Skip advert
Advertisement

Mazda CX-5 review – an involving and competent SUV - Design

As well as being one of the best-looking SUVs thanks to a sharp line and concept-car nose, it’s also one of the best to drive

Evo rating
RRP
from £24,895
  • Composed handling, keen engines, first-rate fit and finish
  • Not as roomy as some, limited engine line-up

Design

SUVs are never the most exciting, exotic or alluring vehicles on the road. Yet Mazda’s latest CX-5, with its short overhangs, neat lines and tough proportions, is a handsome car. Its big grille opening, surrounded by sharp lines and shallow, mean lights give it an aggression that none of its rivals possess.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The only aspect of the CX-5 that doesn’t live up to its concept-car looks are its wheels, which look small and weedy – even the optional 19-inch items – by comparison to the butch bodywork.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Cupra Born arrives as a feistier Volkswagen ID.3, with bucket seats and up to 322bhp
2026 Cupra Born
News

New Cupra Born arrives as a feistier Volkswagen ID.3, with bucket seats and up to 322bhp

Cupra has given the ID.3-based Born a substantial refresh, comprising a new design, updated interior and physical steering wheel controls rather than …
5 Mar 2026
My £2k Fiat Panda 100HP is huge fun to own, until you look underneath...
evo Fast Fleet Fiat Panda 100HP
Long term tests

My £2k Fiat Panda 100HP is huge fun to own, until you look underneath...

A trip to the garage unearths some nasty secrets in the Panda’s suspension
5 Mar 2026
BMW M3 CSL (E46, 2003-2004) review – Munich's answer to the Porsche 911 GT3
BMW M3 CSL
Reviews

BMW M3 CSL (E46, 2003-2004) review – Munich's answer to the Porsche 911 GT3

The ultimate unicorn BMW M car is now almost 25 years old. It’s not perfect but it is wonderful
5 Mar 2026