In the fiercely competitive landscape of compact SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 has carved a distinct niche for itself, consistently blending stylish design with engaging driving dynamics and premium aspirations. From its groundbreaking debut in the early 2010s, the CX-5 not only became a cornerstone of Mazda’s lineup but also redefined expectations for what a practical family vehicle could offer.
Below, we delve into the journey of the Mazda CX-5 through its different generations, exploring the key design philosophies, technological advancements, and performance enhancements that have shaped this beloved crossover. From the introduction of the first generation, which pioneered Mazda’s revolutionary Skyactiv Technology and captivating Kodo design language, to the refined and sophisticated second generation, we’ll trace the evolution of this iconic model.
Furthermore, we’ll offer a glimpse into the highly anticipated third generation, poised to continue the CX-5’s legacy with fresh styling and cutting-edge powertrains, ensuring its enduring appeal in the years to come.
First Generation CX-5 (KE) – 2013 to 2016
The first generation of the Mazda CX-5 marked a significant milestone for the Japanese automaker, debuting for the 2013 model year. It essentially replaced the outgoing CX-7 and Tribute in Mazda’s lineup and quickly became the brand’s bestselling vehicle. This generation was pivotal as it introduced Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology and the now-signature Kodo “Soul of Motion” design language to a wider audience in the popular compact SUV segment.
Exterior and Interior Design
The first-generation CX-5 was the first production vehicle to fully embody the Kodo design philosophy. Its exterior was characterized by flowing lines, a prominent front grille that appeared almost to be “smiling”, sleek headlights, and an athletic stance. The design emphasized a sense of dynamism and sophistication, setting it apart from some of its more conservatively styled rivals.
Inside, the focus was on creating a comfortable and functional space for five passengers. While not the most expansive in its class, the interior offered ample legroom and cargo space, with the latter expanding significantly when the rear seats were folded. Key features included a user-friendly layout and comfortable, reclining seats. Over its production run, interior technology such as a 7-inch touchscreen display, sunroof, and cruise control became available depending on the trim level.
Engine Options and Performance
A key highlight of the first generation was the introduction of Mazda’s Skyactiv engines. These engines were designed for both performance and fuel efficiency through high compression ratios and direct injection. Several engine options were available depending on the market, including:
| 2.0L Skyactiv-G Petrol | Offered around 155 horsepower and 196 Nm of torque, delivering a good balance of performance and fuel economy (around 16.4 km/l as per some sources). |
| 2.5L Skyactiv-G Petrol | Available in some markets, this provided more power with around 184-188 horsepower and 245-250 Nm of torque, while still maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency (around 15.2 km/l). |
| 2.2L Skyactiv-D Diesel | Notable for its strong torque output (around 420 Nm) and excellent fuel economy (around 18.0-18.4 km/l). It produced around 175 horsepower. |
The first generation CX-5 was available with both front-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.
Technological Advancements
While perhaps not as feature-rich as later generations, the first CX-5 introduced several key technologies. Depending on the trim and market, features like a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and basic infotainment systems became available.
Over time, Mazda also began to incorporate elements of its i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance technologies towards the end of this generation’s run.
Chassis and Handling
The first-generation CX-5 utilized a new platform designed with Skyactiv principles, emphasizing lightweight construction and agility. This resulted in a vehicle praised for its engaging driving dynamics, often being described as one of the more fun-to-drive compact SUVs on the market.
The chassis aimed for a balance between comfortable ride quality and responsive handling. Mazda also offered accessories like a member brace set to further enhance chassis rigidity for those seeking even sportier handling.
Facelift
The first generation received a significant facelift around the 2015 and 2016 model year. This refresh brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including updated front and rear bumper designs, a revised grille, and new headlight and taillight designs. The interior also saw some improvements in materials and potentially updated infotainment features, aiming to enhance the overall premium feel.
Second Generation CX-5 (KF) – 2017 to Present
The second generation of the Mazda CX-5 was officially launched in 2016 as a 2017 model, marking a significant evolution of the popular compact SUV. Chief designer Shinichi Isayama stated that the aim was to build upon the key features of the original, such as the beautiful exterior and high-quality interior, while further progressing the design’s emotional value.
Exterior and Interior Design Evolution
The second-generation CX-5 refined the Kodo design language, presenting a more mature and sophisticated aesthetic. The exterior featured sleeker lines, a more prominent and upright front grille, and redesigned LED headlights and taillights, giving it a more aggressive and modern look. The fender area was given more volume to assert a more active style.
