As I slide into the driver’s seat of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera, I’m immediately struck by the sense of occasion. The soft Nappa leather embraces me, and the subtle ambient lighting creates an atmosphere of refined luxury. It’s clear that Mazda has poured its heart and soul into this top-tier model, but the question remains: in a fiercely competitive SUV market, does the CX-5 G35 Akera have what it takes to stand out?
We’ll explore the technology that makes it tick, the comfort features that pamper its occupants, and how it stacks up against its rivals. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of whether the 2024 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera deserves a place in your driveway.
Design: Elegance in Motion
Exterior Styling: Kodo Design Philosophy in Full Force
The 2024 CX-5 G35 Akera is a testament to Mazda’s Kodo: Soul of Motion design philosophy. As I walk around the vehicle, I’m struck by how the flowing lines and subtle curves create a sense of movement even when the car is stationary. The front fascia is dominated by the signature wing-shaped grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the CX-5 a piercing gaze.
The Akera trim level adds several premium touches that elevate its appearance:
- 19-inch alloy wheels with a dark metallic finish
- Adaptive LED headlights with a selective dipping function
- Power folding mirrors with auto-dimming function
- A power sliding-glass sunroof that floods the interior with natural light
One of the standout features is the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint option. It’s a $595 extra, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. The depth and lustre of this paint job are truly remarkable, shifting and changing with the light in a way that makes the CX-5 look like a far more expensive vehicle.
Interior Design: A Cabin That Punches Above Its Weight
Step inside the CX-5 G35 Akera, and you’re greeted by an interior that could easily belong in a luxury brand’s lineup. The attention to detail is impressive:
- Nappa leather upholstery in a rich chestnut brown
- Real wood trim accents on the dashboard and door panels
- Soft-touch materials everywhere your hands fall
The dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen perched atop the center stack. It’s not a touchscreen, which might irk some users, but I found the rotary controller intuitive to use after a short learning curve.
The driving position is excellent, with 10-way power-adjustable seats that include lumbar support. The thick-rimmed steering wheel is wrapped in leather and feels great in the hands. It’s these little touches that make the CX-5 G35 Akera feel special every time you get behind the wheel.
Performance: Turbocharged Thrills
Engine and Transmission: Power When You Need It
Under the hood of the CX-5 G35 Akera lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s the heart and soul of this SUV’s performance credentials. Let’s break down the numbers:
- Power: 170kW (228 horsepower) at 5000rpm
- Torque: 420Nm (310 lb-ft) at 2000rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drive System: i-ACTIV AWD
On paper, these figures are impressive for a vehicle in this class. But how does it translate to real-world driving? In a word: smoothly. The engine delivers its power in a linear fashion, with minimal turbo lag. There’s a satisfying surge of acceleration when you put your foot down, making highway merges and overtaking maneuvers a breeze.
The 6-speed automatic transmission might seem a bit old-school in an era of 8, 9, and even 10-speed gearboxes, but it performs admirably. Shifts are smooth and well-timed, and the transmission isn’t overly eager to upshift in the name of fuel economy, which can plague some competitors.
Ride and Handling: The Goldilocks Zone
Mazda has always prided itself on creating vehicles that are enjoyable to drive, and the CX-5 G35 Akera is no exception. The suspension strikes a fine balance between comfort and sportiness. It’s firm enough to provide confidence through corners, but not so stiff that it becomes uncomfortable on longer journeys.
The steering is a particular highlight. It’s precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback without being overly heavy. This makes the CX-5 feel more nimble than its size would suggest, especially in urban environments where maneuverability is key.
The i-ACTIV AWD system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. During my week with the vehicle, I encountered some heavy rain, and the CX-5 remained surefooted and composed throughout. While it’s not designed for serious off-roading, it’s more than capable of handling gravel roads and light trails for weekend adventures.
Fuel Efficiency: The Price of Performance
With great power comes… slightly higher fuel consumption. The official combined fuel economy figure for the CX-5 G35 Akera is 8.2L/100km (28.7 mpg). In my real-world testing, which included a mix of city, highway, and some spirited driving, I averaged 9.5L/100km (24.7 mpg).
While these figures aren’t class-leading, they’re respectable given the performance on offer. It’s worth noting that the CX-5 runs on regular unleaded fuel, which is a bonus compared to some turbocharged competitors that require premium gas.
