Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel 2023 review

cx-5 Akera – One of the most popular mid size SUVs is the Mazda CX-5 and I drove the top model Akera last week. It comes in a choice of a normal petrol engine, turbo petrol and turbo diesel engine with All Wheel Drive. I prefer the diesel. Mazda CX-5 Akera front quarter 1 The CX-5 seems to get the balance just right.

Good design, reasonable room inside and practical boot space.

The 2.2 litre diesel engine has enough performance for most drivers and excellent economy. It’s matched to a 6 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive system.

Think of this as an additional safety feature and good for snow trips rather than venturing too far off road.

Inside the Akera is packed with goodies. Leather seats with electric adjustment for the front two with heating and ventilation. Wireless Apple CarPlay on the ten and a quarter inch central screen.

One little thing is the central screen doesn’t have touch functionality and that makes it a little awkward to use. It needs updating.

Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel is priced from a little over $55,000 plus the usual costs.

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Mazda CX-5 Akera features 1

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Quick Mazda CX-5 Akera thoughts

  • Looks good with appealing style.
  • Akera has almost everything you could ask for in it.
  • Comfortable inside and well laid out.
  • Front seats are relaxing and supportive.
  • I appreciated the heated front seats and LED headlights
  • Driver positioning is more upright than some others but feels alright.
  • Thick steering wheel fits nicely in the hands
  • Diesel engine is smooth, powerful enough and economical.
  • 6 Sp AT works well with the engine but some competitors have oved to an 8 Sp AT
  • Its an urban SUV and works well there.
  • Mazda continuing with the dial controls for the central screen is confusing.
  • It makes the user interface more convoluted than it should be.
  • Rear seat and boot are a little tight.

Mazda CX-5 Akera profile

What is good?

  • Easy to live with
  • Build quality.
  • Ideal urban runabout

What is not so good?

  • Infotainment and connectivity technology is dated.
  • Rear seats tight
  • Little pricey

Mazda CX-5 Akera Rear seats 3

Some other Mazda CX-5 articles

Mazda CX-5 Akera front seats 1

Also look at.

The CX-5 Akera sits in a very crowded and competitive segment in the market. The list of alternatives is long.

So let’s look at some of the more interesting ones.

Buyers could look towards Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008 GT, Toyota RAV 4, Citroen C5 Aircross, Skoda KaroqJeep Compass.

Mazda CX-5 Akera Rear quarter 2

Mazda CX-5 Akera final thoughts

Mazda CX- 5 is the brands most popular vehicle and for good reason.

It seems to get the balance of size and space right for the urban environment.

CX-5 Akera comes well equipped, but it also comes with a slight premium price.

With a choice of petrol or diesel engine buyers can be satisfied. I like the diesel, its responsive yet economical.

Overall the CX-5 Akera gets a big tick from me. .

Mazda CX-5 Akera engine

Mazda CX-5

Model

CX-5 Akera

Model Price $55,100 MLP*
Engine 2.2L 4 Cyl turbo diesel Euro 5
Drivetrain 6Sp SKYACTIV AT AWD
Battery Capacity / type N/A
Power 140kW @ 4,500rpm
Torque 450Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Fuel ADR 5.7L/100km
Fuel on Test 6.5L/100km
Fuel capacity 58L
Range (WLTP) / efficiency 1115km Ave
Fast Charge / Home (240V) N/A
Safety Five-star ANCAP (Apr 2017)
CO2 Emissions 1487/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed 8.8 sec / TBA
Servicing 12 Mth / 15,000km – Capped Price
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km with
Roadside Assist 5Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Mazda CX-5 Akera interior front 1

Overall Rating    

81/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 8
Equipment 8
Performance 9
Ride and Handling 8
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Style and Appeal 8
Technology/connectivity 7
Value for Money 8

Mazda CX-5 Akera boot

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 4575mm
Wheelbase 2700mm
Width 1845mm
Height 1680mm
Wheels 19×7.0 Alloy
Tyres 225/55 R19
Max ground clearance 200mm
Wading Depth N/A
Approach N/A
Rampover N/A
Departure angle N/A
Turning Circle KTK 11.0m
Boot Capacity Min 438L
Boot capacity Max 775L
Battery Weight N/A
Kerb Weight 1340kg
Payload (kg) 445kg
GVM (kg) 2215kg
GCM 4215kg
Towing Capacity 2000kg
Tow Ball rating 150kg

Mazda CX-5 Akera Rear quarter 3

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Overall Rating
  • 8.1/10
    Rating - 8.1/10
8.1/10

Summary

Mazda CX- 5 is the brands most popular vehicle and for good reason.

It seems to get the balance of size and space right for the urban environment.

CX-5 Akera comes well equipped, but it also comes with a slight premium price.

With a choice of petrol or diesel engine buyers can be satisfied. I like the diesel, its responsive yet economical.

Overall the CX-5 Akera gets a big tick from me. .

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About Brianna Fraser 71 Articles
Brianna has been driving a different car every week since she got her learners permit. Now writing and doing videos for us she is also qualified in the Hospitality, Beauty and Child Care industries but still finds time to be our resident gourmet chef. She provides the most magnificent meals when the mood takes her. Her camp oven damper made at Ute weekends and camping trips has to be tasted to be believed. In addition to that, she has a particular affinity with off road driving and has been driving since she was 9 years on the same farm as Rob learned to drive on. Unusually for one so young she is exceptionally competent with off road driving, keeping up with drivers that many more years experience. Brianna is currently compiling her own bush cook book along with her other business interests.