Inside, Mazda focused on creating a more premium and driver-centric environment. The floor console was raised to bring the gear lever closer to the driver, and the center console and door armrests were set to near-identical heights for a more balanced and relaxed seating position.
The interior boasted soft-touch surfaces, stitched detailing, and satin accents to enhance the overall plush feel. Practicality remained a key consideration, with intuitive controls and decent-sized storage spaces.
Engine Options and Performance
The second generation continued to offer Skyactiv engines with enhancements for improved performance and efficiency. Engine options varied by market but typically included:
| 2.0L Skyactiv-G Petrol | Similar to the first generation but with potential refinements for improved efficiency. |
| 2.5L Skyactiv-G Petrol | Often offering around 194 horsepower, this became a more prominent option, providing a noticeable step up in performance. |
| 2.5L Skyactiv-G Petrol with Cylinder Deactivation | Introduced later in the generation, this technology further improved fuel efficiency by shutting down cylinders when less power was needed. |
| 2.5L Turbo Skyactiv-G Petrol | A significant addition for the 2019 model year, this engine provided a substantial power boost, making the CX-5 more competitive in terms of performance. |
| 2.2L Skyactiv-D Diesel | Continued to be available in some markets, offering strong torque and excellent fuel economy. However, this engine was discontinued in some regions by the time of the 2022 refresh. |
All-wheel drive (AWD) remained an available option, and for the 2022 facelift, AWD became the standard drivetrain in some markets. The second generation also saw improvements in ride comfort and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.
Technological Advancements
The second-generation CX-5 saw significant advancements in technology. It featured Mazda’s latest infotainment system with a larger display screen, often controlled by a rotary commander. Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard or widely available.
The i-Activsense suite of advanced safety features was expanded and enhanced, often including adaptive LED headlights, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, Mazda radar cruise control, and more. Features like a head-up display also became available.
Chassis and Handling
Building on the success of the first generation’s engaging driving dynamics, the second generation CX-5 further refined the chassis and suspension. The focus remained on providing a comfortable yet responsive driving experience. While specific details on chassis changes might be subtle, the overall tuning aimed for a more premium and controlled ride.
Facelifts and Mid-Cycle Updates
The second generation received a notable mid-cycle refresh for the 2022 model year. This update brought further styling enhancements, including redesigned front and rear fascias and updated interior elements.
More significantly, the trim level structure was often revised to emphasize different aspects like sporty driving or premium comfort. In some markets, all-wheel drive became the standard configuration at this point, and the diesel engine option was discontinued.
Third Generation Mazda CX-5 – Future
The third-generation Mazda CX-5 is widely expected to debut in late 2025 as a 2026 model-year vehicle. Some reports suggest it might arrive in certain markets, like Australia, in the first quarter of 2026.
Design Direction
Mazda appears to be taking an evolutionary approach to the design of the new CX-5. Spy shots suggest the overall shape will remain similar to the current model. However, the front end is expected to adopt Mazda’s latest corporate styling, possibly resembling the design seen on the Mazda EZ-6 electric sedan in China. Key design elements that have been speculated on include:
- A larger, potentially blacked-out, sporty grille.
- Slim, blade-like LED headlights.
- A more rugged appearance, possibly with squared-off wheel arches similar to the CX-50.
- Redesigned taillights with a modern LED graphic, potentially inspired by Mazda’s larger SUVs like the CX-60 and CX-90.
- A redesigned D-pillar and potentially more prominent plastic cladding for a slightly more off-road-inspired edge.
Interior Expectations
The interior is expected to receive a significant update, potentially featuring:
- A more minimalist and luxurious design.
- A floating infotainment screen integrated into the dashboard.
- A digital instrument cluster.
- A higher roofline to improve rear passenger headroom.
- Increased cargo space.
- Potential inclusion of features like Amazon Alexa voice command integration and Mazda’s driver personalization system (seen in the CX-60 and CX-90) on higher trims, which can adjust settings based on individual driver profiles.
Powertrain
A significant change expected for the third generation is the introduction of a full hybrid powertrain developed in-house by Mazda. This will likely be a key differentiator for the new model.
While specific engine details haven’t been confirmed, there are expectations for options ranging from a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to a possible plug-in hybrid variant, potentially borrowing technology from the CX-70 and CX-90.
All-wheel drive is likely to remain available, possibly becoming standard on higher trim levels.
Overall Impression
The third generation of the Mazda CX-5 seems poised to blend Mazda’s evolving design language with modern technology, including a much-anticipated hybrid powertrain.
While it appears to be an evolution rather than a revolution in terms of overall shape, the updates to styling, interior, and powertrain aim to keep the CX-5 competitive in the popular compact SUV segment.