Mazda CX-5
4.5
- Year
- 2023
- Gearbox
- Automatic
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Engine
- 2.0 L
- Seats
- 5
- Deposit
- 10 000 ฿
The Mazda CX-5 is a premium 2023 crossover for a couple or small family who want both the practicality of a raised seating position and genuine driving enjoyment. Its KODO design language looks noticeably sharper and more expensive than most rental crossovers — the same styling cues as the Mazda 2, just on a bigger, more upmarket body. The 2.0-litre SkyActiv petrol engine paired with an automatic gearbox delivers noticeably more pull than compact alternatives, with fuel consumption around 7–8 litres per 100 km. Inside you get a spacious cabin, a digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, a reversing camera and a 360-degree view. Renting a CX-5 suits a couple or a family with one or two kids staying 7–14 days who want a car that's roomy and genuinely enjoyable to drive around the whole island.
What sets the CX-5 apart from typical rental crossovers is that it carries the same driving character as the Mazda 2, just with more power and space to back it up. Precise steering and a tightly controlled chassis turn the drive up to Phuket's viewpoints or over the mountain road to Patong into something to enjoy rather than endure, and the 2.0-litre engine still pulls confidently with a full cabin and boot. At the same time, the crossover's higher ground clearance means the unpaved approach roads to the less touristy beaches feel far less nerve-wracking than they would in a compact sedan or hatchback.
The cabin feels noticeably more upmarket than most crossovers in this segment — soft-touch trim, a quiet ride, and a boot big enough for a family of four's luggage. The trade-offs are fuel consumption higher than a compact sedan or hatchback, and a footprint that's larger to park in the narrow lanes of the Old Town. The typical renter is a couple or a family with kids who value extra space, the safety of a higher seating position, and driving enjoyment on longer routes around the island.
Please note: child seats and other accessories are not included in the rental price and are available for an extra fee — check availability when booking.
Reviews
The CX-5 doesn't feel like a typical rental crossover — steering is precise, and it stayed composed on the mountain road up to the Patong viewpoint. Highway consumption was about 7 litres, quite reasonable for the class.
Picked the car up right at the airport, no delays, everything was explained clearly. Deposit was refunded to the card the day after drop-off, no questions asked.
We'd rented a more basic crossover elsewhere before — the difference in cabin comfort and material quality with the CX-5 is noticeable. Boot easily fit luggage for four.
Powerful, confident car, but a bit large for the narrow lanes of Phuket Old Town — had to look for a spot to turn around a couple of times. On the highway and mountain roads though, it feels far more reassuring than a small car.
Drove out to a remote beach on a dirt track with the family — the crossover's ground clearance never gave us a moment's doubt, going confidently where a compact sedan would clearly have struggled.
Genuinely fun to drive, sharp steering, feels confident through corners. Fuel use is higher than the sedans we've rented before, but that's expected for a crossover.