2012 Mazda CX-5 Review

Shopping for a used 2012 Mazda CX-5? Is Mazda's compact SUV reliable & worth it? Our full review, including interior, power, pictures & more.

I turned into the dealership and immediately felt a pair of eyes on me. As I parked the crossover I was driving, a salesman slowly walked over. He wasn’t looking to make a sale; he wanted to check out my ride. “It’s pretty good-looking, eh?” he said. “It kind of looks like a bunch of other vehicles mashed together – it’s got a bit of the RDX, X3, Q5…it’s really nice, other than the front grille!”

I was driving the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV that day (and had to go to a competing dealership for another story I was working on.) The salesman could have compared the CX-5’s design to any other crossover on the market, but all three he mentioned fell into the luxury segment.

2012 Mazda CX-5 GS review
2012 Mazda CX-5. Photo: Amee Reehal

And he’s right – it’s a gorgeous vehicle. (Well, he did stop short of praising it entirely. But he isn’t the first to disparage a Mazda grille – the Mazda3’s “smiling” frontend certainly has its detractors.)

Cost of the Mazda CX-5

Strong lines rip across the hood creating a powerful image. But finessed indents on the side of its body and slight curves on the backend provide balance. It’s all part of Mazda’s “Kodo”-inspired design.  The CX-5 may start at around $20,000, but it looks like vehicles that go for twice its price.

I tested the GS FWD model – the middle trim level (AWD is also available on all trims) –  which brought the starting price up to around the mid-$20k range. It’s a well-equipped trim including a power moonroof, blind spot monitoring system, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and rearview camera.

2012 Mazda CX-5 GS review
2012 Mazda CX-5 Interior. Photo: Amee Reehal

Mazda CX-5 Interior, Power, and Cargo

The seats, which utilize “premium cloth” (I guess if you get the base GX trim, you have to slum it with normal cloth), are very firm. Firmer than I expected, at least. But they’re quite comfortable. There’s little give when you sit down, which feels a bit odd at first, but over long drives, I appreciated the support.

When not ogling over its design or appreciating its seats, the CX-5 can also transport you places. Go figure. Of course, one of the big stories is that the CX-5 is Mazda’s first vehicle to use the automaker’s full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies. That means an all-new 2.0L engine, a six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual is standard), and a lighter but more rigid platform. Mazda created this all in the name of fun efficiency – creating a vehicle that not only achieves impressive fuel numbers but is also fun to drive.

2012 Mazda CX-5 GS review
2012 Mazda CX-5 GS. Photo: Amee Reehal

Well, it is quite efficient. During my week with it, I averaged 7.2 L/100 km. It’s pretty good for a five-seat crossover – I had a couple of passengers for most of my driving and a decent amount of luggage in the cargo space as well, so it certainly wasn’t set up for the best results. Yet, it achieved just that.

If a diesel-powered CX-5 is more your thing, check out our 2019 CX-5 diesel review here, which gets Mazda’s Skyactiv-D engine.

Cargo space is quite adequate at 966 L of capacity and 1852 L with the rear seats folded down. And, unlike some other vehicles, getting the rear seats to fold is simple. Maybe it’s too simple. It uses a one-touch system – so, yeah, it just takes one touch on the lever, and they’re down.

2012 Mazda CX-5 GS review
2012 Mazda CX-5 Seats. Photo: Amee Reehal

Space in the rear seats, surprisingly, is good enough for adults. You probably don’t want your friends back there for too long – it’s not Escalade spacious – but it’s fine for the everyday stuff, and quick weekend getaways.

Handling is Mazda-esque. Pinpoint steering around tight corners, very nice steering wheel response/firmness, and a planted ride that doesn’t make you question its stability. All expected from Mazda, but often hard to combine all at the same time.

2012 Mazda CX-5 GS review
2012 Mazda CX-5 GS. Photo: Amee Reehal

Power, though, is lacking. With 155 HP and 150 lb-ft of torque, it’s great for everyday city driving. But I felt a lack of pull when going up steeper hills and when I needed it to get up to highway speeds quickly. Certainly disappointing, but it delivers the way it “should” in its price range – it’s a constant reminder that it’s not a 40K vehicle (when looking at it from the outside at least).

That aside, though, the CX-5 ups the level of efficiency and design we’ll expect from crossovers in the near future. Well done.

Pros:

  • Killer design
  • Firm ride
  • Fuel efficient

Cons:

  • Lacks power for uphill scenarios
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Author:
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud
Travis Persaud has contributed to a number of magazines across North America, including enRoute and Exclaim! He loves variety and it shows in the wide range of topics he’s covered: automotive to music, technology to travel, beer to real estate. He’s currently the editor of WHERE Ottawa (city travel guide), beer columnist for Ottawa Magazine, a frequent contributor to CAA Magazine and the former associate editor of Zoomer Magazine.