Technology and Features: A Mixed Bag of Modern Conveniences
Infotainment: Functionality Over Flash
The centerpiece of the CX-5 G35 Akera’s technology suite is the 10.25-inch infotainment display. As mentioned earlier, it’s not a touchscreen, which can take some getting used to. Instead, you control it via a rotary dial on the center console. The system runs Mazda’s proprietary software, which is generally responsive and easy to navigate.
Standard features include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connections only)
- Satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 10-speaker Bose sound system
The Bose audio system deserves special mention. It delivers crisp, clear sound with plenty of bass when needed. Music lovers will appreciate the audio quality, which punches above its weight for this class of vehicle.
One minor gripe is the lack of a fully digital instrument cluster. The CX-5 G35 Akera makes do with traditional analog gauges flanking a small digital display. While perfectly functional, it feels a bit dated compared to some rivals that offer fully customizable digital cockpits.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features: Comprehensive Protection
Mazda has equipped the CX-5 G35 Akera with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. These include:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality
- Lane departure warning and lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree camera system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse)
- Traffic sign recognition
In practice, these systems work well without being overly intrusive. The adaptive cruise control, in particular, is smooth in its operation, maintaining a consistent distance from the vehicle ahead without abrupt braking or acceleration.
The 360-degree camera system is a standout feature, offering crystal-clear views around the vehicle that make parking in tight spaces a breeze. It’s one of those features that, once you have it, you wonder how you ever managed without it.
Comfort and Practicality: Everyday Livability
Seating and Space: Room for Five, with Some Caveats
The CX-5 G35 Akera offers comfortable seating for five passengers, but it’s worth noting that it’s not the most spacious vehicle in its class. Front-seat occupants are well catered for, with plenty of head and legroom. The seats themselves are supportive and comfortable, with heating and ventilation functions that are a godsend in variable weather.
The rear seats are a slightly different story. While perfectly adequate for average-sized adults on shorter trips, taller passengers might find legroom a bit tight on longer journeys. The rear seats do recline, which helps with comfort, and there are air vents and USB ports for back-seat passengers.
Cargo Space: Adequate, But Not Class-Leading
The CX-5 G35 Akera offers 442 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1342 liters with them folded down. These figures are competitive but not class-leading. For comparison:
- Toyota RAV4: 580 liters / 1690 liters
- Volkswagen Tiguan: 615 liters / 1655 liters
- Hyundai Tucson: 539 liters / 1860 liters
However, the CX-5’s cargo area is well-designed, with a low load lip that makes it easy to lift heavy items in and out. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats offer flexibility for carrying longer items while still accommodating passengers.
Ride Comfort: Refined and Composed
One area where the CX-5 G35 Akera truly shines is in its ride quality. Mazda has done an excellent job with the suspension tuning, creating a ride that’s comfortable without being overly soft. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and there’s minimal body roll through corners.
Road and wind noise are well suppressed, making for a serene cabin environment even at highway speeds. This is particularly impressive given that SUVs, with their larger profiles, can often struggle with wind noise.
Competitor Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
To truly understand the CX-5 G35 Akera’s position in the market, it’s important to see how it compares to its key rivals. Let’s look at three of its main competitors:
1. Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD
The RAV4 is a perennial bestseller, and for good reason. It offers:
- More interior space
- Better fuel economy (especially in hybrid form)
- A reputation for bulletproof reliability
However, the CX-5 G35 Akera counters with:
- More powerful engine options
- A more premium interior feel
- Sharper handling dynamics
2. Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line
The Tiguan is often considered the driver’s choice in this segment. Compared to the CX-5, it offers:
- A more modern infotainment system
- Slightly more cargo space
- A 7-seat option (in long-wheelbase form)
The CX-5 G35 Akera fights back with:
- A more powerful base engine
- Standard AWD (optional on some Tiguan models)
- A lower starting price for comparable equipment
3. Hyundai Tucson Highlander N Line AWD
Hyundai has made huge strides in recent years, and the Tucson is a formidable competitor. It boasts:
- A striking exterior design
- A fully digital cockpit
- An excellent warranty
The CX-5 G35 Akera holds its own with:
- A more refined driving experience
- Higher-quality interior materials
- Better resale value
In this competitive set, the CX-5 G35 Akera distinguishes itself with its blend of premium feel, driving dynamics, and value for money. While it may not lead in any single category, it’s a well-rounded package that will appeal to buyers who prioritize quality and driving enjoyment.
