Mazda CX-5 SUV - Practicality & boot space
The Mazda CX-5 can’t match some rivals for space, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade from a family hatchback
Despite its SUV looks, the CX-5 doesn’t occupy much more space on the road than a Mazda3 hatchback. This means it’s remarkably easy to drive – you can judge where the corners are with relative ease and finding adequately proportioned parking spaces is less of a challenge than in many SUVs.
In truth, the relatively svelte shape of the CX-5 means it can’t quite match the amount of passenger and luggage space offered by some rivals, but buyers trading up from a family hatchback are unlikely to be disappointed.
Mazda CX-5 interior space & storage
One area where the CX-5 falls a little short of some European rivals is interior storage. There are few clever hidden compartments and innovative solutions, just door pockets, a generously sized glove box and a central storage compartment.
Space for passengers is good – you’ll feel comfortable, but taller rear passengers might struggle to stretch out. Those in the front have no shortage of legroom or headroom and although two six-footers can easily sit behind one another, a Skoda Kodiaq has far more generous rear legroom. Rear headroom is excellent, though.
The rear doors open at a wide angle to aid access and Mazda has designed them so that they cover the sills when shut, meaning you'll keep your legs clean when climbing in and out.
Boot space
The latest CX-5 has 522 litres of space for luggage in the boot, which is roughly the same as the Mazda6 Tourer estate. This doesn’t rate especially well against the 615 litres of the Volkswagen Tiguan, but that figure depends on its adjustable rear seats being slid fully forward, at which point anyone in the rear seats will moan about a lack of legroom.
Dropping the Mazda’s rear seats flat by using the handles in the boot increases total load capacity to 1,620 litres and the powered tailgate that’s standard on Kuro Edition, Sport and GT Sport models makes loading heavy shopping a painless endeavour.
Towing
The towing limits of the CX-5 depend on whether the petrol or diesel engine is fitted. The former can tow a 715kg unbraked trailer, while the diesels can all manage 750kg. Likewise, the petrol can tow an 1,800kg braked trailer, while most diesels manage 2,000kg. The four-wheel-drive automatic diesel has the highest towing capability of any CX-5, with a braked trailer limit of 2,100kg.
