By Malusi Msomi

The Mazda CX-5 has been around for a while now, and in an industry that moves as quickly as this one, longevity usually means one of two things. Either a model is being stubbornly kept alive, or it is still doing enough right to remain relevant. In the case of the CX-5, it is very much the latter.

We recently welcomed the Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic into our garage, and after spending some proper time with it, it was easy to see why Mazda has kept this mid-size SUV going. It may not shout the loudest in the segment anymore, but it continues to deliver where it matters.

Mazda has always had a knack for design, and the CX-5 is no exception. Even in this Dynamic trim, it looked sharp and well proportioned. Standard exterior features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and LED taillights, all wrapped in that clean, understated design language Mazda seems to consistently nail.

It did not rely on aggressive lines or excessive detailing. Instead, it aged gracefully, and even parked next to newer rivals, it still looked current. That is no small achievement.

Inside, the CX-5 delivered classic Mazda execution. The cabin was neatly laid out, intuitive to use, and finished with materials that felt genuinely good for the price point. Nothing felt overstyled or gimmicky, which made daily use refreshingly straightforward.

Standard kit included leather seats, wireless charging, and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was easy to navigate, and the overall layout prioritised ergonomics rather than touchscreen theatrics.

Space was also a strong point. There was plenty of room for passengers front and rear, making it a comfortable option for family duty, even if it now sits firmly in the mid-size category.

Powering the CX-5 was a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 121 kW and 213 Nm, driving the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. On paper, those numbers looked modest, and on the road, the CX-5 did not pretend to be sporty.

Instead, it focused on smoothness and predictability. The engine was refined, the gearbox shifted cleanly, and the overall driving experience was calm and composed. It was the kind of car that made daily driving easy, without demanding constant attention from the driver.

Mazda claimed fuel consumption of 6.9 L/100km. Over the roughly 700 km we covered, we averaged 7.5 L/100km, which felt realistic for mixed driving. We could not help but miss Mazda’s old 2.2-litre diesel engine, which was genuinely frugal and suited the CX-5’s character well. That said, the petrol unit still delivered acceptable efficiency for most buyers.

Ride comfort was another highlight. The CX-5 absorbed bumps well, remained settled on the highway, and struck a good balance between comfort and control.

The Mazda CX-5 2.0L Dynamic reminded us why this model has enjoyed such a long and successful run. It delivered comfort, practicality and style in one well-rounded package, without trying to reinvent itself.

It may no longer be the newest or flashiest option in the segment, but it remained a solid all-round performer and a genuinely good family SUV. At a starting price of R617,900, it continued to feel like strong value for money in a very competitive class.

Sometimes, getting the basics right is more important than chasing trends. The CX-5 understood that, and that is why it still worked.