Otherwise, top-spec GT Sport trim comes well equipped, with heated front and rear Nappa leather seats, while there’s also ventilation for the front chairs. One drawback is that the dark interior of our test car made it feel claustrophobic in the rear, but it’s a small point. The rear of the car’s cabin is spacious enough, too, with plenty of headroom and just about enough legroom. Still, build quality is solid, and so is practicality, because the 506-litre boot is big enough, plus a standard powered tailgate helps access it. A new 10.25-inch infotainment set-up running the same operating system as found in the 3 hatchback is a step forward and standard across the line-up, while all trim levels also get connected services. The CX-5’s interior has aged well, though, and is helped by some tech updates.

It’s a shame that the powertrain feels so old-school by comparison.

It has the kind of balance between engaging handling and a concession to ride quality that we like from Mazda’s SUVs. Occasionally it thunders over bumps, the wheels rebounding a little more violently than we’d like, but in the most part the ride is comfortable, while body control contains this top-spec car’s 1,719kg bulk relatively well. It has precision and good weight, plus a degree of feel, which is a welcome surprise. It’s also a shame because, as has ever been the case, the CX-5 has superb steering that, for an SUV, encourages you to drive it with just that little bit more spirit than you might usually do in a car of this type. New 2022 Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.2 diesel review.New Mazda CX-5 2.5 GT Sport 2022 Review.Mazda CX-5 diesel: long-term test review.

Kia Sportage vs Mazda CX-5 vs SEAT Ateca: 2022 group test review.

2021 mazda cx5 msrp