Guys, im interested to buy CX5, 2.0High.. thats the most i can go with my current salary...

Any opinion/ownership experience/warning, all are welcome. Thanks

Ask for more discounts from SA.

CX-5 not selling well.

Reliability wise, the engine is reliable.

5 years / 100k km free service, so no worries there when it comes to servicing costs

2.0 is slow but slightly better fc than the 2.5.

need to take note of suspension issue (bushing wear iinm), i think this is the most common issue with CX5

other than that the 2.0 engine is reliable. most issues with CX5 happen with the 2.2D and 2.5T engine

Bermaz officially dont provide ATF fluid change at all, and they discourage you from doing it within warranty period. If you paranoid or high mileage user can change outside, but need to be careful about it

If you dont need extra space or practicality I recommend CX-30 instead

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Aug 27 2025, 06:31 PM

wife's 2.0 High one year old, so far so good..

the only thing i wish is the headunit/360/reverse cam to be clearer.. other than that, comfortable car.

Personally it is getting old with the design and the current gen is more towards cost savings. FYI, My cousin just cancel the order after knewing the new facelift model coming in next year (2026). The Mazda SC personally tell him to wait.

Can google the latest CX5 facelift news, one of the reason my cousin wait is there is improvement in term of interior space as one of the weakness of Mazda cars is this.

This post has been edited by littlefire: Aug 28 2025, 02:31 PM

Buy if u can't wait

Otherwise wait for all new CX-5

mazda msia service sucks

This this this. Best to call/whatapps several SA from many branches and ask straight whats the rebate. Family bought CX5 in 2020 when this car were peak on sales, and one SA in Mazda Ulu Kelang Ampang - Act-Chievers Sdn Bhd give rm2k cash rebates, while most SA said only give full tank

The HU just outdated. And if 2.0 NA, felt underpower at Karak highway. Maybe mine used to drive 1.8T and 2.4Na car

Besides the above, cx5 lower arm bush macam quality kelaut.. Claim new one after 6 months on the road

If you can wait, get the new CX-5 next year

With so many SUVs in the market including Chinese SUV EVs which have more features and are cheaper why do you insist on an outdated, underpowered and overpriced CX-5? Even the new X50 is a better buy. It's your money but I'm genuinely interested in your rationale.

top up a bit get the cx60

Reliability & driving dynamics

It is good to drive, in fact nice to drive. Quite reliable. Worry-free until 100k km. Nothing to pay during service, except, wear and tear items like wiper blades, v-belt, tires and brake pads. Good experience with mazda service. However, this model is near the end of the horizon. A bit dated, but still looks good.

wait for next model unless really have to change :-)

If for long term like 10~15 years ownership, Japanese car still fare better. Recently heard from my mechanic a lot of X50/X70 early batch plastic parts start to brittle easily, even Japanese car with more than 10 years very less heard of this happen.

Mazda cars are a headturner..

Chinese SUVs will only get you a smirk..

This post has been edited by nebula87: Sep 2 2025, 11:12 AM

which plastic part?

Engine bay, the famous plastic door handle, a lot of cheap plastic parts, cover etc.

Which branch?

To be honest, only MX5 turns my head because the designs of the rest are seriously dated

Not any.more they aren't.

When the kodo design Mazads 6 launched, yes.

But it's been more than a decade already. Kodo design getting stale

I thought ppl go for chery now :X

for door handle, got plenty of sellers selling at Shopee for rm33 per side. And if look at why patah, when the car is locked, people will pull the handle and it wont open the door, unless unlock the door. This situation makes people pull more and harder (cz forgot it lock for instance), hence making the handle faster patah. No idea for the engine bay, believe can find online.

The most I disagree is the CX30 plastic trim, in terms of sizing, covering too high above the tyres. Saw a few occasions, the owner painted that plastic trim to body color, it looks not really blend well. And saw other paint it piano black (like previous gen HRV facelifted) look more weird on Cx30, due to sizing factor of the plastic trim

Not everything is about spec sheet and pricing. If that's the case everyone SHOULD be driving Chinese cars already

I bought my CX30 just last year because I like it. Yes I know plenty of Chinese cars now offer more for less, but they never appeal to me. I wouldn't spend money buying and driving a car that I didn't want in the first place, despite it being a better car on paper. You can say this is an emotional purchase rather than a rational one.

