The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV, produced by Mazda since 2012. A successor to both the Tribute and the slightly larger CX-7, it is Mazda's first model to feature the "Kodo" design language and the first model to be fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, including a rigid, lightweight platform combined with a series of engines and transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The car debuted in 2011.
Since 2019, the CX-5 is positioned above the smaller CX-30. As of 2022, depending on the region, the CX-5 is positioned right below the larger CX-50, CX-60 or the CX-8 within Mazda's crossover SUV line-up.
Since 2014, the CX-5 has consistently been Mazda’s best-selling model globally. It achieved record sales in 2019, with 444,262 units sold worldwide. As of March 2022, cumulative sales of the CX-5 reached around 3.5 million units.
Contents
First generation (KE; 2012)
The Mazda MINAGI (Japanese: マツダ 勢) concept car, unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, was the first Mazda vehicle to combine the company's Kodo design language and Skyactiv technologies. Its design served as a preview of the CX-5.
In rapid development from 2009 to 2011 under Hideaki Tanaka, and styled under Masashi Nakayama from 2009 to 2010, the CX-5 was first shown at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Japanese model was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, while a customized variant featuring a red exterior body colour, alloy wheels painted in matte black, and a slightly lower body height was unveiled in 2012 at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
It shares the platform used by the third-generation Mazda3 and the third-generation Mazda6.
The production model went on sale in February 2012, with initial choice of a 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol engine or a 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel engine matched to a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.
Japanese production of the CX-5 began in January 2012 at the Ujina plant near Mazda's headquarters in Hiroshima. In July 2012, production of the model at Ujina was set to increase to 240,000 units per year by expanding production from Ujina Plant No.2 to Ujina Plant No.1.
During its introduction in February 2012, the CX-5 won the 2012-2013 Car of the Year Japan award.
Facelift
The facelifted Mazda CX-5 was unveiled at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show as a 2016 model. Notable changes include updates to exterior styling, reductions in road noise, improvements made to the infotainment system, and a sport mode for the six-speed automatic transmission. LED headlights, LED fog lights and combination LED tail lights were also offered as for higher trim levels.
In the U.S. and Canada, the update was designated as a 2016.5 model year iteration. The Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine was made standard on all United States trim levels, except the base-level Sport equipped with the six-speed manual transmission and front wheel drive, which retained the 2.0-litre powerplant.
Engine and drivetrain
The CX-5 is available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, powered by the PE-VPS 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine capable of 121 kW (162 hp; 165 PS) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) averaging an estimated 28 mpg‑imp (10 L/100 km; 23 mpg‑US) and emitting around 139 g/km of carbon dioxide.
It is also available with the debuting SH-VPTS 2.2-litre two-stage turbocharged diesel engine with either 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS) and 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft), or 129 kW (173 hp; 175 PS) and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft), emitting an estimated 119 or 139 g/km of CO2, respectively. Fuel consumption for the entry-level diesel engine with front-wheel drive is 63 mpg‑imp (4.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg‑US) on the European NEDC combined cycle.
Markets
The Australian version of the CX-5 was introduced in 2012 and was available in Maxx, Maxx Sport, Grand Touring and Akera trim levels. Initial models were available with either a 2.0 L petrol engine or a diesel engine, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive as options (FWD was only available with a 2.0-equipped CX-5). An automatic transmission was standard on all-wheel drive models, with manual available on the 2.0 Maxx FWD petrol).
Early European models included a choice of Skyactiv-G 2.0 and Skyactiv-D 2.2 engines.
The Japan domestic market CX-5 achieved monthly sales eight times higher than forecast just after its launch in February 2012, with the Skyactiv-D 2.2 diesel engine marketed as a "clean diesel" accounted for 73 percent of the sales.
The first-generation CX-5 was launched in Malaysia in May 2012 as a fully imported model. At launch, only one trim level was offered, with the 2.0 L Skyactiv-G engine and 6-speed automatic transmission with a choice of FWD or AWD. In June 2013, locally assembled models became available. The fully imported trim was renamed to High Spec, and a new lower trim level, Mid Spec, was launched. The Mid Spec was only available with FWD, while the High Spec continued to be offered with both FWD and AWD. In April 2015, a new base variant, dubbed the GL, was launched.
The first-generation facelift was launched in Malaysia in May 2015. Initially, the facelift version was fully imported and only available with the 2.5 L engine, but again, consumers could choose between FWD or AWD. The locally assembled facelift version was made available in early 2016 with either a 2.0 L Skyactiv-G engine or a 2.5 L Skyactiv-G engine. The 2.0 L engine could be had with only FWD but two trim levels: Mid Spec and High Spec, with Mid Spec being the more affordable of the two. The 2.5 L engine was only available with one trim level, but with either FWD or AWD. In July 2016, a 2.2 L Skyactiv-D powered, FWD, locally assembled variant was launched in Malaysia. It was positioned in between the 2.5 L Skyactiv-G FWD and 2.5 L Skyactiv-G AWD variant.
