Used Mazda CX-5 for sale near Watford

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 700
Average Price: Around £17,650

Mazda CX-5 (2017-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Agile and involving to drive	No seven-seat option
Eye-catching looks	Some rivals have bigger boots
Diesels combine strong performance and fuel economy	Petrols feel a bit gutless at low revs

Quick Summary

The Mazda CX-5 (2017-present) is an SUV engineered with the same sporting spirit as Mazda's acclaimed MX-5 sports car. It delivers superior driving dynamics compared to rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca, with direct, beautifully weighted steering and an eager response in corners. The interior is classy and well-built, with clear instrumentation and an easy-to-use touchscreen system. Every trim level—SE-L, Sport, and GT Sport—comes generously equipped with standard features including LED headlights and adaptive cruise control.

The 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine is the recommended choice, delivering around 40-45 mpg in real-world driving whilst offering strong performance. The petrol engine, by contrast, lacks low-down grunt. With a 522-litre boot and versatile 40/20/40 rear seats, practicality is reasonable, though there's no seven-seat option and some rivals offer larger cargo spaces. Servicing costs are moderate, and the timing chain should last the car's lifetime without replacement. This is a hassle-free SUV combining class, flair, and engaging driving dynamics.

Best for: Drivers seeking an SUV that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, those prioritising build quality and interior design, and buyers wanting a reliable, well-equipped family vehicle.

Not ideal for: Those needing seven seats, buyers requiring maximum boot space, or those preferring a petrol engine with responsive low-end power.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CX-5 if: You're seeking an SUV that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, prioritise build quality and interior design, or want a reliable, well-equipped family vehicle with engaging dynamics.

Consider alternatives if: You need seven seats, require maximum boot space, or prefer a petrol engine with responsive low-end power.

Competitive Position: The Mazda CX-5 (2017-present) is a standout in the compact SUV segment, offering superior driving dynamics and build quality that rivals struggle to match. Whilst the Volkswagen Tiguan edges ahead on overall ratings and value, the CX-5 delivers a more engaging drive and more stylish interior. It outperforms the Honda CR-V in expert ratings and offers comparable value to the Kia Sportage, though with more distinctive design and handling. For buyers who prioritise driving enjoyment alongside practicality, the CX-5 is an excellent choice that combines class, flair, and reliability.

Read our full Mazda CX-5 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.