The Mazda CX-5 is, alongside the MX-5, arguably Hiroshima’s most important model, so any new version of its best-seller is a big deal for the company. This new third-generation C-segment SUV finally makes its debut eight years after its predecessor, and while it looks vaguely similar to the last one, the samey design hides a wholesale departure in how Mazda approaches the development of its vehicles.
For too long, the CX-5 has been pigeonholed as the sportier but less practical option, so the new model gets a longer wheelbase to increase interior space and handling stability. There are also wider-opening rear doors, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and a boot that’s now 61 litres larger than before, all in the name of making this car more versatile than the last.
The aforementioned wheelbase stretch has been accompanied by increased dimensions all around to maintain the CX-5’s general shape and proportions. Measuring 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall, the new car is 115 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 15 mm taller than the old one.
The trademark Kodo design – which the original CX-5 debuted way back in 2011 – has been mildly refreshed following a new “Wearable Gear” concept. The large seven-point grille remains, but there’s now a black frame connected to the slim headlights, forming a “wing” in a similar fashion to the electric 6e sedan.
Moving towards the side, the wheel arches have been gently squared off, while the roofline appears to slope less towards the back, which should again increase passenger space. The rear end features wide L-shaped taillights akin to the CX-60 and CX-80, along with twin visible tailpipes and the Mazda script instead of the usual logo – another cue lifted from the 6e.
But it’s on the inside where the changes are truly stark. Mazda has traditionally pursued a driver-first concept that prioritised physical controls, going so far as to move the infotainment display back and making it inoperable by touch. That’s all gone now – the CX-5 gets a massive touchscreen that sits front and centre of the dashboard, measuring either 12.9 inches or 15.6 inches across.
Evidently inspired by the 6e, this change has had coincided with many of the physical buttons and switches – yes, including the air-con controls – being moved into the display, meaning that even Mazda isn’t immune to this unfortunate trend. On the bright side, the CX-5 is the company’s first car to have Google services built in, such as Google Maps, Gemini generative AI voice control and the Google Play app store.
Meanwhile, the driver sits in front of a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a three-spoke steering wheel that again features the Mazda wordmark, a company first. Elsewhere, the ditching of the BMW iDrive-style commander knob has freed up space for a Qi wireless charger to sit aft of the gearlever.
The cleaned-up interior has at least resulted in a simpler presentation, with the wraparound dashboard design – incorporating ambient lighting in the doors on top trims – being more prominent. Buyers can choose from several upholstery options, including black or tan leather and black-and-white faux leather and suede. You can also spec the car with a panoramic glass roof and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
While the cabin has gone through a thorough revamp, things are more familiar under the bonnet. Just one engine option has been confirmed so far – a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated e-Skyactiv-G four-cylinder paired with a 24-volt mild hybrid system, replacing the base 2.0 litre mill; it’s paired with the usual Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission.
Outputs have actually dropped significantly to 141 PS and 238 Nm of torque (to say nothing of the old 195 PS 2.5 litre), meaning that the CX-5 lumbers from zero to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. This engine will have to tide buyers over until Mazda readies its new range of more efficient Skyactiv-Z powertrains, which are only expected to enter production at the end of 2027.
Under the skin, the CX-5 benefits from a new brake-by-wire system and some chassis and suspension tweaks to improve handling and ride comfort. Available in the same front- and all-wheel-drive versions as before, the car is now capable of towing up to 2,000 kg. It will also come equipped with driver assistance features (although Mazda hasn’t elaborated) and targets a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The new Mazda CX-5 will go on sale in Europe first starting in December, with prices starting from €34,500 (RM172,000) in Germany. Other markets will follow next year.
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141 PS and 238 Nm coming out of a 2.5 L & charge consumer a premium? Are you kidding? Even civic 1.5-Turbo can churn out 173 PS & 220 Nm
Mazda fans said power not important..handling and quality is more important
Front = CX-5 + CRV
Rear = CX-5 + Lexus RX
which means the engine is under stressed. a big cc powertrain but the output is limited. which means it’ll be very reliable.
People value reliability. Unless coming from a reliable brand, turbo engine is not preferable especially coming from place known for producing crappy local branded products.
The output of the engine probably to meet the stringent emission rules in european market..the interior looks nice and clean,but it generic and un mazda like in design,somehow it copy chinese car interior for better or worse..just hope it retains its ‘zoom zoom’ in driving dynamic..
