Mazda CX-5 VS Isuzu MU-X
Mazda CX-5
Likes
- Pleasant and accessible cabin
- Good power and handling
- Well equipped
Dislikes
- Feels compact inside
- Individual storage on the thin side
- Thirsty engine
Isuzu MU-X
Likes
- On-road improvements
- Off-road capability
- Tractable engine
Dislikes
- Expensive
- Road-biased tyres
- Needs more running ground clearance
Summary
Mazda CX-5
This week I’m family testing the new Mazda CX-5 Akera G35 and the top-grade model is well-equipped. But it faces stiff competition in the mid-sized SUV market with rivals like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and the ever-popular Toyota RAV4.
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How do you remain competitive in one of the most popular SUV classes? My family of three is finding out for you!
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.5L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.2L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Isuzu MU-X
The new Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain is the top-shelf variant in the recently facelifted MU-X line-up.
The X-Terrain is a seven-seat 4WD wagon and – as part of this new MU-X range – it has an updated chassis, a tweaked suspension set-up, some new safety tech and a recalibrated rough terrain mode (Isuzu’s off-road traction control system on steroids).
So, is this new MU-X grade worth your attention?
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- Isuzu D-Max 2025 review: Blade - Off-road test
Read on.
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 8.3L/100km |
| Seating | 7 seats |
Verdict
Mazda CX-57.6/10
The Mazda CX-5 Akera G35 offers small families a great host of premium features, as well as solid power and handling – all in an attractive package. But the emphasis here is on ‘small’ families because it’s on the compact side for a mid-sized SUV and its rivals offer more back seat space.
Its ongoing costs are reasonable and I enjoy driving it, so it gets a 7.6/10 from me.
My son calls out the back seat as a bit squishy but he otherwise likes it. He gives it a 7.0/10
Isuzu MU-X7.8/10
The MU-X has always had plenty of appeal as a daily driver – dependable, not dynamic – and it’s a proven 4WD wagon.
Some people don't like the noisy, sluggish engine, but I don't mind it because it delivers off-road.
There was already a lot to like about the seven-seater wagon in terms of its off-road capability, driver-assist tech, standard features, and simple all-round driveability, and the X-Terrain – which encompasses all of that AND adds some polish to the mix – is an impressive top-shelf addition to the MU-X line-up. Even if it's so pricey...
Design
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 hasn’t seen much change to the exterior other than a more horizontally-styled grille. It’s a medium SUV with a handsome kerb-side presence thanks to its full-suite of LED lights and 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s an inoffensive design that should appeal to a wide audience.
The interior looks premium with the brown Nappa leather upholstery and black leather trims. The plethora of soft-touchpoints throughout reinforces that the Akera is the top model.
There's one thing I really like about Mazda and that's how it manages to balance the traditional with the new. The cabin is a seamless blend of the two elements.
The instrument panel features a 7.0-inch digital display but still has analogue dials. There's a 10.25-inch multimedia system on the dash but still a bunch of control buttons and dials to press. The gear shifter is coupled with an electric brake, the sunroof is coupled with a manual blind. You get it.
This duology between high-end tech and traditional elements makes the interior feel up to date but very accessible.
Isuzu MU-X
As I’ve said before, the MU-X has never been particularly exciting or boring in terms of design, just comfortably adopting a low-key, middle-of-the-road type design – sales gold, in other words.
But the X-Terrain has distinctive ‘X’ branding here and there – inside and out – and that adds a subtle class to this variant.
The X-Terrain is 4860mm long (with a 2855mm wheelbase), 1870mm wide (excluding mirrors), 1825mm high and has a listed kerb weight of 2195kg.
It has a wheel track of 1570mm and an 11.6m turning circle.Â
Our test vehicle has the exclusive X-Terrain paint – slate grey metallic – which matches well with the X badging, bigger grille design, new headlights, three-tier LED tail-lights, and redesigned wheels.