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 4 2025, 09:32 PM

i saw the new model in the web. based on my way of owning a car, i use my car till end of loan. therefore, i will try avoid all new platform model. new model, new problem.. i want peace of mind.. a

maybe im a bit olskool, but for now i dont think chinese suv is reliable. maybe in the future, i might give them a chance. but for now, probably not.. my current sedan car is using cvt and its reaching its max 250k very very soon. now im avoiding any car with cvt

went to 4 branches. 2 of them is offering 5k rebate. the rest was 4k of rebate. meanwhile my wifu was poised for CRV due to the 12k of rebate

Chinese brand SUV look nice but fragile.

https://www.omodajaecoo.com.my/warranty

look at their warranty exclusion term. Many item does not last more than 60k mileage.

Mazda offer 5years peace of mind. No exclusion.

The new CRV driving dynamics is not up to par with CX-5 (at least in stock form)

I'm currently co owning the latest brand new CRV and I think it's better than the CX5

Granted, it's not a very fair comparison as the CX5 I driven personally was many years ago and I'm not sure if it has facelift or updates that can improve my experience.

I think the CX5 (I only tested 2.0 NA) is weak on (compared to the CRV)
1) drive train - both engine and transmission
2) suspensions (still basic)
3) steering (VGR is nice to majority of layman fingers drives)

(I'll keep it to just driving dynamics cuz the rest we know Mazda isn't strong at)

CX5 does win on weight if I recall correctly
And latest KPC (not too sure if it trickle down to CX5 too)

If ts indeed need CX5, please dont take the 2.2 Diesel and 2.5T variant, both of these suffering from mechanical issues related to the engine. Can google more.

And on any CX5 in general, please send for atf change after certain km, eventhough Bermaz sold it as seal for life atf. But capped the warranty only 100k km

seal for life atf means ? dont have to change the atf is it ..

Fair enough, the current CX5 is indeed a very old platform

Fair enough you don't want a CVT vehicle
Curious, what's your current sedan?
CVT today are very different compared to cars with CVT back then.

Some SA can offer a little bit more sacrificing their commission a bit
It's a really huge bargain. Official website is between 11+1 =12k rebate, then we gotten extra 2-3k from SA, and of course the extra 3k service vouchers.
So that's like a total of 17-18k in rebates.

In another words, sealed for life meaning owner ditched thier mazda end of 5th year or 100k km.

Look at the below condition


Attached thumbnail(s)

Noted, for me it's better change atf every 20k ~ 30k just to be safe, even though the car manufacturer claimed it can last up to 100k

The reason why many find the CX5 handles well is due to the ever so slightly firmer suspension compared to other SUVs in the same segment. The 2.0 comes with undersized 17 inch wheels for some reason which might affect the handling as well. Even my CX30 with the same engine comes with 18 inch. The 2.5 and above on the other hand comes with 19 inch, couple that with the firmer suspension, you throw it round corners and it handles well for a SUV with minimal body roll

Agree on the powertrain. But I feel the 6 speed is actually still ok for the 2.0 and 2.5NA. The 2.2D and 2.5T definitely deserves a better trans.

Another thing that CX5 does well consistently though is the NVH. The facelift is even better since it comes with double glazed windows. For some reason Honda (or maybe just CKD Honda) just couldn't get this right on their cars.

KPC is only available on the MX-5, CX-60 and above afaik. CX5 still uses GVC+

The CRV was never known for it's handling anyway (at least it's not a selling point). It's a comfortable and practical SUV, which is why it's the sales king for so many years, since it hit the main spot for buyers looking at this segment

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 7 2025, 03:35 PM

Lag and double posted

This post has been edited by Quazacolt: Sep 7 2025, 04:05 PM

Ok, I was both right and wrong - https://kentico.mazda.com.my/Specification/...4/MazdaCX-5.pdf
Right = yes indeed the 2.0 CX5 is lighter - 1616kg Vs 1588kg
Wrong = 28kg doesn't mean a lot for a tall SUV when it comes to driving dynamics or ride and handling

This post has been edited by Quazacolt: Sep 7 2025, 06:22 PM

The 6 speed was pretty slow and too eco focused, comparable with my ancient 1999 Proton Iswara 3 speed auto. It's really bad until you manual override it using paddle shifters.

