Mazda CX-5 SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2

A CX-5 is likely to be a first large SUV for many buyers, and if you’re graduating from a compact family hatchback, you probably won’t be bowled over by its running costs. When compared to those of other SUVs, though, the Mazda stacks up quite well.

Petrol engine options are all now mild-hybrid assisted, but there are no self-charging or plug-in hybrid options, so the CX-5 can’t compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson which is offered as a plug-in hybrid version with low CO2 emissions.

Mazda has this somewhat covered by another SUV model. The all-new Mazda CX-60 is a plug-in hybrid that promises a decent electric range and low emissions. Elsewhere, Mazda is pushing ahead with electrification; it now sells mild-hybrid and hybrid versions of the Mazda2 supermini (the latter is a rebadged Toyota Yaris) and the fully-electric Mazda MX-30.

Mazda CX-5 MPG & CO2

The CX-5 engine line-up still features diesels, with a few petrol alternatives that might appeal if you cover a low annual mileage.

There are three petrol engine options available, all of which are mild-hybrid assisted. The most economical petrol option is the 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv G with 163bhp and a manual gearbox, which returns up to 43.5mpg on the combined cycle according to WLTP testing. The automatic version’s economy suffers slightly, returning up to 40.9mpg on the combined cycle. There’s also a 2.5-litre version with 191bhp and an automatic gearbox – this is less economical still, although not by much; this engine can return up to 37.2mpg on the combined cycle.

Now that the 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine has been discontinued, the most economical model is the 181bhp version with two-wheel drive and a manual transmission, which can return up to 50.4mpg on the combined cycle. Specifying an automatic gearbox drops this figure to 46.3mpg. The all-wheel drive version with the same engine and a manual gearbox can return up to 44.8mpg, while the automatic gets up to 42.8mpg. 

CO2 emissions of 147g/km for the two-wheel drive manual version of the diesel CX-5 mean it sits in a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band for company car drivers, but the automatic ups this figure to 160g/km – we’d avoid it unless you really need an auto. While it’s less economical on fuel, the entry-level 163bhp manual petrol model’s emissions of 146g/km also put it in a reasonable BiK band. Overall, though, rival plug-in models will be much more enticing as a company car, as many sit in the lowest BiK band making them cheaper to run.

All Mazda CX-5 models will cost the standard rate each year in VED (road tax). Note that very top-spec models can be specified to cost over £40,000, at which point your road tax bill will be roughly triple the standard rate in the first five renewal years after purchase.

Insurance

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Insurance group ratings range from 15 for the entry-level 2.0-litre petrol to group 21 for the 2.2-litre diesel at the top of the range. Spec for spec, the CX-5 is ranked a little higher than its Nissan Qashqai rival.

Servicing

Mazda recommends servicing your car every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. A service plan can be bought up-front to cover the first three years of servicing for your new CX-5 and monthly payment schemes are also available. Your local Mazda dealer will be happy to discuss the service option that fits best with your circumstances.

Warranty

Every Mazda is supplied with a three-year/60,000 mile warranty, which includes a specific three-year paint warranty as well as a 12-year anti-perforation corrosion warranty. Mazda Roadside Assistance is provided throughout the warranty period.

Although this is equal to the cover provided by VW group companies such as Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and SEAT, it’s less generous than the three-year/unlimited-mileage warranties of BMW and Mercedes. It also can’t come close to matching the impressive five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty provided by Hyundai – a brand whose Tucson SUV is a rival for the CX-5. The Toyota RAV4's warranty of up to 10 years is even more generous.