We drive the Mazda CX-5 Akera AWD SUV

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.  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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I’m Brianna Fraser

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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.

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

Some other Mazda CX-5 articles

• Mazda CX-5 2023 update
• Mazda CX-5 MY23 Updates
• 2022 Mazda CX-5 2022 update – What’s New?
• Mazda CX-5 Akera Turbo awd SUV 2022 Motoring Minute Review
• Mazda CX-5 GT SP Turbo 2021 Review
• 2019 Mazda CX-5 SUV Lifestyle Review
• 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 GT Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT Review
• Mazda CX-5 GT Diesel AWD Review
• 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.5-litre Akera AWD Review
• 2102 all new Mazda CX-5 AWD SUV Launch Review
• 2012 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD Review

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 Karoq,  Jeep Compass.

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. .

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