2024 Mazda CX-5: Which variant to buy?

It was only a few weeks ago that the official distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia launched the all-new CX-5 in Malaysia. The car is offered in both petrol and diesel versions spread across five variant options.

There is no doubt that the all-new Mazda CX-5 is an improved version compared to the previous-gen model; however, it might be confusing for a prospective customer to choose a variant out of the total five trim options.

As mentioned, the all-new 2024 Mazda CX-5 is offered in five variant options namely - the 2.0G 2WD High, 2.5G 2WD Height, 2.2D 2WD High, 2.2D 2WD High, and 2.5GAWD High.

So, what are the major factors that’ll help make customers choose the best-suited CX-5 variant for themselves? There are several, one of which is the fuel choice followed by budget and many more.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Fuel type

Mazda offers the CX-5 in two fuel options, petrol, and diesel, that are spread across five trim options. If you are confused as to which fuel type to pick here are the key differences between the two -

Parameters	Petrol car	Diesel car
Price	More affordable than diesel counterparts	More expensive than their petrol counterparts
Service and maintenance	Lower cost of service/maintenance	Higher cost of service/maintenance
Fuel efficiency/mileage	Lower fuel efficiency	Returns high fuel efficiency.
Refinement	Low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels	High NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels
Power	Good initial acceleration with linear power delivery	Better pulling power due to the increased torque
Eco-friendliness	Produce less pollutant particulate matter. Hence, less harmful to the environment	Produce more pollutant particulate matter. Hence, are more harmful to the environment
Engine life	Petrol engines have a shorter lifespan	Diesel engines last longer
Fuel price	Petrol is more expensive than diesel	Diesel is comparatively cheaper than petrol
Resale value	The resale value is low	The resale value is high

So, which one would you prefer, petrol or diesel? If petrol is your pick then there are four (2.0G 2WD Mid, 2.0G 2WD High, 2.5G 2WD High, 2.5G AWD High) options, and for diesel, there is just one trim (2.2D 2WD High) to choose from.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Price

The all-new 2024 Mazda CX-5 price ranges between RM 146k to RM 191k. The table below gives a brief on the car’s price spec, helping a buyer decide which variant matches their car budget.

2.0G 2WD Mid	RM 146,879.20
2.0G 2WD High	RM 163,879.20
2.5 2WD High	RM 177,370.40
2.2D 2WD High	RM 182,732.80
2.5G AWD High	RM 191,170.40

All prices mentioned are on-the-road without insurance for metallic paint finishes. An accessory package worth RM 2,410 includes an LED-illuminated sill plate and Active window film; leather seats for RM 2,900 are available as option for the base 2.0G 2WD Mid variant. Mazda also offers the CX-5 in premium paint options for an additional RM 3,000.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Powertrain

2.0 MID 2WD and 2.0 High 2WD: Powering them is a 1,998 cc DOHC 16-Valve 4-cylinder engine making a maximum power of 162 hp at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 213 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

2.5 High 2WD: Powering the 2.5 High 2WD trim is a 2,488 cc DOHC 16-Valve 4-cylinder unit pumping out a maximum power of 192 hp at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 258 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

2.5 T High AWD: Powering the range-topping CX-5 petrol trim is a 2,488 cc DOHC 16-Valve 4-cylinder unit churning out a maximum power of 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and a peak torque of 420 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

2.2 D High 2WD: The range-topping CX-5 is powered by a 2,191cc DOHC 16-Valve 4-cylinder unit offering a maximum power of 188 hp at 4,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

So, depending on the power you would like to get from your car, you can choose an option. However, it is to be noted that the 2024 CX-5 represents a breakthrough performance with efficiency with both gasoline and diesel engines. The SKYACTIV-G petrol engine offers powerful torque at low to mid-range speeds, an exhilarating powerful feel, and a linear acceleration response. The SKYACTIV-D clean diesel engine is one of the most efficient and powerful choices, contributing to lower CO2 and NOx.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Transmission

The common sight between the five CX-5 variants is the transmission option. All the available engine options are paired with the SKYACTIV DRIVE 6-speed automatic gearbox with manual shift mode.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Dimensions

All the Mazda CX-5 variants are a unique combination of speed and grace. The car features the automaker's signature ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’ design philosophy that has evolved to represent maturity, elegance, and boldness. The car sets a standard for new generations of SUVs and its dimensions represent a form and road stance redefining modern car design.

