Mazda has updated the CX-5 SUV with subtle styling changes, revised suspension and new specs.
Unlike some of its rivals, the brand has kept faith with diesel powering, offering the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D engine with either 150 or 184hp. The less powerful engine is always two-wheel drive, with a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes.
Go for the higher-powered diesel and you’ll have a choice of two-or four-wheel drive plus manual and auto ’boxes.
One of the most important traits of the best cars to tow a caravan will be how well they can pull your tourer.
The 184hp diesel auto 4×4 is the heaviest model in the range, with a kerbweight of 1835kg and a legal towing limit of 2100kg. It’s a tow car we’re familiar with from the pre-facelift CX-5, and one that we also rate highly. Don’t dismiss the less powerful diesel as the poor relation, though. With 280lb ft of torque, it has the pulling power to handle a sensibly matched caravan.
The petrol is a bit tougher to recommend. The 2.0-litre engine has 165hp but just 157lb ft of torque, and it feels gutless unless you rev the engine hard. There’s also a 195hp 2.5-litre petrol, which has more promise as an engine for towing.
Tweaks to the suspension give the Mazda CX-5 a slightly softer ride, but these changes are incremental improvements rather than a wholesale transformation.
- Price: From £28,145
- Kerbweight: 1560-1835kg
- Towing limit: 1800-2100kg
- 85% match: 1326-1560kg
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