Mazda 3 was very slightly better on both fully automatic and manual shift speeds. But not by much and most certainly pale with Civic FE CVT.
The same exact story and experiences between CX5 and CRV.

NVH yes, definitely Mazda is better.
But I think, could be a double edge sword where being too quiet results any storage objects rattling or brushing against interior surfaces becomes very pronounced. You end up needing to be very deliberate and thoughtful of your storage management. (Not a bad thing especially if you're generally a very organized person, I'm not as you may have guessed.)

I think both the Civic and CRV, in a way, due to its globalised platform benefits, having modern suspensions, really improved the handling a LOT that it's very matchable against the Mazda, if not even better. Because you get to have your low speed compression (and rebound) adjusted to have more damping and not sacrifice high speed compression, and that's also why the ride (comfort) is so much better compared between both the SUV and Sedan lineup.

In terms of CRV alone, I think the only downside maybe the stock Ori Toyo tires. I've not known what tires are originally fitted to the CX5, nor have I really pushed the CRV hard enough to really know what's the performance and handling of both the car and stock original Toyo tires.
Similarly can be said for the CX5, mainly because it wasn't my car.
So honestly the discussion of its handling and performance is a bit of a waste of time (at least from my end lol)

Based on my experience, turning on the sports mode actually made a difference to how the skyactiv 6 speed behave, it's eager to hold revs and downshifts as well. But it's still not perfect and I also tend to use the paddle shifters if I wanted a quick boost to overtake

iinm Mazda is the first amongst the Japanese automakers to come out with a globalised platform with their Skyactiv, before Honda came out with Earthdreams and Toyota with TNGA. This move and it's benefits is still apparent today when Mazda can still consistently score well in safety test especially when chassis rigidity is concerned. Just check IIHS evaluation on Mazda models. Their powertrain might be outdated, but the chassis is still very much relevant (in the context of ICE here not EVs)

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there's no huge difference in terms of the type and technology used in the suspension between mass market Honda and Mazda models at least, unless Honda comes equipped with variable frequency dampers for their latest models. I think in the end it boils down to how both brands decided the dampers should be tuned.

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 7 2025, 07:23 PM

I'm not into that marketing fluff la. I highly doubt Mazda can survive in EU Countries with the current suspensions lol.
This is what I meant by globalised platform.
Interestingly, Honda did absolutely zero marketing about it ROFL (engineering company, lol.)

And, bold is exactly what I meant.
Honda current gen Civic and CRV is using absorbers with bypass valve or multi valving tech. It's working principle is similar to Ohlins DFV (dual flow valve)
Simply put, Honda absorbers got 2 profiles

Mazda both Mazda 3 and CX5 are still using basic absorbers with single valving. Meaning, can only be stiff or soft.

To give a better example, the first gen HRV Vs the current gen HRV.
First gen too soft, second gen too stiff.
Basic cost cutting, or just lazy engineering lol.
Old Honda Civic FC (I've test driven too) were on basic absorbers. Basic suspensions.

No need variable frequency, just old tech being made more affordable over time, and eventually trickle down to mass market.

Owner of 2021 cx5 with 6 year warranty done 90k km

The car is pretty much reliable to be honest. No major problem but I can list down stuff
1) battery replacement done 1nce. Normal price 7++ but Mazda give 50 percent for first battery change
2) side mirror unable to rotate. Replace under warranty
3) change tires once.


