Mazda CX-5

Core summary

Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV produced since 2012. The current model is the third-generation KM, revealed on 10 July 2025. Compared with the outgoing CX-5, it has a 75 mm longer wheelbase, wider-opening rear doors, a longer and taller boot, and a lower lift-in height. Its exterior updates Mazda’s Kodo design language with stacked headlights, slimmer rear lamps, a wider grille and Mazda lettering on the tailgate. The cabin adopts a more screen-led, driver-first layout, with a digital instrument cluster, large central display options, wireless smartphone connectivity and available ambient lighting. The current powertrain is based on a 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine. Mazda pairs it with its 24-volt M Hybrid system in Europe, Japan and some other markets, while the North American and Australian descriptions specify petrol-only versions without that system. Front- and all-wheel-drive variants are both described, but availability varies by market. The third generation therefore represents a substantial packaging and interface change rather than a new engine family.

History & generations

The CX-5 debuted in 2011 and entered production sales in February 2012 as the KE first generation. It was Mazda’s first production model to combine the Kodo design language with a broad group of Skyactiv technologies, including a rigid, lightweight platform and new petrol and diesel engines. A 2014 facelift, sold as a 2016 or 2016.5 model in some markets, revised the exterior, reduced road noise and updated infotainment. The KF second generation was unveiled in November 2016 with an overhauled design and new technologies. During its run, Mazda added a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, revised trim structures and introduced a 2021 facelift with updated styling, seats, charging equipment and suspension changes. The KM third generation was revealed in July 2025. It grows in wheelbase and cargo proportions, changes the cabin interface substantially and drops the previous generation’s 2.0-litre petrol, turbocharged and diesel engine choices.

Body, platform & design

The KM CX-5 develops Mazda’s Kodo design language rather than repeating the previous generation’s appearance. The front end is described as wider and more sculpted, with a broader grille, slimmer headlights, a new stacked headlight arrangement and revised daytime-running-light signatures. Wheel-arch and lower-body cladding is shaped around “Kigumi,” a Japanese woodworking principle used as a design reference. Mazda also specifies 19-inch alloy wheels for the third-generation design description. At the rear, slimmer lamps draw inspiration from the CX-90, while the conventional tailgate badge is replaced by Mazda lettering. Dual exhaust outlets are part of the exterior treatment described in the extract. The increased wheelbase is a functional as well as visual change: it is intended to support more interior space and handling stability. Wider-opening rear doors, a longer and taller boot, and a reduced lift-in height further distinguish the KM’s body packaging from the preceding model. An optional panoramic sunroof is also identified.

Engine & drivetrain

The current KM generation carries over the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G PY-VPS petrol engine from the previous model, with recalibration intended to sharpen response and create a quieter, more relaxed operating character. In Europe, Japan and other markets, this engine is paired with Mazda’s 24-volt M Hybrid mild-hybrid system and a brake-by-wire system. North American versions are described as using the 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, while Australia receives a market-specific G25 petrol version. Australian output is stated as 132 kW and 242 N⋅m, with the lower output attributed to emissions equipment aligned with Euro 6d requirements. Mazda does not offer the previous generation’s 2.0-litre petrol, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol or diesel engines in the KM. The extract also says a Skyactiv-Z engine with Mazda’s in-house Mazda Hybrid System is scheduled for 2027, so it is not part of the current launch powertrain described here.

Trim differences

Third-generation trim names vary considerably by market. In the United States, the range is Standard, Select, Preferred, Premium and Premium Plus. Canada uses GX, GS and GT, with Panoramic Roof and Premium packages also listed. Mexico offers i Sport, i Grand Touring and Signature. Australia lists Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Akera, while New Zealand uses Touring, SP, Homura and Takami. Japan has S, G and L grades, with the G EX Package adding optional advanced safety equipment and a BOSE sound system. Indonesia offers Sport and Kuro, and the Philippines has a single Premium Plus variant. Taiwan lists four all-wheel-drive variants: 25S AWD Elite, Exclusive, Premium and Premium Plus. These names should not be treated as a universal hierarchy because the extract records different engines, equipment and drivetrains by region. Australia specifies petrol-only versions with all-wheel drive standard, whereas other market descriptions include front-wheel-drive variants or M Hybrid configurations.

Interior & seating

The KM cabin follows a driver-first concept with fewer physical controls and a stronger emphasis on digital interfaces. The equipment description includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch touchscreen, identified as the largest touchscreen offered in a Mazda product. Entry-level variants instead use a 12.9-inch display mounted higher on the dashboard and operated primarily through a rotary knob, with limited touchscreen inputs available when stationary. Google built-in services are introduced to Mazda’s infotainment system for the first time, while wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. Other specified features include seven-colour ambient lighting, a redesigned three-spoke steering wheel, a split front centre armrest, a Qi wireless charger positioned ahead of the gear selector and increased use of soft-touch materials at major contact points. Cognac leather upholstery is also listed in the interior description. Mazda says the revised human-machine interface supports voice operation of functions such as climate, audio and navigation, while steering-wheel switches are intended to reduce driver distraction.

