Mazda CX-5 2013 Review

In recent years, the compact SUV market in Malaysia has been thriving. Consumers want both the off-road capability and spaciousness of an SUV, while also demanding fuel efficiency and driving pleasure — the 2013 Mazda CX-5 was precisely introduced to cater to this need. As Mazda's first SUV equipped with Skyactiv Technology, it attracted considerable attention upon its launch with core selling points of fuel economy and drivability. We borrowed a test drive vehicle this time to see whether it lives up to its reputation in actual use cases, especially in terms of space, fuel consumption, and driving experience — the three most concerning aspects for family users.

In terms of exterior design, the 2013 CX-5 follows a simple and robust style, with an overall sleek but not exaggerated design. The front features a shield-shaped grille with chrome accents, complemented by sharp headlights on both sides, which ensures a distinct look. The side profile features a waistline running from the front to the rear, along with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving a steady appearance. The rear design is relatively simple, with horizontally arranged taillights, equipped with parking sensors and rear fog lights. Overall, it aligns well with the positioning of a family SUV, without overly fancy designs but with a decent look that ages well.

Stepping inside the car, the interior style focuses on practicality. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical design, with clearly laid-out buttons. The steering wheel has a three-spoke multifunction design, providing a solid hand feel. The left side controls the volume and Bluetooth calls, while the right side adjusts cruise control. The top of the dashboard is covered in soft-touch material, which, although not premium leather, feels much better than hard plastic. The central control screen is small but supports Bluetooth connection and basic audio playback, with simple operations that are easy to grasp. The seats are fabric and have average wrapping, but the padding is quite soft, making long journeys less tiring. The rear row is equipped with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, accommodating the needs of rear passengers.

In terms of space, the 2013 CX-5 has a wheelbase of 2700mm, which is typical for a compact SUV. When the front seat is adjusted to a comfortable position, a passenger with a height of 175cm still has a fist of headroom. The rear legroom has about two fists of space, and one fist of headroom, making it comfortable enough for three adults. The trunk’s standard capacity is 403L, and it can expand to 1560L when the rear seats are folded down—perfectly capable of accommodating a stroller or luggage. The vehicle also features numerous storage compartments, such as door panel pockets, a center armrest storage box, and a glove compartment, making it convenient for stowing everyday items.

Regarding performance, the test drive car is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum output of 155 horsepower and 200N·m of peak torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response is relatively brisk during start-up, making it easy to follow traffic in urban areas or overtake effortlessly. When switched to Sport Mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and gear shifts are more delayed, boosting confidence during highway overtakes. However, after reaching a speed of 120km/h, the vehicle's ability to accelerate further diminishes, since it is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine, and high-rev power reserves are relatively limited.

As for handling, the Skyactiv chassis indeed performs well, with suspension tuning leaning towards firmness yet maintaining decent bump absorption. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the body doesn't bounce excessively, and the chassis feels solid overall. The steering is precise with minimal play, and the vehicle has well-controlled body roll during cornering, providing a sense of confidence. However, the firmer suspension might make rear passengers feel slightly uncomfortable on prolonged bumpy roads. In terms of fuel consumption, we drove an equal part in urban and highway settings, achieving an average fuel consumption of 7.8L per 100km. This result is quite excellent among similar-class fuel-powered SUVs and aligns well with the fuel-saving promise of Skyactiv Technology.

In terms of noise control, when driving at low speeds in the city, engine noise and tire noise are not obvious, but once the speed exceeds 100km/h, wind noise gradually increases, although it remains within an acceptable range. The seat provides good support, and there is no noticeable fatigue in the lower back. The air conditioning works very well, quickly cooling down the interior temperature in hot weather.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2013 Mazda CX-5 public lie in its fuel-efficient powertrain, solid handling, and practical space. Compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 in the same class, its fuel consumption is lower, and its handling is better, though its interior materials and features are slightly behind. It is suitable for families who value fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment, especially those who frequently commute in urban areas or on highways. If you’re on a budget but still want a reliable and well-driving family SUV, the 2013 CX-5 public is a good choice. It may not be the most luxurious or feature-packed, but it achieves excellent balance and fully meets the needs of everyday use.