Other than that pretty much standard service foc

The only thing I hate about Mazda is how they die die do not want to change gearbox oil. I have change it outside at 60k mark and will do at 120k mark

I do not believe the gearbox will last the lifetime of car unless car is meant to only be 6 years

Well that's what they are trying to change with the RWD models ie: CX-60 and above. iinm the new CX5 also comes with variable frequency dampers, so gonna see how that performs. But I can't find any written source for this other than a statement from this video @ 4:26



to be fair to Mazda though when comparing with Civic and CRV, the Mazda 3 and CX5 was released on 2019 and 2016, while latest FE Civic and CRV was released on 2021 and 2022. Quite a huge gap I would say, the CX5 itself basically almost had a 10 years run, and the Mazda 3 is overdue for a replacement if following the typical 5 - 6 years lifecycle of a mass market model

Also not sure if I'm being misunderstood when I mention "variable frequency dampers" here because I'm not referring to active suspension. Reading your description about Ohlins DFV it seems we might be talking about the same thing (not an expert when it comes to suspension / dampers technicalities here lol). But the reference for my case is Koni's Special Active - https://www.koni.com/special-active and the dampers used on the new Tesla Model 3 - https://electrek.co/2024/02/15/tesla-model-...-in-your-belly/



This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 7 2025, 09:30 PM

For my car with normal automatic, the regular workshop asked me to change the ATF at 30k km interval, which I did and now my mileage is hitting near 250k km. No issues whatsoever. I bought Shopee Mall ATF and best value for money. Hate for some manufacturer selling this as Seal for Life gb, but capped the warranty to 100k km only.

oh, from your video, they seriously only just updated the dampers to be modern ones.
and i am really surprised they managed to survive for so long

you're correct, the CX5 being almost 10 years does show its age especially if one looks deeper beyond aesthetics and design.

perhaps, yes, i've misunderstood you thinking you may be referring to active suspensions ("variable" keyword) from the video and your further clarification, yes, it is pretty much the same as a more commonly referred term of "bypass valve" or multi flow valving or multi path valving. or in Ohlins - DFV.
Koni's website provides better clarification on this term (which i'll highlight)
https://group.koni.com/products/car/fsd
Frequency Selective Damping
the FSD valve is added to control a parallel oil flow next to the flow going through the piston.
This parallel oil flow is closed by a feature in the FSD valve, causing a rise in damping forces almost linear to the time that the piston is moving in one direction.
think Ohlins DFV, and if high speed (or high frequency) damping occurs, a bypass or separate oil path (or circuit) opens up to allow the absorber to compress quickly absorbing (but not damping out the compression force) the sudden high speed shock. think of a speed bump
quoting Koni:


i guess we can both thank both Koni and tesla for using the keywords "active", "Variable", and "frequency" to confuse everyone. They are not wrong, just, confusing. (and marketing nonsense.)

If you want to avoid new platform, the latest is the CX-X0 (30,50,60,80) series. CX-5 mostly still using the old chassis platform, but just redesign the exterior & interior. Engine wise i believe they will maintain the same old 2.0 & 2.5 engine with the add-in of new hybrid engine.

nah there's more to it than that like the longer wheelbase which should make it competitive with CRV this time when it comes to practicality, and the more modern (hate it or love it) interior

powertrain remains a weak point though, but they are promising a new in house 2.5 hybrid for 2027

anyway Mazda has and always been a niche brand (like Subaru), so no point comparing sales volume with Toyota or Honda. They will survive just like how Honda survived in Australia if you see their sales number lmao

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 11:44 AM

Oh I was referring to my experience that it was on basic suspensions, and it only just got updated in this new gen CX5
And therefore my post regarding my CX5 experience Vs CRV, was still very valid and relevent.

I just personally don't buy into the hype and marketing. And very bluntly and very straightforward to call out things for what they are. And was very disappointed with the Mazda 3 after my test drive session considering the crazy hype that it had especially with the disgruntled Civic owners moving over hahaha

well like I said the CX5 was very outdated as a whole so not surprising that it remains on basic suspension compared to the new CRV, a more valid comparison would be against the previous gen CRV that was released on 2016 which puts it more in line with the current CX5. Mazda was slow to come out with a new gen, perhaps they are focusing on going upmarket with the RWD platforms model which ultimately ended not up to expectations. If they would've stick to their usual strategy, we should've expected a new CX5 by 2021 or 2022 instead of a facelift, which is the same period the new CRV was released

in the end though (you may already realised this by now) most Mazda owners are emotional purchasers rather than practical / rational (including me lol). I would've gone for the Civic eHEV (love the powertrain) if not because of the uncomfortable seats and steering rack issues, the HRV if only it comes with the 2.0 eHEV powertrain (probably would've been too heavy for it), and the CRV was ultimately too big and out of my budget

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 12:33 PM

Quazacolt to end this off and while we're at it, I did some reading into the CX5 facelift and apparently -



this applies to the global model but not sure if Bermaz cheap out on the CKD model considering they did exclude the larger screen of the facelift will be interested to hear your take on it if you got the chance to test drive one

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 12:52 PM

Actually, perfectly understandable as the steering rack was, and still is an issue.