Ownership Experience: What to Expect Long-Term
Warranty and Servicing: Peace of Mind Included
Mazda offers a 5-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty on the CX-5, which is on par with most of its competitors. This is complemented by a 5-year roadside assistance program, providing additional peace of mind for owners.
Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Mazda offers capped-price servicing for the first five years, which helps to make ongoing maintenance costs predictable. It’s worth noting that while these intervals are fairly standard, some competitors (like Toyota) offer longer service intervals of 15,000 kilometers.
Reliability and Build Quality: A Solid Reputation
Mazda has built a strong reputation for reliability in recent years, and the CX-5 is generally considered a dependable vehicle. The fit and finish of the G35 Akera model I tested was excellent, with no rattles or squeaks even over rougher road surfaces.
Long-term reliability data for this specific model is limited due to its recent release, but based on previous CX-5 generations and Mazda’s track record, owners can expect above-average reliability. It’s always wise to follow the recommended maintenance schedule to ensure the longevity of any vehicle.
Resale Value: Holding Strong
The Mazda CX-5 has historically enjoyed strong resale values, and there’s no reason to expect this to change with the 2024 model. The G35 Akera, being the top-spec model, may depreciate slightly faster than lower trims due to its higher initial cost, but it should still hold its value well compared to many competitors.
Factors contributing to the CX-5’s strong resale value include:
- Mazda’s reputation for reliability
- The vehicle’s premium positioning
- Consistent demand in the used car market
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
In an era where environmental concerns are increasingly important to consumers, it’s worth considering the CX-5 G35 Akera’s environmental credentials.
Emissions and Efficiency
With CO2 emissions of 191g/km, the CX-5 G35 Akera isn’t the greenest option in its class. This is largely due to its focus on performance rather than efficiency. For comparison:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: 103g/km
- Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI: 186g/km
- Hyundai Tucson 1.6T: 163g/km
Mazda has made efforts to improve efficiency through technologies like cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders under light load conditions. However, for buyers prioritizing environmental performance, the lack of a hybrid option in the CX-5 range is notable.
Sustainability Initiatives
Mazda as a company has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, with plans to electrify its entire lineup by 2030. While the current CX-5 doesn’t reflect these goals, future iterations are likely to include hybrid and possibly full electric options.
In terms of materials, Mazda has begun incorporating recycled and sustainable materials in its vehicles, though this is not a major focus in the current CX-5 model.
The Verdict: Is the 2024 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera Worth It?
After spending extensive time with the 2024 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera, it’s clear that this is a vehicle with many strengths and few weaknesses. Let’s break it down:
Pros:
- Premium interior quality that punches above its weight class
- Strong performance from the turbocharged engine
- Excellent driving dynamics with a well-balanced ride
- Comprehensive safety features
- Stylish exterior design that stands out in a crowded segment
Cons:
- Slightly less spacious than some competitors, especially in the rear seats
- Infotainment system may not be to everyone’s taste
- Fuel economy lags behind hybrid competitors
- No hybrid option available
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera is a compelling option for buyers who prioritize driving enjoyment, premium feel, and style in their SUV. It offers a level of refinement and performance that’s hard to match at its price point, making it feel like a cut above many mainstream competitors.
However, it’s not the most practical choice in its class. Families who prioritize maximum space and fuel efficiency might be better served by some of its rivals. Additionally, the lack of a hybrid option may be a dealbreaker for some environmentally conscious buyers.
Ultimately, the CX-5 G35 Akera is a vehicle that appeals to the heart as much as the head. It’s for buyers who want their family SUV to deliver a touch of luxury and sportiness alongside day-to-day practicality. If you fall into that category, and you can live with its few compromises, the CX-5 G35 Akera is likely to provide a deeply satisfying ownership experience.
In a market flooded with competent but often uninspiring SUVs, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera stands out as a vehicle with character. It’s not perfect, but its combination of style, performance, and quality make it a worthy contender for your driveway. Take one for a test drive – you might just find yourself won over by its charms.