The CX-5 debuted in the U.S. in November 2011 at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. Initially, the only engine available was a direct-injected Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre inline-four petrol engine with 155 bhp (116 kW; 157 PS). It is rated at 26 and 32 mpg‑US (9.0 and 7.4 L/100 km; 31 and 38 mpg‑imp) in city and highway with the automatic transmission, which increases to 34 mpg‑US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp) with the manual transmission.
Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2013 CX-5 achieved Good crash test ratings in the Moderate Overlap Front, Side, Roof Strength, and Head Restraint & Seats categories, while achieving only a Marginal rating in the Small Overlap Front crash test. Design changes were subsequently made that brought up the Small Overlap Front rating up to a Good rating.
The small overlap test, introduced in 2012 by the IIHS, simulates a frontal collision on 25 percent of the driver's side front corner. Since its adoption, the IIHS has noticed several automakers making non-symmetrical modifications to their vehicles to improve ratings. Another small overlap test was conducted on a number of vehicles, including a 2015 CX-5, but was conducted on the passenger side instead and earned an acceptable rating. Testing showed substantially more intrusion into the passenger side than into the driver's side of the CX-5.
Second generation (KF; 2016)
The second-generation CX-5 was unveiled with an overhauled design and new technologies on 15 November 2016, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The model is available with 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol, 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol and 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel engines. New features include a new 'Soul Red Crystal' paint colour as well as a new remote-controlled powered tailgate.
In November 2018, Mazda added a new turbocharged petrol engine option from the CX-9 for the 2019 model year CX-5. It is a 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G turbocharged four-cylinder unit which produces 250 horsepower (190 kW; 250 PS) at 5,000 rpm on 93 AKI octane fuel and 227 hp on 87 AKI. Under U.S. fuel economy standards, Mazda claims the new engine delivers 22, 27 and 24 mpg‑US (10.7, 8.7 and 9.8 L/100 km; 26, 32 and 29 mpg‑imp) in city, highway and combined, respectively with AWD, regardless of octane.
Facelift
In September 2021, Mazda revealed a facelift for the second-generation CX-5 with updated styling and kit. Highlights include restyled bumpers and tailgate with new headlights and tail lights, larger tailpipes, a new Mi-Drive drive selector control, updated seats, and wireless charging. It is also equipped with revised suspension. The dampening control structure was improved and frame rigidity was increased, helping to reduce vibrations and road noise.
Markets
The second-generation CX-5 was launched in Mexico in March 2017, with three trim levels: i, i Sport and Grand Touring. Two engine options were available: a 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol and a 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol. In November 2018, the 2.5T Skyactiv-G petrol was introduced in Mexico for the Signature trim.
The facelifted CX-5 debuted in Mexico on 13 January 2022 with variants remained unchanged from the pre-facelift model.
In the U.S., the 2017 CX-5 was offered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trims. The Sport and Touring models came with 17-inch wheels, while the GT had 19-inch wheels. The 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine with VVT was the only choice offered for the 2017 model year.
Mazda announced the availability of a diesel engine for 2017; however, that engine did not arrive in the US until the 2019 model year. The diesel engine was only sold for the 2019 model year and was only offered on the Signature trim level. Mazda cited low consumer demand as well as emissions certification issues.
In 2017, for the 2018 model year, Mazda added standard cylinder deactivation and made the i-Activsense Package available on the Sport trim.
In 2018, for the 2019 model year, Mazda made available a new turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine and added new Grand Touring Reserve and Signature range-topping trims. A torque vectoring system marketed as G-Vectoring Control Plus was also added on all models.
Changes in 2019 for the 2020 model year included a new key fob design, an updated font used throughout the vehicle, a new Cylinder Deactivation System status display in the infotainment system. Mazda also made automatic headlights, i-Activsense safety features, and automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers standard and the Grand Touring trim received paddle shifters. Mazda claimed to have also improved road noise, vibration, and harshness across all trims. The Grand Touring Reserve trim received a new Engine Harmonics Enhancer to simulate engine noise, a new off-road traction assist system, and a new eight-inch infotainment system.
Third generation (KM; 2025)
The third-generation CX-5 was revealed on 10 July 2025.
The wheelbase of the third-generation model was increased by 75 mm (3.0 in) for increased interior space and handling stability. The CX-5 has wider opening rear doors and is available with an optional panoramic sunroof. Compared to the previous model, the boot is 50 mm (2.0 in) longer and 25 mm (0.98 in) higher and the lower lift-in height was lowered by 13 mm (0.51 in).
Exterior
The third-generation CX-5 features an updated version of Mazda's Kodo design language such as a new stacked headlight design, updated taillights, and Mazda lettering placed on the tailgate.