To an extent the CRV may be impacted, but from experience and ongoing current events show, the VGR version of Honda steering racks have minimal to no issues
The current gen CRV is on VGR steering rack.

I'm also currently co owning the latest HRV EHEV hybrid, and I think the 1.5 port injection Atkinson cycle NA was "OK". If anything, better than the 2.0 NA CX5 in majority of situations, with only perhaps highway high speed (>170kph) travels.
Yes, I've finally tested the top speed very recently and it exceeded Honda Malaysia spec sheet in both on meter and GPS measurement.

The drive train overall is ok, as the meme goes for Honda - buy engine, free car.
But if you were to compare with the current gen CX5, then a b segment is still a b segment and it's ride comfort on torsion beam and stiffer suspensions leaves a lot to be desired for. Though, the joke is that if you're looking for handling, the HRV EHEV may give the CX5 a run for its money. Uphill Gohtong may struggle with that 1.5NA (lol battery depleted in just the first corner), but I think downhill it can be faster than the much heavier 2.0NA CX5 (1.4 tons only)

I think, larger items, like suspensions, generally it makes more economical sense to just follow the same thing that's used globally.

Honda Malaysia is no different, instead of Bermaz Screens, or UMW Toyota head unit/overall infotainment, I just need to say Lane watch.

Don't hold your breath on a test drive, I was really eager to test drive the X50 when it first came to Malaysia, now a new gen (or was it considered a facelift? Brand new 4 pot engine though) released and I still haven't managed to test the previous X50 And needless to say current brand new X50

I believe the CX-50/60 actual plan is to replace those old models, but since the old model sales still good they decides to just continue facelift it.

CX-50 is a bit weird since it looks like a CX-5 replacement on paper but it's based on the Mazda 3 / CX-30 chassis so it brings over the torsion beam suspension as well, making it somewhat a downgrade over the CX-5. Basically it's a larger and fancier CX-30

CX-60 is too expensive to be a CX-5 replacement and I think Mazda realised this isn't gonna work if they wanted a volume seller

This post has been edited by ZeneticX: Sep 8 2025, 01:46 PM

No wonder many choose 2.0 due to reliability

Now got rm20k discount for CX-8, rm10k discount for CX-5 & rm5k discount for CX-30.

at last Bermaz joins the rebates game, even though not much for CX-30, when others give 5-figure rebates as well.

Anything good for the consumers, are welcomed.

Good rebates ❤️👍

for cx-30, they have been giving rm5k discount 'unofficially' since earlier this year.. only now they make it official by slashing the selling price.

cx30 2.0 right?

yes sir.

I've seen it today, looks cute but wonder bout the interior, is it same as crv or smaller, might go to the showroom later to look at it 🙂👀❤️

no worr. cx-30 is much smaller, closer to x50. it's a nice car to drive though.

if you want bigger, then it will be the CX-5. now RM10k off.

This post has been edited by overfloe: Oct 1 2025, 08:22 PM

Noted, as of now im driving a x50, will visit mazda showroom nearby to view the car, i guess if want to upgrade might as well getting something bigger then what ive got now or else will feel the same yet will take a look especially cx30

Over the years they been giving discount, just they play around and some branch follow BMW/Merc tactics by registering the ride and sell cheaper.

Interior confirm smaller, Mazda is not famous for interior space. They are only good for material & driving quality feel.

oh if smaller seems pointless to me unless for my wife would be perfect 🙂

u try and test first. fyi, cx-30, thigh support for rear passenger is much better than x50. cx30 legroom is much worse, but shouldnt pose a problem for passengers < 170cm.

You are right, need to see and test drive it