Efficiency & range

It does identify a 24-volt M Hybrid system for the 2.5-litre petrol engine in Europe, Japan and other markets, and describes a brake-by-wire system in those configurations. Australia does not receive the M Hybrid version in the supplied market description. Instead, Australian vehicles use a petrol-only G25 engine rated at 132 kW and 242 N⋅m, with emissions equipment aligned to Euro 6d standards. The extract explains that the Australian output is lower than the preceding model’s output because of those requirements. North American versions are also described with the 2.5-litre petrol engine, but no current fuel-consumption figures are supplied. Earlier-generation economy figures appear in the reference material, yet they belong to KE or KF versions and are not applicable to the current KM profile. The practical efficiency picture is therefore market-specific: mild-hybrid assistance is documented for some regions, while Australia is explicitly petrol-only.

Safety & equipment

The KE initially received Good IIHS ratings in several categories and a Marginal small-overlap front rating; subsequent design changes improved the small-overlap result to Good. A passenger-side small-overlap test on a 2015 CX-5 received an Acceptable rating, with more intrusion than on the driver side. Those results describe the older generation and should not be used as current-model ratings. For the KM, the extract mentions optional advanced safety features within Japan’s G EX Package but does not enumerate a complete safety suite or testing outcome. North American trim descriptions identify five grades, while the Canadian description notes optional packages, but neither establishes a universal safety specification. Current safety equipment and independent ratings should therefore be checked against the relevant market’s official documentation and testing authority.

Strengths

The KM’s principal strengths are its larger body packaging and broader technology brief. A 75 mm wheelbase increase is intended to improve interior space and handling stability, while wider rear-door openings and a revised boot make access and loading more practical. The boot is described as 50 mm longer and 25 mm higher, with the lift-in height lowered by 13 mm. The exterior retains a clear Mazda design identity through its revised Kodo treatment. Inside, the current model adds a digital instrument cluster, large infotainment screens, wireless smartphone compatibility, Google built-in services and available ambient lighting. The 2.5-litre petrol engine remains the central powertrain, with 24-volt M Hybrid assistance available in several regions. Buyers can also encounter both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, depending on market. The model’s long production history and global sales position show sustained market significance, although those facts do not determine the equipment or value of an individual current-market version.

Considerations

The most important consideration is specification variation. Trim names, engine choices, drive systems and equipment differ across North America, Asia, Europe and Oceania, so a CX-5 badge does not identify one universal configuration. The current KM also gives up the previous generation’s 2.0-litre petrol, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel options. Buyers seeking those engines are looking at an older KF specification rather than the current model. M Hybrid availability is regional, and Australia specifically receives a petrol-only version without the 24-volt system. The new cabin also reduces the number of traditional physical controls in favour of larger displays, rotary-knob operation and voice functions. That is a significant interface change from the previous model and should be evaluated against local trim equipment. Panoramic-roof, audio and advanced-safety availability likewise depends on the market and grade.

Recommended use

The CX-5 is positioned as a compact crossover for everyday transport, family duties and mixed urban and highway use. The KM’s longer wheelbase, wider-opening rear doors and revised boot dimensions support passenger and cargo access, while the lower lift-in height may simplify loading. Front-wheel-drive versions are described for several markets, and all-wheel drive is offered or standard in others, giving the range different traction configurations rather than one uniform setup. It is therefore best understood as a general-purpose compact SUV rather than a vehicle with a documented specialist utility role. Exact suitability depends on local trim, drivetrain and powertrain availability.

FAQ

Q: What is the current Mazda CX-5 generation? A: The third-generation KM, revealed on 10 July 2025.

Q: Which engine powers the current CX-5? A: A 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine; M Hybrid is available in some markets.

Q: Is the current CX-5 available with all-wheel drive? A: Yes, although drivetrain availability depends on market and trim.

Q: Does the KM retain the previous turbo or diesel engines? A: No. The extract says the current generation does not offer them.

Q: What changed most in the third generation? A: It gains a longer wheelbase, revised body design and a more digital cabin.

Q: Are CX-5 trims the same worldwide? A: No. Trim names and equipment vary substantially by region.

Sources & updates

Research for this Mazda CX-5 profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.

Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 30, 2026.

• All-New MAZDA CX-5 Debuts in Europe · official manufacturer →
• Mazda CX-5 · reference overview →

Last editorial review: August 30, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.