In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a Mazda 5 tow a caravan? We will discuss what we like and what we don’t like about this car.

Can a Mazda 5 tow a caravan?

Although it has a low towing capacity, a Mazda 5 would be able to tow a small caravan, lightweight caravan, even a small fishing boat. The steering is fully convincing: it is precise and rather direct, even better than that of some midsize sedans. Overall, this Mazda model does a decent job when towing, without disappointing us.

Here are a few technical details to keep in mind if towing with a Mazda 5:

Kerbweight: 1490kg
Maximum towing weight: 1200kg
Towball limit: 75kg
Luggage compartment capacity: 158/892/1458 litres.

Can a Mazda CX-5 tow a caravan?

A CX-5 will manage just great to tow a small caravan, camper or even a one-horse trailer. This top-selling SUV has a towing capacity of 1800 kg, which is more than enough for most of us.

The engine is very prompt and quiet, and when it is heard, the sound is pleasant. With this modern engine and without unnecessary weight, the CX-5 proves to be a very agile and balanced SUV. The steering is neutral and delightful in operation, as you are rarely allowed to see in the segment of non-premium SUVs.

In combination with the 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D, bi-turbo diesel engine, the CX-5 consumes about 7 litres of diesel / 100 km in the suburbs and less than 13 litres of diesel / 100 km in the city. These are very good values for a 175 horsepower (hp) SUV.

The agility of the CX-5 brings with it that of the first BMW X3 but without the disadvantages of that car (high weight, very rigid suspension and low driving comfort).

The Skyactiv-D engine develops a torque of 420 Newton-meters (Nm), double that of the 2-litre gasoline engine and 150 hp – Skyactiv-G (208 Nm). But even so, acceleration to 100 km / h is not significantly better: 9.4 seconds for diesel, compared to 9.6 seconds for gasoline. However, the higher cylinder capacity of the diesel engine and the high torque is much better reflected in comfort.

The modest six-speed automatic transmission is no longer as undecided as in the case of the CX-5 petrol. Thanks to the higher torque, the box no longer has to struggle to find the right gear for acceleration. Simply put, the CX-5 Skyactiv-D (diesel) is a more pleasant car, without being significantly faster or more economical than the CX-5 Skyactiv-G (petrol).

Mazda 5: engine and performance

There are several aspects in which this minivan is losing the car of innovation title, and it is highlighted by its gaps in the most cutting-edge equipment, especially in active safety, connectivity with USB devices, representation of information or innovations related to engines.

The only moderately modern thing is the iStop in the 150 hp gasoline engine, but it does not have it in diesel. It is the downside of using an engine designed by others because in PSA / Ford it does have automatic stop and start (e-HDi, Auto Stop & Start). It has no automatic versions, no keyless access, no heated glove compartment.

The 1.8 and 1.6 CRTD engines do not seem to be the height of efficiency, because in real consumption they spend practically the same as the 2.0 gasoline and the already retired 2.0 CRTD. In general, it is in the middle between very cheap and expensive: gasoline 8-9 l/100 km and diesel 6-7 l/100 km.

As for equipment, I recommend the Style as a minimum to those who are going to be loaded frequently, since the front brakes are a bit more powerful and having 16 ”wheels reduces drift and improves cornering behaviour; equipment improvement on the sidelines, no less important.

It has improved compared to the first model (2005), but I think not enough, so I keep the same note that I gave it in 2007 (see test), 8.5 / 10. Where the difference will be most noticeable is at the level of engines, only the powerful diesel is missed in the first generation, with 140 hp and very reasonable consumption.

I applaud the safety improvements, Mazda has not rested on its laurels even though the Mazda5 already had 5 EuroNCAP stars. It could have more innovations, but the important thing is that if we hit ourselves with the car it will respond better to the structural reinforcements.

Mazda 5: Surprising versatility

With astonishing ease, the Mazda 5 knows how to adapt its interior to any of the needs. Even accessing the last row is quite comfortable thanks to the sliding side doors, which also make it easy to get in and out of the car in tight spots. In equipment, the Mazda 5 is one step behind, especially in terms of technology.

And for example, a button: the Ford C-Max includes in its list of options elements that in the Mazda 5 do not yet exist, such as the automatic parking assist, the tire pressure sensor, the rearview camera or the detector vehicles in a blind spot.

Nor can you mount the panoramic roof offered by the Renault Scénic or an efficient automatic transmission such as the seven-speed DSG of the Volkswagen Touran, in any case, if you do not pay much attention to all that equipment (optional, in any case) and you are looking for a reliable, attractive minivan with a large dose of safety and a good finish, this Mazda minivan is a good choice.

There are plenty of reasons to like this car: For example, it’s good behaviour (it has nothing to envy its rivals) or a 1.6 diesel engine that turns quite full at low revs and offers a very contained consumption.

With a 60-litre tank, the autonomy shoots up above the average. 900 kilometres, which will allow you to escape with the whole family without making your wallet shiver. There will be no problem there: the Mazda 5 is tireless.

Mazda 5 in a nutshell

What we like about the Mazda 5 is the:

seven standard seats;
driving position;
interior versatility;
number of slides;
behaviour on the road and feel;
comfort/dynamism balance;
rational levels of equipment and price;
safety improvements.

However, we are not impressed with the not very useful rear central seat, bland interiors, single-zone air conditioning, low-power engines like powerful ones, mechanical shift feel, no Stop & Start in basic engines, electric rear doors only at the top of the range, little innovation in active safety.

Conclusions

The Mazda 5 engine range consists of two 115 and 150 hp gasoline, and a 116 hp diesel. All of them are associated with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Mazda 5 has a good footprint of Japanese cars.

With a maximum towing capacity of 1200 kgs, Mazda 5 would not be first on our list for hauling capacities. Nonetheless, this model does a decent job in towing small and lightweight caravans, trailers, pop-up campers or boats.

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the content!

FAQ on Can a Mazda 5 tow a caravan?

Can a Mazda 5 tow a trailer?

A Mazda 5 can tow a lightweight trailer. As long as you are careful and the trailer’s weight doesn’t exceed 85% of the car’s kerb weight, you should be able to tow with a Mazda 5.

How much is a tow bar for a Mazda 3?

A tow bar for a Mazda 3 can vary from $350 for a Mazda 3 Sedan (2003-2013) to $735 for the newer models (2013-2019).

Can a Mazda CX-3 tow a caravan?

A Mazda CX-3 has a maximum towing capacity of 900 kilograms, making it able to pull a small and lightweight caravan.

Can a CX-5 tow a caravan?

A CX-5 will manage just great to tow a small caravan, camper or even a one-horse trailer. This top-selling SUV has a towing capacity of 1800 kg, which is more than enough for most of us.

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Can a Mazda 5 tow a caravan?