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 - even if you’ll have to rev the engines more than in rivals.

It does feel like the petrol and diesel-only range could do with an electrified counterpart, however. Models including the Hyundai Tucson now offer a plug-in hybrid version that's well-suited to company-car drivers, thanks to low CO2 emissions.

Luckily, Mazda has this 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, although we’ll have to wait to see how it stacks up in the real world. 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.

The most economical engine in the range is the 148bhp 2.2-litre diesel. When teamed with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, it can return up to 50.4mpg, while CO2 emissions of 147g/km mean it sits in a reasonable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band for a diesel SUV. Adding an automatic gearbox, for around £2,000, increases fuel consumption to 46.3mpg and emissions to 160g/km – with the BiK rising too. We’d avoid it unless you’re going to be spending your time in traffic or need an auto.

If you want four-wheel-drive, you'll need the 182bhp version of the same engine. Thus equipped, the CX-5 returns 44.8mpg, dropping to 42.8mpg with an automatic gearbox. CO2 figures are 165 and 173g/km respectively.

If you cover fewer than 12,000 miles a year or so, a diesel is far less likely to save you money overall and you may be better served by the 2.0-litre 163bhp petrol engine. It can only be chosen with front-wheel drive, but is the least expensive engine in the range. Mazda claims it will return up to 42.2mpg with a manual gearbox or 38.7mpg as an automatic, with 166-182g/km CO2 emissions also placing the CX-5 in high BiK bands. There's also a single 2.5-litre petrol but, as it manages just 35mpg and is limited to the range-topping trim level, we imagine this will remain a niche choice in the UK.

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 service intervals can vary depending on how your car is driven, but the maximum time and distance between scheduled service visits is 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever occurs 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.

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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.