Hopefully it doesn’t get the Bermaz signature treatment, which is to water down specs and increase prices…
beautiful design on interior. exterior wise, the back and side profile is beautiful.
front based on the picture is ugly, but will decide the front design again when it is on our road.
Engine is superbad. Sluggishly waste of time.
Mazda is the only few brands i WAS rooting for because they still use separate physical climate controls. Goodbye Mazda. I guess I have no interest left for the Japanese brands
Only obsolete old fart dinosaurs like you still like separate climate controls it’s already 2025 so get into the future already else just STFU if you don’t have anything usefull to say.
Why don’t you STFU, enough literature showing separate controls are safer – https://www.wired.com/story/why-car-brands-are-finally-switching-back-to-buttons/ – just to name one article.
Not everyone is treating the road like a Gran Turismo track like you.
The wheelbase also longer now..Hence Gen3
Oh my god, what happened to the slick design?
Is it just me or does it look like a honda
Air cond control on the touchscreen!!! Why Mazda?! Why?! Why do you abandon the human-centric principle?!
1. Kodo design is dead? confirmed.
2. Poor 2.5L engine – what a joke output.
3. Side mirrors – rollover since 2012 1st Gen. wtf?
4. Grille – overly designed & ugly af. Im sure TheSketchMonkey will redesign it soon.
5. Overall design – 95% exact copy from 2nd gen – just by expanding B-pillar by 3in (2700mm > 2775mm) to match 6th gen CR-V seems useless, because it still looks like 2nd gen! Seriously.
6. Interior – slapping big screen makes the car ambience generic like any other China brand (Chery, GWM, Changan, etc…). What happened to Mazda ergonomics, the physical A/C knobs at least, the excuse over the years that MZD connect central rotary knob is superior/safer than touch screens, bla bla etc. All gone! Very disappointing.
Mazda designers are LAZY. There, I’ve finally said it!
Really disappointed with the removal of all the switches and buttons. Used to have high hopes on Mazda, now, the only (of a few) hope gone.
Bermaz, this model really play important role to your sales. 2.5 capacity engine just don’t sell well in Malaysia, beside fuel consumption, the road tax is RM700 plus compared to majority 1.5T and 1.6T which cost only RM90 to RM120.
At least you maintain the previous 2.0 NA engine which good enough for daily normal usage.
I really love this new design, especially from back view. But interior design seem like lost Mazda flavour.
The road tax for Mazda CX-8 2.5L at RM830.40. I think this is applicable to new CX-5 2.5L NA too. Bermaz sales will be doomed with the new CX-5.
The design is same old car 8 years ago, with moon roof and Bose taken out, there is nothing special as compared to current Mazda lineups.
Fuel consumption is gone, with subsidies removed, the sale of this new CX-5 will be really…..
This larger CX-5 starts RM 170k+ at Europe,
But most likely start RMB 120k+ at China,
Price below Mazda EZ-6, just like how Europe Mazda6e is price segmented higher.
tbh i don’t understand the trend of writing out the brand on the rear or steering wheel. keeping it simple with the brand logo would have been so much better, especially for this car.
love Mazdas but they could have taken inspiration from the CX60/70/80/90 interior and make it suited for this class of vehicle. slapping a gigantic off-centered screen just seems lazy and isn’t streamlined with the brand. also, the minimum they could’ve done are physical buttons for the aircon controls…
still will check it out at showrooms though so Bermaz you had better not mess this one up with the sub-par specs and exorbitant prices…
Desperate times desperate moves. Dulu bukan main sombong, touch screens are not safe bla..bla..bla..
As usual, price will be unduly high and potentially unreasonable.
Why the screen not aligned with the centre console and rear view mirror. Argh. Now I cannot unsee and my OCD is triggered.
like a shadow of Honda CRV!
For this prices omada9 is wayway better value
That hideous brand have so many problems.
Byd seal lion 7 better
Tunggu smpai tahun depan, Cbu Ev belum tax lgi
Another BMW copier. Looks like a lot manufacturer really admire BMW. Starting with Honda. Keke
Rear light copy BMW 2 series first gen or 4 series. Front DRL copy BMW Z4. Other part is last gen Mazda. Lame…Mazda drover thught they same rank with German especially the big Bs but ppl know it is so yesterday and far from premium.
Why every single car turning into rubbish EV style. Nobody wants every control in the screen plus rubbish hybrid la. Halo. Don’t know where all these product managers put their brain.
Talk how canggih how canggih also no use, later announced price rm200k got 3d projection control like in star trek pun no one going to buy.