Mazda CX-5 2024 Review

In Malaysia's C-segment SUV market, balanced and practical models have always been the top choice for family users. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.0G 2WD Mid, positioned as the mid-tier trim of the lineup, combines rich safety features, practical space, and Mazda's iconic driving feel at a price of RM143,300. This time, we will test drive it to see if it can indeed become the "all-rounder" choice at this price range.

From the exterior, the 2024 CX-5 continues with the Kodo design language characteristic of the family, featuring smooth yet slightly muscular lines. The shield-shaped front grille is paired with chrome trims, connecting the LED headlamps on both sides, providing high recognition; the waistline on the vehicle side extends from the fender to the rear, complemented by 225/65 R17 tires to create a visually balanced proportion; the horizontal design of the LED taillights echoes the front, while the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds to the rugged SUV vibe. In terms of details, automatic headlights, front fog lamps, and power-folding side mirrors come as standard, ensuring convenience for daily use.

Stepping inside, the interior quality meets expectations. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials and highlighted with silver accents, creating a simple and practical overall style. The 7-inch central touch screen supports touch operation and is paired with a multifunctional steering wheel; common functions like music controls and Bluetooth phone calls can be handled with one button. The instrument cluster features a 7-inch TFT LCD display that clearly shows speed, RPM, and driving assistance information. In terms of features, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents are all included. The front seats support 10-way power adjustment (driver's seat) and 6-way power adjustment (passenger seat). Once adjusted to a suitable seating position, the seats provide good wrapping and support.

The space performance meets family needs. The vehicle's dimensions are 4550mm/1840mm/1675mm (L/W/H), with a wheelbase of 2700mm. A 175cm-tall passenger can sit in the front with a headroom of one fist and two fingers; in the rear, the same 175cm passenger has two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. The center floor hump is not high, so the middle passenger won’t feel too cramped when three people are seated in the back. The trunk offers 442L of space, which can easily fit two 28-inch suitcases. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40/20/40 split configuration to extend the cargo space further, making it sufficient for carrying larger items. In terms of storage details, the front and rear door panel pockets can hold two bottles of water, and the central armrest box and glove compartment have enough capacity for daily use.

For dynamic driving, the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 164PS and a maximum torque of 213N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power output is smooth during startup, and the acceleration response is quick when pressing the gas pedal, making daily city commutes or starts feel effortless. After reaching 80km/h, pressing the gas pedal further reveals sufficient power reserves for overtaking. The transmission's shifting logic is clear, and gear shifts are both quick and responsive. The steering is precise with minimal dead zones. It feels lightweight during daily drives and heavier at high speeds, providing a sense of security. The chassis employs a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, preventing significant jolts from being transmitted into the cabin. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, with adequate support, so it doesn’t feel wobbly.

The fuel consumption performance meets expectations, with an official combined fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km. During the actual test drive, urban road conditions accounted for 70% and highways 30%, with an indicated fuel consumption of 7.2L/100km, which is close to the official data. With a fuel tank capacity of 56L, the full tank range can reach approximately 750km, reducing the frequency of refueling during long-distance trips. The driving assistance configuration is very comprehensive, equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. When ACC is activated on the highway, the vehicle maintains a safe following distance, easing driving fatigue. The 360-degree panoramic camera and front and rear parking sensors provide a clear view of the surroundings when parking, making it easy even for new drivers.

The details of riding comfort are well executed. The vehicle's sound insulation is excellent, and at a highway speed of 120km/h, wind and tire noise are kept at an acceptable level. The seat cushions are soft, so long-duration sitting won't feel tiring. The engine start-stop system responds quickly, shutting off quietly while waiting at red lights and restarting smoothly with no significant vibrations.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.0G 2WD Mid lies in balance. Compared to similarly priced competitors like the Honda CR-V 1.5T LX or Toyota RAV4 2.0L G, it offers more comprehensive safety features (6 airbags across all variants + full active safety suite), better interior quality, and outstanding handling. Priced at 143,300 MYR, its value for money is quite good. It is suitable for family users who prioritize safety, space, and driving quality and can meet the needs of daily city commuting or weekend family outings. If you are looking for a C-Segment SUV without obvious shortcomings, this car is worth considering.