Drivers crown the Mazda CX-5 as ‘Best Mid-Size SUV’ in the 2021 Driver Power consumer survey

The Mazda CX-5 has been named Best Mid-Size SUV in the 2021 Auto Express Driver Power survey. In addition, the model was ranked third in the overall Car of the Year category. As voted by real car owners, the Mazda CX-5 was also praised for its award-winning design and reliability. 

Now in its twentieth year, the Driver Power survey sees the readers of Auto Express Magazine vote on their cars across 10 categories, assessing areas such as reliability, practicality, handling and performance over a series of 35 questions. One of the most comprehensive and respected new car ownership surveys in the UK, this year Driver Power graded 75 cars from 29 brands overall.

From this huge sample of UK cars and real owners, Mazda CX-5 was the third most popular car in the survey taking the overall Car of the Year Bronze medal as well as being named Best Mid-Size SUV in the consumer survey. In addition, the Mazda brand finished fourth out of 29 brands and was the highest placed Japanese manufacturer.

Explore CX-5 more

Mazda CX-5 Best SUV 2021 Award
Mazda CX-5 Best SUV 2021 Award

Commenting on the CX-5’s performance, Auto Express Editorial Director, Steve Fowler, said: “according to owners, Mazda’s CX-5 is something of a star. Not only was it the best rated mid-size SUV – the most competitive class in the entire Driver Power survey – but it also topped the exterior category thanks to its stunning design and strong build quality, talents that helped the CX-5 finish third overall in our survey of the 75 best cars on sale today.”

Adding, “led by the CX-5’s exceptional performance, it’s no surprise that Mazda as a brand put in a deeply impressive appearance in our 2021 Driver Power results - finishing fourth behind only Porsche, Tesla and Kia. This result is testament to the all-round ability of Mazda’s model range”.


Stephen Somerville, Sales Manager, Saltmarine Mazda commented: “Since the launch of the Mazda CX-5 in 2012, this SUV has been a hugely successful car that’s loved for its styling, practicality and dynamic appeal, and to this day, remains right at the top of its class with our customers. Winning Best Mid-Size SUV, Gold for exterior design, Bronze for reliability and rated third for overall Car of the Year is a truly fantastic achievement for the Mazda CX-5 and showcases to our customers how Mazda can make an SUV that’s stylish, great to drive and capable of competing with premium badged rivals.”

With competitive finance packages available, customers can purchase the award-winning SUV with £1,250 Mazda Deposit Contribution and 3.9% APR* Representative on Mazda Personal Contract Purchase across four years. Alternatively, for those looking to trade-in their previous car, customers can save £3,000^ off a brand-new Mazda CX-5 under the Mazda Scrappage Incentive Scheme, with 4.2% APR**. Available for eligible models with CO2 emissions under 161g/km, selected models from the Mazda CX-5 range feature Cylinder Deactivation, a technology that has resulted in a CO2 reduction of 8g/km on manual 165ps Skyactiv-G models when measured on the WLTP cycle compared to previous generation models.

Mazda CX-5 Best SUV 2021 Award

Experience the award winning Mazda CX-5 for yourself

For further information or to book your test drive, contact one of our Mazda sales team on 028 8772 3376 or click ‘Book a Test Drive’ button below.

Book a Test Drive

Retail sales only, subject to availability for vehicles registered between 01.07.21 and 30.09.21 at participating dealers. T&C apply. * 3.9% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase available on all new Mazda CX-5 models. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR. Channel Islands and Isle of Man excluded. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.

^Mazda Scrappage Incentive Scheme is available to private customers registering a new Mazda with CO2 emissions up to 160g/km between 01.07.21 and 30.09.21. Is conditional on the Scrappage of the part exchange vehicle, of any make, that has been registered to the current keeper for a minimum of 60 days and was first registered on or before 31 December 2011. Vehicles registered under this offer must be registered to the same name or address as the current keeper of the Scrappage vehicle. Retail sales only, subject to availability at participating dealers.

T&C apply. **4.2% APR Mazda Personal Contract Purchase and Mazda Conditional Sale available on all new Mazda models, excludes models with CO2 emissions of more than 160g/km. Finance subject to status, 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Mazda Financial Services RH1 1SR.

Saltmarine trading as Saltmarine Mazda is a credit broker not a lender for this financial promotion. We can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction. If you have any questions about commission please speak to the dealer.