The interior strikes a stylish note as well with red stitching on the dash, centre console and leather-accented seat trim.
Practicality
Mazda CX-5
Despite sitting in the medium-SUV segment, the CX-5 is on the compact side for cabin space and front passengers benefit the most in terms of leg- and headroom.
Back rowers get a decent amount of headroom but legroom is squishy and my legs press into the back of the drivers seat when its in my driving position, and I'm only 168cm tall!
My seven-year old complained about his space and asked Dad to slide forward for more room, which is something to consider if you have gangly teenagers.
The seat comfort sits on the firmer side for both rows and the electric front seats are narrower and shorter than I like for long journeys but for the A to B trips, they’re comfy enough.
Only the driver’s seat gets powered lumbar support but they both have heat and ventilation functions.
Individual storage is average for this class with a smallish glove box and middle console that has a removable shelf. A deep utility tray, which houses the wireless charging pad and a 12-volt port, sits in front of the gearshift and there are two cupholders in the centre console.
Each door has a shallow storage bin and the front doors also get a skinny drink bottle holder.
For individual storage in the rear, you get map pockets on the rear of the front seats and two cupholders in a fold-down armrest.
The armrest also houses two USB-A ports and the heat function buttons for the outboard seats and it's because of this positioning and the narrower width of the seat, that the back row feels more suited to two, rather than three passengers.
The technology on the whole is easy enough to use but the rotary dial operation of the multimedia system is a bit annoying to access while on the go.
The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a great feature and means one less cable to worry about but the built-in satellite navigation with 10-year map updates is a highlight. The head-up display pulls through the nav directions, too, which is always handy.
You also get two USB-C ports and another 12-volt outlet up front, so everyone should be sorted for charging.
The boot features a powered tailgate which is a handy family feature and a temporary spare tyre is located underneath the level floor.
You get 438L of storage capacity with the second row seat upright, which is plenty for my errands and grocery shop. That jumps up to 1340L (VDA) when the rear seats are folded.Â
The cargo cover attaches to the lid, meaning it stays out of the way when you're loading stuff into the boot.
Isuzu MU-X
The interior has a pleasant, familiar and practical feel about it and this is an easy space in which to swiftly become comfortable.Â
Controls are easy to locate and operate and charging options are numerous – a mix of USB-A, USB-C and 12V up front, and USB-A for the second row.
Storage places include recesses for your everyday carry gear, a suitably deep centre console, as well as dual cupholders up front, cupholders in the rear fold-down centre armrest and bottle holders in the doors.
There are cupholders either side of the third row in the MU-X for passengers riding back there.
The MU-X has physical-button options to activate some functions (including to switch on the audio system, to adjust volume, access sat nav etc).
Seats are adequately comfortable and supportive through all three rows – yes, even the third row is roomy enough to prevent whining from whoever is stuck back there.
The cargo area is 311 litres with all three rows in use, 1119L with the third row flat and 2138L with the second and third rows folded.
The rear cargo area has a cargo cover, tie-down points, a 12V power outlet, a storage space under the rear cargo area floor and a space for tools inside the driver’s side rear cargo wall.
Price and features
Mazda CX-5
There are five grades for the CX-5. The top two grades, the GT SP and Akera, have a choice between a 2.5-litre petrol or turbo-petrol engine.
On test here is the flagship Akera grade with the 2.5L turbo-petrol engine. Before on-road costs, it is priced at $55,000. That positions it towards the top-end of its competitors with the Kia Sportage GT-Line AWD coming in at $49,920 (MSRP) and the Toyota RAV4 sliding in just under at $54,410 (MSRP). However, the new Honda CR-V is more expensive by $2.0K.
The Akera is well-equipped with premium features like a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel and brown Nappa leather upholstery.
The technology is well-rounded with a 10-speaker Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 10.25-inch multimedia system with built-in satellite navigation (including map updates for 10 years).