All the variants of the CX-5 measure 4,575 mm in length, 1,845 mm in weight, and 1,675 mm in height. However, all the High variants (the 2.5 H High 2WD, 2.5 T Hight AWD, and 2.5 D High 2WD) are a bit taller than the rest at 1,680 mm. The wheelbase remains the same for all the CX-5 models at 2,700 mm which ensures a spacious cabin for all passengers. Other measurements include -

Specs	2.0 MID 2WD	2.0 HIGH 2WD	2.5 HIGH 2WD	2.5 T HIGH AWD	2.2 D HIGH 2WD
Fuel tank capacity	56			58	56
Tyre size	17-inch wheels wrapped in 225/65/R17		19-inch wheels wrapped in 225/55/R19

All the CX-5 variants reflect similar dimensions ensuring all the five trims feature the same eye-catching exterior.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Braking & Handling

The all-new CX-5 benefits from SKYACTIV technology that in the pursuit of perfecting the driving dynamics features the newly developed G-Vectoring Control Plus which offers an unprecedented level of controllability. Thus helping the driver experience a smooth and less fatiguing drive. Also, all variants benefit from Mazda i-Stop Ideling technology which is a smart tech that saves fuel by switching off the engine when the car stops.

In all the CX-5 variants the system works seamlessly by controlling the G-force while the car is in motion by shifting the gravitational force.

Steering Type	Electronic Power Assisted Steering
Suspension Type	Front: MacPherson Struts Rear: Multi-Link
Brake Type	Front: Ventilated Disc Rear: Solid Disc

2024 Mazda CX-5: Design language

The new CX-5 is designed to capture everyone's imagination. All its variants feature a symphony of serenity with a more rigid body dampening that translates into shepherd handling and effortless maneuvering.

Some of the standard exterior bits include -

• LED front headlights with auto on/off with auto leveling function
• LED tail lights
• LED reverse lights
• Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers
• Mazda advanced entry

Apart from the 2.0 MID 2WD variant, the rest all benefit from LED headlight and taillight with signature illumination and power tailgate with programmable height function.

The CX-5 displays a pretty impressive exterior front both design and function-wise. Thus, making it easy for the customer to make a decision.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Cabin amenities

The SUV features a very comforting and inviting cabin that contributes to the journey’s fun and relaxation. Healing in the process are following standard features -

• Engine start/stop button
• 4.6-inch color TFT LCD multi-info display
• 8-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system with multi-function commander control & voice command
• AM/FM tuner with auxiliary audio input jack
• 4 USB ports
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto function
• Leather steering wheel with tilt & telescopic function & audio, bluetooth hands-free, cruise control switches
• Dual-zone auto climate control with rear air-con vents
• One-touch (up & down) power window with anti-pinch
• Reverse camera with distance & width guidelines
• Drive mode selection switch
• Wireless charger
• LED interior lighting

Only the 2.5 D High 2WD trim benefits from a color windshield-projection active driving display. As for the paddle shifter and 10-way driver-side power adjustment (tilt, lift, lumbar, slide, & recline with two-position memory function), they are a miss in the entry-level trim.

Overall, the SUV displays a strong interior feature front and only skips on a few features that we felt would not make much difference.

2024 Mazda CX-5: Safety

The car packs an array of standard safety features which maximizes the safety of every passenger on board. Automaker’s i-Activsense safety tech is evolving constantly thus helping drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians in the event of an accident. The standard list of safety tech includes -

• SRS airbags
• Anti-lock braking system
• Electronic brake-force distribution system
• Brake assist
• Hill launch assist
• Dynamic stability control
• Traction control system
• Emergency stop signal
• Front seat-belt with pretensions, load limiter, and height adjustable anchorages
• ISOFIX

The car also packs several advanced safety technologies known as i-ACTIVSENSE. These features are included in all CX-5 trims except for the entry-level trim. The list includes -

• Adaptive front-lighting system
• High beam control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning system
• Lane-keep assist system
• Driver attention alert
• Smart city brake support
• Smart brake support
• Mazda radar cruise control
• Cruising & traffic support

Bottom Line

Overall, all Mazda CX-5 variants benefit from almost the same features (both on the inside and outside). Also, the SUV packs several standard safety bits that make the CX-5 a super safe option to travel. The major difference we see is on the powertrain and price front which we feel that a consumer can decide based on his/her preferences.

Also Read: 2025 Mazda CX-70 revealed with familiar looks and Alexa integration