Mazda claims the front fascia is wider and more sculpted, with a wider front grille, slimmer headlights and new daytime running lights signature. For the side, the CX-5 features a core design element which is the cladding on the wheel arches and bottom of the car, modelled after a Japanese woodworking principle called "Kigumi." The CX-5 is also equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, that Mazda claims the design that "embodies flexibility and approachability." The rear fascia has slimmer taillights inspired from the CX-90 model, the traditional Mazda logo was replaced with Mazda lettering used on the tailgate, and dual exhaust outlets.Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of Strategic Planning for Mazda North America, explained to Motor1, "I would say the new CX-5 is a pioneer of a slightly evolved design language. Some elements of it you may see on future vehicles as well... It's our future direction. And yeah, you would see more of these elements in future vehicles."
Interior
The interior of the third-generation CX-5 has a driver-first concept approach with the use of fewer physical controls. There is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch touchscreen (the largest sized touchscreen display offered in a Mazda product), ambient lighting system with seven colour choices, a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel with Mazda lettering, Cognac leather upholstery, Qi wireless charger in front of the gear selector, a split design for the front centre armrest, and the increased use of soft materials used on the major interior touchpoints.
For the infotainment, the CX-5 was the first Mazda product to use Google built-in services for the infotainment system. Entry-level variants feature a 12.9-inch touchscreen which is mounted higher on the dashboard and is operated by a rotary knob (unless the vehicle is stationary, it can also be operated through limited touchscreen inputs). Wireless compatibility for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay comes standard.
Tamara Mlynarczyk, manager of public affairs for Mazda North American Operations, explained to Motor1 about the decision to eliminate most traditional controls in the third-generation model was based on an internal study which showed customers preferred to have a large infotainment system:"Based on customer feedback, we developed a new human-machine interface (HMI) that prioritises ease of use while maintaining Mazda's safe driving philosophy. The new CX-5 changes from a commander to a touchscreen centre display, which is the most suitable means to minimise the 'hands' away from the steering wheel while implementing:
• Advanced voice recognition allowing the driver to operate vehicle functions like the air conditioning, audio, and navigation systems;
• Human-centric steering wheel switches allowing the driver to operate the controls without placing a burden on human attention resources," said Mlynarczyk.
Powertrains
The 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G PY-VPS petrol engine carried over from the previous model, Mazda claims the engine was recalibrated "with an emphasis on offering both sharper response and also a more relaxed, quiet demeanour". In Europe, Japan and other markets, the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G PY-VPS petrol engine features Mazda's M Hybrid 24-volt mild hybrid and a brake-by-wire system.
Unlike the previous model, the third-generation CX-5 is not available with the 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol, turbocharged engines and diesel engines.
Mazda confirmed the Skyactiv-Z engine equipped with the Mazda Hybrid System developed in-house, is scheduled to debut in 2027.
Markets
The third-generation CX-5 was launched in Indonesia on 29 July 2026 at the 33rd Indonesia International Auto Show, alongside the CX-30 (CKD-model) and Mazda 6e, it is available with two trim levels: Sport and Kuro, powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G PY-VPS and comes standard with front-wheel drive.
The third-generation CX-5 was released in Japan on 21 May 2026. In Japan, it was available with three trim levels: S, G, and L. All Japanese-market CX-5 powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G PY-VPS M hybrid, with front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants. The G EX Package includes optional advanced safety features and a BOSE sound system.
On 23 June 2026, Mazda recorded over 10,000 orders for the third-generation Mazda CX-5 since sales commenced in the previous month.
The third-generation CX-5 was launched in the Philippines on 20 August 2026, with a single variant: Premium Plus, powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G PY-VPS M hybrid and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The third-generation CX-5 was launched in Taiwan on 18 August 2026, with four variants: 25S AWD Elite, 25S AWD Exclusive, 25S AWD Premium and 25S AWD Premium Plus, it is powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol.
The third-generation CX-5 was released in the North American market in January 2026 for the 2026 model year. In the US, it is available with five trim levels: Standard, Select, Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus. In Canada, it is available with three trim levels: GX, GS and GT (also available with the Panoramic Roof and Premium packages). For the North American market, all CX-5 variants are powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol (2.5S).
The third-generation CX-5 was launched in Mexico on 6 March 2026, with three trim levels: i Sport, i Grand Touring and Signature.
The third-generation CX-5 went on sale in Australia on 24 March 2026, with five trim levels: Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Akera. All Australian-market variants are powered by the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol (G25) produces 132 kW (177 hp; 179 PS) and 242 N⋅m (178 lb⋅ft) and with all-wheel drive is standard. Compared to the previous model, the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol (G25) produces 8 kW (11 hp; 11 PS) less power and 10 N⋅m (7.4 lb⋅ft) less torque, due to Australia's mandating emissions systems, aligned with the Euro 6d European emission standards. For the Australian market, Mazda chose to not offer the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol equipped with Mazda's M Hybrid mild hybrid technology because it was compromised for Australian customer needs and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in Australia for CO2 emissions is different to the European legislation.
Awards
In 2024, the CX-5 was one of five compact SUVs listed on Car and Driver's Editors' Choice.