There are some good practical features, too, like a powered tailgate, keyless entry and start as well as powered lumbar support on the drivers' seat.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X X-Terrain 3.0L 4x4 is priced at $74,400 before on-road costs, or $73,990 drive-away for now.
Standard features include a 9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen system with sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker sound system, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat (four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat), remote engine start, smart entry and start, and 20-inch machined-alloy gloss-black wheels on 265/60R20 Bridgestone 684II HT tyres.
As part of the X-Terrain package, it has XT badging in the grille mesh, on fender and tailgate, leather-accented seats with red stitching, gloss-black fender flares and fender garnish.
It also has 265/50R20 highway terrain tyres, red ambient interior lighting with footwell lamp 360-degree, surround-view monitor, and a red-themed 7.0-inch multi-information-display.
Exterior paint jobs on the MU-X X-Terrain include four achromatic finishes: Moonstone White pearl, Mercury Silver metallic, Basalt Black mica and the new X-Terrain exclusive colour, Slate Grey metallic.Â
All premium paints (pearl, metallic and mica) cost an extra $695.Â
Under the bonnet
Mazda CX-5
The Akera is an all-wheel drive with a six-speed auto transmission and our test model has the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that produces a maximum power output of 170kW and 420Nm of torque. The turbo ensures it never feels sluggish, even when you’re hitting hills.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X has a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 140kW and 450Nm and it’s matched to a six-speed auto.
These form part of a proven powertrain and while the MU-X may not be the most dynamic vehicle to drive – it’s acceleration is sluggish rather than punchy – it has a real tractability that nullifies any other niggles.
It has part-time 4WD, with high- and low-range as well as various drive modes, rough terrain mode, and a rear diff lock.
Efficiency
Mazda CX-5
The compromise for getting extra power from the turbo is fuel efficiency takes a hit.
The official combined fuel cycle figure is 8.2L/100km but my real-world usage came out at 10L/100km. That’s after mostly open-road driving this week, too, so it’s a bit thirstier than I was expecting.
Based on the combined cycle number and the 58L fuel tank, expect a driving range of around 784km – which is still great for the odd road trip.
Isuzu MU-X
Official fuel consumption for this MU-X is 8.3L/100km and that's on a combined cycle.Â
On this test I recorded 10.2L/100km. I did a lot of high and low-range four-wheel driving, so that fuel consumption is not too shabby.
The MU-X has an 80-litre fuel tank, so going by my on-test fuel consumption figures you could reasonably expect a driving range of about 784km from a full tank.Â
Driving
Mazda CX-5
The Akera turbo-petrol delivers a decent well of power to dip into and it feels peppy in most situations. Even when you’re overtaking or getting up to speed you don’t feel like you’re nearing the bottom of the power barrel. Â
Steering is responsive and the car is agile when you tackle narrow car parks or streets. However, you still get some roll in corners which my passengers felt more than I did.
The cabin is quiet, even at higher speeds and the suspension is firm enough that you feel the bumps but you’re not jostled about. The ride comfort is still good.
I’ve said it before but I love parking medium SUVs because their size is so forgiving in a car park! The Akera is no different and it’s especially easy thanks to the ultra-clear 360-degree view camera system. You also get front and rear parking sensors to help out when needed.Â
Isuzu MU-X
In previous tests, the MU-X has been fine on road and more than adequate on gravel, dirt tracks, and during low-range 4WDing. But it’s been a jarring, skippy ride on irregular surfaces rather than as composed as it could – and should – have been. The culprit? Firm suspension, over-inflated tyres, too-tight trousers, who knows?
The good news is it seems like Isuzu has ironed out any issues in the suspension, minor or otherwise, because the MU-X is now is a lot better in terms of ride and handling than ever before.Â
Off-road, the MU-X has always been a proven combination of its 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, clever six-speed automatic transmission, and an off-road traction control system that's been increasingly well recalibrated through a number of generations.Â
The engine is tractable and gruff, it has plenty of grunt and, as long as you're not driving like a complete hoon, you can usually get through most obstacles without a lot of fuss.
