The automotive landscape constantly evolves, yet some vehicles manage to stand out through sheer value proposition. The latest Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx has arrived on Australian shores with a price tag that’s turning heads across the country.
At just $37,995 driveaway, this isn’t merely another entry-level SUV. It represents Mazda’s commitment to delivering premium experiences without the premium price.
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What Makes the CX-5 G20 Maxx Special?
When I first slid behind the wheel of the new CX-5 G20 Maxx, something immediately felt different. The cabin exudes a sense of quality that punches well above its weight class.
Mazda has always excelled at creating vehicles that feel more expensive than they are. This latest iteration takes that philosophy to new heights with materials that please both the eye and touch.
The G20 designation refers to the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing a respectable 115 kW of power and 200 N · m of torque. While not the most powerful in Mazda’s lineup, it strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency.
Fuel economy numbers hover around 6.9L/100km combined, which proves impressive for a vehicle of this size and capability. During my week-long test drive through both city streets and country roads, I averaged 7.2L/100km without making any special effort to drive economically.
Design That Catches Eyes
Approaching the CX-5 from any angle reveals Mazda’s KODO design philosophy in full effect. Clean lines flow seamlessly across the body, creating a sense of motion even when parked.
The front fascia features the signature Mazda grille that somehow manages to look both aggressive and elegant simultaneously. LED headlights come standard, providing excellent visibility while adding a premium touch to the overall appearance.
The Maxx trim level includes 17-inch alloy wheels that complement the vehicle’s proportions perfectly. They’re not flashy, but they have a substantial feel that adds to the CX-5’s planted stance.
Paint options deserve special mention, particularly Mazda’s renowned Soul Red Crystal. Though it commands a premium, the depth and lustre of this finish simply can’t be adequately captured in photographs.
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Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside the cabin, and you’ll immediately notice Mazda’s human-centric design approach. Everything feels intentionally placed within easy reach of the driver.
The seats offer surprising support for long journeys, with enough bolstering to hold you in place during spirited driving without feeling restrictive. Cloth upholstery in the Maxx trim is of high quality and appears built to withstand family use.
Mazda’s infotainment system operates through an 8-inch touchscreen that functions only when the vehicle is stationary. While driving, you’ll use the rotary controller on the center console—a safety-focused design choice that minimizes distraction.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, addressing any limitations in the native system. The connection remained stable throughout my testing, with no unexpected disconnections.
Safety Features That Protect Your Family
When purchasing a family vehicle, safety typically ranks as a top priority. The CX-5 G20 Maxx comes equipped with an impressive array of active safety technologies as standard equipment.
The i-Activsense safety suite includes autonomous emergency braking that functions at both city and highway speeds. During my testing, the system proved unobtrusive yet responsive when needed.
Lane-keep assist and lane departure warning systems operate with a natural feel that many competitors haven’t mastered. Rather than fighting the driver, the CX-5’s systems gently guide you back to center when you drift.
Blind-spot monitoring proves particularly useful in urban environments, especially given the CX-5’s relatively substantial C-pillars. The warnings are clear without being alarming or distracting.
Driving Dynamics That Surprise
Mazda has earned a reputation for creating vehicles that offer engaging driving experiences, regardless of segment. The CX-5 G20 Maxx continues this tradition with impressive poise.
The steering delivers genuine feedback—a rarity in modern vehicles, especially in this price range. You can feel what the front tires are doing, inspiring confidence on winding roads.
Body roll is well controlled despite the taller SUV stance. The suspension tuning strikes a remarkable balance between comfort and control, soaking up harsh impacts while maintaining composure through corners.
The G20 engine delivers adequate acceleration for daily driving situations. While not particularly quick by performance standards, it never feels underpowered in typical traffic scenarios.
Practicality for Everyday Life
Beyond driving enjoyment, the CX-5 excels as a practical family vehicle. The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom for adult passengers.
The boot provides 442 liters of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,342 liters when folded. During testing, this proved sufficient for weekly grocery runs and occasional hardware store visits.
Storage throughout the cabin deserves praise, with thoughtfully sized door pockets, center console bin, and glovebox. Cup holders securely accommodate various container sizes without rattling.
The rear seats feature a 40/20/40 split configuration, allowing for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements. This proves particularly useful when transporting longer items alongside rear passengers.
Ownership Costs and Value Proposition
The driveaway price of $37,995 represents exceptional value when considering both standard equipment and build quality. Competitors often require substantial option packages to match the CX-5’s feature set.
