[CAR REVIEW] Mazda CX-5 2018 after 3+ years: Areas for Improvement

Reasons to Choose Mazda CX-5

Le Nam, the owner of a Mazda CX-5, shared that he decided to purchase the vehicle three years ago after the Covid-19 lockdown period. At that time, people were allowed to move freely, but public transportation and ride-hailing services were still suspended.

With the need for daily commuting, Mr. Nam opted to purchase a used 2018 Mazda CX-5 for his family. Prior to this, he owned three cars in different segments including the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Sonata, and Mercedes-Benz C250.

The decision to switch from sedans to crossovers was driven by the transportation requirements of the entire family, which consisted of a couple and a small child. The CX-5 satisfied its customers with its spacious interior and large trunk space.

Additionally, the CX-5 with its high ground clearance can serve various purposes such as going to work, going to the market, picking up or dropping off family members on a daily basis, and even traveling to the countryside, mountains, or the seaside for weekend trips and exploration.

Moreover, Mazda, as a Japanese brand, is known for its durability, fuel efficiency, and reliability. The current Mazda models, particularly the CX-5, incorporate the Kodo design which combines agility, simplicity, modernity, and eye-catching features; making it especially appealing to the young consumer group.

Design after 3 Years

Mazda is renowned for applying a common design language across its range of products, known as the Kodo language. This move has been well-received by the majority of consumers who appreciate the beautiful Kodo design.

Despite being on the market for 3 years, the design of the Mazda CX-5 remains fresh and captivating to consumers. The CX-5 continues to stand firm and far from being considered “old” despite the introduction of mid-life updates or completely new versions by competitors like the Honda HR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, or Mitsubishi Outlander.

In terms of exterior material surfaces, the paint on the Mazda CX-5 has not shown any signs of fading. Of course, there are some scratches on the car’s exterior, but they are unavoidable in the complex traffic environment of Vietnam. Exterior details such as the lighting systems, rims, and original tires all continue to work well, showing good maintenance.

Stepping inside, more than 3 years have had no significant impact on the Mazda CX-5. The leather seats in the car remain aesthetically pleasing, soft, and comfortable for passengers.

The metal elements inside the car contribute to a luxurious ambiance. The function buttons still provide a solid, tight, and comfortable feel when touched or rotated.

The car owner decided to replace the original screen on the 2018 CX-5 due to its inadequate entertainment functionalities.

However, in 2022, the original screen of the Mazda CX-5 has proven to be quite insufficient compared to competitors. It has a small size and poor entertainment capabilities, which can be disappointing for passengers on long journeys.

In addition, the “high-end” Bose speaker system has received low ratings from many consumers due to the sound quality not matching up to “premium” German speakers.

Real-life Performance after 3 Years of Use

Even after covering a distance of over 27,000 kilometers, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 still proves to be an extremely reliable and efficient vehicle for family use. Unlike most Mazdas that use a 2.0-liter engine, the 2.5L Signature version of the CX-5 provides a much stronger acceleration experience.

However, the SkyActiv engine block still ensures fuel efficiency (approximately 10L/100km mainly in urban driving conditions) without aggressive driving.

Nevertheless, the Mazda CX-5 does have some flaws that need to be addressed to enhance the user experience. Firstly, there is an issue with the side mirrors that tend to fog up easily during heavy rain or after car washes. When water gets inside the mirrors, the CX-5 is prone to electrical malfunctions, hindering the folding/unfolding function. This poses a safety risk by obstructing the driver’s visibility.

However, this issue with the side mirrors can be easily resolved. The car owner, Mr. Nam, only needs to spend 1.5 million VND to purchase and replace the electric motor system inside the damaged mirrors, completely resolving the problem. Nonetheless, the manufacturer should also consider replacing this fragile component to avoid inconvenience and safety hazards for users.

The “soft” suspension system on previous versions has been somewhat improved in the 2018 CX-5. However, Mr. Nam pointed out that this soft suspension setup can still be considered an advantage of the CX-5 as it provides comfort for rear passengers, especially the driver’s wife and children during travels.

Nevertheless, the driver needs to steer the car subtly and avoid abrupt or sharp movements to prevent discomfort for passengers in the back. Moreover, the noise level is relatively high, which could be considered a “shortcoming” of the CX-5. However, compared to other crossovers in the same price range, the CX-5’s soundproofing is not significantly better.

Additional Convenient Features Required

Next, the Bose branded speaker system has yet to provide a truly convincing experience for the majority of users. However, for individuals who are not too demanding or meticulous, like Mr. Le Nam, the Mazda CX-5 Signature still fulfills the basic entertainment needs satisfactorily in terms of sound.

In addition, the original screen on the 2018 CX-5 has been replaced with a Gotech screen. This is because the Mazda CX-5’s original screen does not support smartphone connectivity via USB, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto standards.

Therefore, when using the car, passengers have to connect their smartphones via Bluetooth and hold the phone in their hand to operate it in order to listen to music. This diverts their attention from the road ahead and poses a safety risk.

The added Gotech Mazda screen also supports voice commands in Vietnamese, which is a convenient and useful feature.

The Gotech Mazda360 screen product is different from popular choices in the market as it operates on two systems in parallel: Mazda Connect and Android 10. This allows users to retain the familiarity of the old screen while enjoying the full range of premium entertainment features through a rich Android app store.

In addition, the added Gotech Mazda360 screen version provides a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety and minimizing collisions – particularly in urban areas where Mr. Nam drives the car 90% of the time.

Summary: After more than 3 years and 27,000 kilometers, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 remains in excellent condition, proving to be a reliable, versatile, and suitable daily transportation for the entire family.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)