It's this mix of mechanicals and driver-assist tech that make the MU-X such an effective 4WD package. And there are a number of reasons for that.Â
For one, that engine delivers plenty of torque down low and in the mid-range torque and that's crucial for four-wheel driving.Â
And another thing, Rough Terrain Mode – like a beefed-up and fine-tuned off-road traction control – proves very effective because it punches torque to the wheel with the most traction – while wheel spin on tyres that aren't touching dirt is minimised – and that way it keeps the vehicle moving through obstacles with safe and controlled momentum.Â
As I’ve noted before though, Rough Terrain Mode is not a magic all-conquering solution, but it is another handy addition to the MU-X’s off-road toolbox.
And the MU-X also has a rear diff lock to back you up – and that's another valuable component.Â
The MU-X has approach, departure and ramp-over angles of 29.2, 26.4 and 23.1 respectively.
A listed 235mm of ground clearance is about standard for this kind of wagon but, as I’ve said before, it seems vulnerable in the underbody, side steps and its plastic mud guards. So the underbody may touch dirt, depending on how challenging the terrain is.Â
Wading depth is listed as 800mm.
But, as always, with focused driving, you’ll have lots of fun and you'll minimise any superficial damage or scuff marks to the MU-X.
The MU-X has plenty of potential as a touring platform, but, if you’re planning to do any off-roading beyond well-maintained tracks, then get rid of its road-biased tyres and replace them with all-terrain tyres.
The showroom-standard tyres on this MU-X – 265/50R20 Bridgestone Dueler HTs – are okay, but not really up to scratch if tough 4WDing is what you’re keen to do. I’d prefer an 18-inch wheel and tyre package with decent all-terrains.
The MU-X has a full-sized underslung spare and in terms of packability, the MU-X X-Terrain has a listed payload of 605kg, GVM is 2800kg and GCM is 5900kg.
If you are considering using your MUX as a tow vehicle, it's handy to know that it can legally tow 750kg (unbraked) and 3500kg (braked), which is the standard for large four-wheel-drive wagons.Â
Be aware though that, as with any other vehicles, once you're towing anywhere near the maximum weight, your payload is greatly reduced.
Safety
Mazda CX-5
The Akera has a bunch of safety features that are always great to have on a family SUV and a standout is the 360-degree camera system. It’s super clear and well-positioned on the dashboard for easy viewing.
Standard safety items on the Akera include LED daytime running lights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping aid, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a driver fatigue monitor, AEB, forward collision warning and traffic sign recognition.
The previously awarded five-star ANCAP safety rating for this model has just expired and models built from January 2024 onwards are thus unrated. The CX-5 features six airbags, which is a little low for a family car but I like how many safety features this has overall.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear outboard seat positions and three top-tethers but two seats will fit best. Front occupant comfort is compromised when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat is installed.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X has the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing in July 2022.
Standard safety features include eight airbags (dual front, dual seat side, dual full-length curtain, front knee and centre, far-side), and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist tech including forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
New gear onboard includes new hardware for the auto emergency braking ( AEB), like improved vehicle detection, periphery and depth perception, new digital reversing camera with a hydrophobic coating to prevent water and dirt build-up (better visibility off-road), new rear cross traffic brake (detects and reacts to approaching vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians when reversing), as well as updated lane-keep assist ( smoother steering correction).
Ownership
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is average cover for the class but some of its rivals offer longer terms.
There is a five-year, or up to 75,000km capped-price servicing program and services average $423 per workshop visit, which is competitive.
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.
Isuzu MU-X
The MU-X has a six-year/150,000km warranty and seven years of roadside assistance. That warranty is okay in terms of years, but unlimited kilometres would be welcome.
Service intervals are scheduled for every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs soonest.Â
Capped-price servicing covers the first five scheduled services for 24MY and later vehicle models (up to five years/75,000km, whichever occurs first) – at a cost of $469 for each service.