Mazda offers a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty, providing peace of mind for longer-term ownership. This matches the industry standard among mainstream manufacturers in Australia.
Service intervals occur every 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, which falls slightly short of some competitors’ 15,000km intervals. However, Mazda’s capped price servicing program helps maintain predictable maintenance costs.
Fuel efficiency, as mentioned earlier, remains competitive within the segment. The G20 engine happily accepts regular unleaded petrol, avoiding the premium fuel requirements of some turbocharged alternatives.
How the CX-5 G20 Maxx Compares to Rivals
The medium SUV segment represents one of Australia’s most competitive automotive categories. The CX-5 faces stiff competition from established players like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage.
Where the Mazda distinguishes itself lies in its driving refinement and interior quality. While some rivals offer more space or power, few match the CX-5’s cohesive, premium-feeling package at this price point.
The Toyota RAV4 boasts superior fuel economy in hybrid form but commands a significant price premium. The Hyundai Tucson offers a longer warranty but doesn’t match the Mazda’s driving dynamics or material quality.
Kia’s Sportage comes closest as an all-around competitor, with similar quality and a longer warranty. However, equivalent trim levels typically cost more than Mazda’s sharp driveaway pricing.
Who Should Consider the CX-5 G20 Maxx?
This vehicle ideally suits buyers seeking a balanced midsize SUV that elevates above purely utilitarian transportation. It offers enough space and practicality for small families while providing driving enjoyment for the daily commute.
Urban dwellers will appreciate the manageable dimensions and comprehensive safety features. The 2.0-liter engine proves more than adequate for city driving, where its responsive nature shines in stop-start traffic.
Those regularly traveling on country roads might consider stepping up to the G25 variant with its larger 2.5-liter engine for additional overtaking power. However, the G20 never feels truly underpowered, even on highway inclines.
Value-conscious buyers will appreciate that many features typically reserved for higher trims come standard on the Maxx. The driveaway pricing eliminates the common frustration of advertised prices that exclude on-road costs.
2023 Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (Driveaway) | $37,995 |
| Engine | 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder |
| Power | 115kW @ 6,000rpm |
| Torque | 200Nm @ 4,000rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 6.9L/100km |
| 0-100km/h | 9.8 seconds |
| Towing Capacity (Braked) | 1,800kg |
| Kerb Weight | 1,552kg |
| Warranty | 5 years/unlimited kilometers |
| Safety Rating | 5-star ANCAP |
Real-World Owner Experiences
Speaking with current CX-5 owners revealed consistent praise for the vehicle’s reliability and build quality. Panel gaps remain tight even after years of ownership, and interior materials resist wear admirably.
Several owners mentioned the effectiveness of Mazda’s all-wheel-drive system in adverse weather conditions. While the G20 Maxx comes in front-wheel-drive configuration, buyers requiring additional traction can step up to all-wheel-drive variants.
Negative comments typically focused on the infotainment system’s learning curve and relatively small boot space compared to some competitors. However, most considered these minor compromises given the vehicle’s overall package.
Long-term ownership reports suggest excellent mechanical reliability with routine maintenance. The naturally aspirated engine architecture avoids potential complications associated with turbocharging and direct injection in some competitor vehicles.
CX-5 G20 Maxx
Mazda’s CX-5 G20 Maxx at $37,995 driveaway represents a compelling option in Australia’s crowded SUV market. It successfully balances practicality, driving enjoyment, and value in a well-executed package.
While not perfect—no vehicle truly is—its compromises feel thoughtfully considered rather than cost-cutting measures. The result is a cohesive vehicle that satisfies both emotional and practical requirements.
For buyers seeking an SUV that rises above appliance-like transportation without breaking the bank, the CX-5 G20 Maxx deserves serious consideration. Its premium feel continues Mazda’s upmarket trajectory while maintaining accessibility.
The automotive landscape continues evolving toward electrification and increased automation. However, the CX-5 represents a refined interpretation of the traditional internal combustion SUV formula that still delivers tremendous value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all CX-5 models, including the G20 Maxx.
What is the fuel economy of the CX-5 G20 Maxx?
The official combined cycle rating is 6.9L/100km, though real-world driving typically returns 7.0- 7.5L/100km.
Does the Mazda CX-5 require premium fuel?
No, the G20 engine runs on standard 91 RON unleaded petrol.
How often does the Mazda CX-5 need servicing?
Service intervals are 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.
Is the Mazda CX-5 G20 Maxx all-wheel drive?
No, the G20 Maxx comes ia n front-wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive is available on higher trim levels.
