The 2018 Mazda CX-5 ranked #2 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Mazda CX-5 has a score of 8.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 27 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent handling Comfortable, supportive seats Upscale interior
Cons Cumbersome infotainment system Unimpressive cargo capacity
As long as cargo space isn’t your main reason for buying a compact crossover, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent, fun-to-drive choice.
Pros Attractive styling inside and out Poised chassis, communicative steering Engine changes bode well for mpg Good value, especially considering high spec level Rear seats fold flat
Cons Frustrating infotainment setup Light cargo volume Short on refinement
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 largely carries over from the previous model year, when it was extensively redesigned. New for 2018 are such standard features as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Also new is cylinder-deactivation technology intended to improve fuel economy slightly. The 2.5-liter engine automatically shuts down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency. Last year's Grand Select trim level has been discontinued for 2018.
PROS Keen handling and steering make the CX-5 enjoyable to drive Attractive and upscale cabin for a premium ownership experience Stays quiet at highway speeds
CONS Not as powerful as some rivals
Pros • Cabin, load space • Fuel economy • Dash presentation
Cons • Noisy suspension • Flat seats • CVT characteristics The Koleos did what it was intended to do. It gave Renault a foothold in a hitherto unrepresented segment and, more importantly in Australia, it quickly became Renault’s biggest-selling model.If there was a major shortcoming with the second generation Koleos it was the lack of a diesel engine. The newcomer was exclusively powered by a hard-working 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing a reasonable 126kW/226Nm and returning, in AWD form, a combined fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km.But that’s all changed now. The long-awaited turbo-diesel option arrived in August 2017 to immediately bring more power and (a lot more) torque. At 130kW/380Nm it’s a true grunter which, at 6.1L/100km, also offers better fuel consumption, plus lower exhaust emissions (150g/km against the petrol version’s 192g/km).
Pros Noticeably more torque and better fuel economy from the diesel engine Big size equals excellent second-row space inside Competitively priced Good ownership credentials
Cons Powertrain not as seamless and effortless as the numbers suggest No quicker than cheaper front-drive petrol Koleos variants Wieldy SUV to manoeuvre and park Ho-hum infotainment system Lower braked towing rating than petrol versions The diesel clatter is also quite noticeable, though nothing like a deal-breaker, but it does harness the on-demand all-wheel-drive system's tractive talents better and more noticeably than the petrol engine does. And by maintaining fuel economy within a ballpark of its maker’s 6.1 combined cycle claim, it’s markedly more efficient by a couple of litres per hundred, particularly around town.
Pros Great exterior looks Nice enough to drive Good level of equipment
Cons Doesn't come with a seven-seat option Prices are a bit high Manual gearbox isn't the smoothest
