My Mazda CX-5 Feels Expensive, but It Uses Fuel Like a Saloon Car

‍Welcome to the Money254 Car Series — where we spotlight car owners across Kenya and their experiences behind the wheel. From first-time buyers to seasoned motorists, we dig into the motivations, costs, lessons, and joys of owning different car models in Kenya today.

‍This week, we feature Michael, who shares what it’s like driving a 2018 Mazda CX-5.

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If you’re driving in Nairobi right now, you’ve probably noticed the Mazda CX-5 is becoming a frequent sight on our roads. I think I know why - having driven it for the past year. 

The CX5 hits a sweet spot that few other SUVs manage: it’s practical, fuel-efficient, and is a comfortable ride. For me, that balance was the ultimate selling point.

When I started shopping for an upgrade, I already knew I didn't need a childhood dream car; I needed a smart, practical solution. I needed a vehicle that could handle the city commute and the occasional rough rural road without forcing me to budget for premium European maintenance costs. 

The Mazda CX5 became an obvious consideration in my research. The ultimate choice, however, came after recommendations by friends who hailed its reliability and the solid driving dynamics. 

My 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a sharp black-on-black trim, complete with leather seats and Xenon headlamps. It’s a great demonstration of how Mazda provides a genuine premium feel without the premium price tag.

When I did my research, I found that you could get this level of finish—the quiet cabin, the high-quality interior, the solid driving dynamics—for a cash price that was significantly lower than similar European SUVs. My model, for example, cost me Ksh 2,950,000. Given the features, comfort, and advanced safety included, I considered it a remarkable value proposition in the current Kenyan market.

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Fueling the Commute and the Weekend Trip

The CX-5 is an all-rounder. It serves as the primary car for the daily commute through city traffic, but it shines equally brightly on weekend trips and longer highway drives, thanks to its stability and comfort.

It has a good ground clearance, allowing it to handle occasional rural or less-developed roads surprisingly well, supported by reliable traction control.

The fuel economy of the 2.2-litre diesel is very friendly to my wallet. On city traffic, I manage 14–16 km/l . Out on the highway, this figure goes up to  around 18–20 km/l. I find this impressive for an SUV of its size. And being a diesel variant, it gets even better. With diesel currently priced around Ksh170 per litre (compared to Ksh 184 for petrol), the 2.2L diesel engine gives me incredible cost savings.

My city cost per kilometer (averaging 15 km/l) is about Ksh11.33. To match that, a petrol SUV would need to hit a consumption of 16.2 km/l. To achieve my fuel cost on the highway, a petrol car would need to get over 20.5 km/l. 

Also Read: I Bought My Volvo XC60 for Ksh5.5M – Here’s My Experience After 5 Months

Maintenance and Parts Accessibility

Maintenance schedules are manageable, with service intervals set between 5,000 and 7,500 kilometres. The CX-5 has proven to be reliable, with no major recurring issues, living up to the Mazda reputation as long as good-quality oil is consistently used.

Typical minor services cost between Ksh12,000 and Ksh18,000, with a comprehensive service ranging from Ksh25,000 to Ksh30,000. These running costs are considered reasonable for a vehicle in this category.

Sourcing spare parts is easy. Common service items are readily available locally through several Mazda-focused shops, and even less common parts are accessible through efficient importers, preventing any major downtime.

Also Read: My 2-Year Experience Driving a Ksh2.9M Subaru Forester

What I would Change

Overall, the CX-5 has exceeded expectations, but two areas could be improved. The diesel engine requires consistency with high-quality fuel to maintain its peak performance, meaning one must be selective about fueling stations. 

Secondly, the infotainment system is starting to show its age, particularly concerning screen size and modern connectivity options found in the newest rivals.

Despite these minor limitations, the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a near-perfect vehicle, successfully delivering luxury-level comfort and performance alongside best-in-class diesel economy and everyday practicality.

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