All of the Mazda CX-5’s major competitors have been given a full model change this decade. There’s the sixth-generation Honda CR-V, the redesigned Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail, and the Subaru Forester. And let’s not forget that the sales king, the Toyota RAV4, also saw a major overhaul this year.
While still competitive, the CX-5 had one hand tied behind its back to fend off its rivals. The current model has been around since 2016, so it’s close to a decade old now. If anything, it’s the only car in its segment that came from, quite literally, the last decade.
But finally, the all-new generation has been revealed, and it presents a gentle evolution rather than a major revolution.
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It’s understandable why Mazda appears to have chosen a more conservative approach. After all, it’s the company’s best-selling model with over 4.5 million sold since 2012.
At the front, there’s a new layered headlight design that gives off a more distinct daytime running light patter. The bumper is also noticeable longer at the bottom than the midsection. Its grille is slimmer and sleeker than before, a welcome break from all the gawping one we’ve been seeing lately.
Moving to the side, the silhouette is unmistakably CX-5. For the most part, it retains the roofline of the soon to be outgoing generation that also followed the form of the very first model. As for the rear, slim, wraparound design
Inside, it’s a different take on Mazda’s minimalism theme. Whereas the CX-60 and CX-80 go for flowing, organic lines, the one in the CX-5 are more anglular and straightforward. That said, we’re glad to see that it has an actual shroud for its digital instrument cluster rather than just a screen tacked on the dashboard.
Speaking of screens, there’s a massive 15.6-inch infotainment display, although a smaller unit is fitted to lower-spec variants. Also, there’s more room to speak of thanks to the larger body that’s been stretched by 115mm. Aside from more passenger space, Mazda claims a longer and wider cargo area.
Of course, advanced driver assists are included in the all-new CX-5. It has the usual features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keep assist, to name a few. Also, the infotainment system is said to boast ‘smartphone-like usability’ and a customizable home screen.
There are two engine options available for the redesigned CX-5. The first is the familiar 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G unit that makes 177hp and 242Nm. The second is a mild-hybrid 2.5-liter dubbed the e-SkyActiv-G, although power output has yet to be revealed. Either way, both engines are hooked up to a six-speed automatic and i-Activ all-wheel drive is available.
Another engine will join the lineup down the line. That would be the next-generation SkyActiv-Z, an all-new internal combustion engine that will power future Mazda models. There are no specs for that just yet, and we’ll have to wait until 2027 before we see it under the hoot of the CX-5.
More photos of the third-generation Mazda CX-5:
