gas pedal produces a noticeable sense of acceleration, and mid-to-late acceleration feels robust, allowing overtaking without the need for hard acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 7.7 seconds, positioning it in the upper-middle range among 2.5T models in its class. There are two driving modes available: Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, the transmission shifts gears later, and power output becomes more aggressive, catering to users who occasionally want a spirited driving experience.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal slack, and during turns, it gives the driver ample confidence. The suspension adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent setup, which is tuned for comfort without being overly soft. When driving over uneven road surfaces, the suspension effectively absorbs most minor bumps, ensuring rear passengers don't feel significant jolts. On high-speed turns, body roll is well-controlled, maintaining excellent stability. The inclusion of the four-wheel-drive system enhances safety on slippery roads. However, as an urban SUV, its primary focus remains on road driving. It can handle light off-road conditions but is not recommended for tackling complex terrains. Regarding fuel efficiency, we achieved a combined fuel consumption of about 8.5L/100km, driving equally on urban streets and highways, which is close to the official figure of 8.2L/100km. Considering the 2.5T engine's power, this fuel efficiency is commendable.

In terms of ride comfort, the sound insulation is well done, with wind and tire noise controlled within an acceptable range at high speeds, so it won't affect conversations inside the car. The seats provide excellent wrapping and support, ensuring that long drives do not cause fatigue. Regarding safety features, 6 airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, etc., are all standard. The ACC adaptive cruise control helps reduce the driving burden on highways, and the 360-degree panoramic view makes parking much easier.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5G AWD High lie in its powerful 2.5T engine, comprehensive safety features, and practical space performance. Compared to peers like the Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid or Honda CR-V 1.5T, its power output holds a significant edge, its safety features are more complete, and its price is relatively reasonable. It is suitable for families who prioritize power and safety or consumers who frequently commute on highways. If you are looking for a family SUV with adequate power, practical space, and comprehensive features, this vehicle is worth considering.