Model trims include Newground, Sport and SE-L. You can, however, specify a 2.2-litre diesel, a 2.0-litre petrol, and a 2.5-litre petrol. It’s powered by a range of tried-and-tested engines, and this clearly shows Mazda’s willingness to go against fashion – so there are no small displacement turbo petrols, no hybrids and not a single plug-in in the lineup. Finally, the Citroen C5 Aircross, Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland put up an impressively comfortable showing. Its main opposition comes from the excellent Volkswagen Tiguan, while there is also the SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq, and let’s not forget the evergreen Nissan Qashqai and its French half-brother the Renault Kadjar.

It really does need to be good in a market packed with so many talented family SUVs.

But despite that, it’s good to own, comes with a long list of standard equipment and represents a good value alternative to more mainstream rivals. Sadly, there isn’t a plug-in or electric version in sight. And it received the mildest of facelifts in 2022 – blinked? You missed it. But just because it might not be on the top of your shopping list, don’t think you should overlook it – we’ve always rated its interior, handling and ride. The Mazda CX-5 is of those quietly competent SUVs that sells in healthy numbers, while failing to set the world on fire. Written by Keith Adams Published: 13 December 2022 Updated: 14 December 2022 Overview

Ma z da cx 5