Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 at a glance

Three generations of the CX-5

First generation (KE, 2012–2017)

The Minagi concept at the 2011 Geneva show previewed the design, and the production CX-5 appeared at Frankfurt in September 2011. Production began at Ujina in January 2012, with sales from February. It took over from the larger Mazda CX-7 as Mazda's main SUV. The CX-5 brought together Mazda's Skyactiv engines, gearboxes, body and chassis for the first time.

The facelift was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2014. The old 1cars review describes its changes in detail: a larger grille with horizontal bars, new headlights with bi-xenon lamps as standard and optional adaptive LED lights, and smaller LED fog lights. Inside came a new 7-inch screen, revised trim and about 10 % less noise in the cabin. Wheels ranged from 17 to 19 inches.

Second generation (KF, 2017–2025)

The KF was unveiled on 15 November 2016 at the Los Angeles show, went on sale in Japan on 2 February 2017 and reached Europe in May 2017. It kept the proven Skyactiv engines and added refinements year by year. The 2.5 gained cylinder deactivation in 2018, and G-Vectoring Control Plus followed in 2019. North America also received a 2.5 turbo with 190 kW (250 hp), raised to 191 kW (260 PS) for 2022.

The facelift of September 2021 brought new bumpers and lights, the Mi-Drive selector, updated seats, wireless phone charging and a stiffer body with retuned suspension. The KF was the best-selling CX-5 generation: Mazda sold a record 444,262 CX-5s in 2019. One of its closest rivals throughout those years is described on our Kia Sportage page.

Third generation (from 2025)

Mazda revealed the third CX-5 in Europe on 10 July 2025, with sales from the end of 2025 and in Britain from summer 2026. Its wheelbase is 75 mm longer than before, which helps rear space and the boot. The cabin has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9- or 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest Mazda has used. A Skyactiv-Z engine with Mazda's own full hybrid system is planned for 2027.

Mazda CX-5 key specifications (2025 model, Europe)

British launch data give 0–60 mph in 10.3 seconds for the new model.

Engines and performance across generations

The two-stage turbo diesel was the European favourite. The old 1cars text quotes Mazda's figures for the facelifted KE. The 129 kW diesel reached 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 204 km/h, and the 141 kW petrol 2.5 needed 7.9 seconds. The 110 kW 2.0 took 8.9 seconds with the automatic or 9.3 seconds with the manual. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic was available.

By our calculation, the new mild hybrid has 37 kW less than the old 2.5 petrol of the KE. Mazda traded power for lower emissions, and the planned Skyactiv-Z hybrid is meant to close that gap.

Cabin space and the 567-litre boot

The old 1cars review of the KE found the cabin well made and sensibly laid out, with soft plastics at the front and leather or cloth seats depending on trim. Two adults sit comfortably in the back; the middle seat is tighter because of the floor tunnel. With the rear seats folded, the KE offered about 1,560 litres and a flat load floor more than 1.7 m long, with a full-size spare wheel under the floor.

The KF boot held 506 litres, and the new model holds 567 litres, with a 40:20:40 split rear seat. The third generation's longer wheelbase is aimed at families who found the earlier cars tight in the back.

CX-5 fuel use: petrol, diesel and mild hybrid

For the facelifted KE, the old 1cars text quotes official combined figures of 6.2–6.7 l/100 km for the 2.0, 7.3 l/100 km for the 2.5 and about 5.9 l/100 km for the 2.2 diesel. These were measured on the older NEDC cycle; real-world use is higher. Cylinder deactivation on the KF 2.5 and the mild-hybrid system of the new car aim to cut consumption in steady driving. Work out your own costs with the 1cars fuel cost calculator.

Standard kit and i-ActivSense driver aids

Across the generations, standard equipment grew steadily. The facelifted KE already had a multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth, USB, and an optional Bose sound system. Its i-ActivSense package added radar cruise control, low-speed city braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. In Britain the new model is sold as Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura.

CX-5 safety: Euro NCAP, ANCAP and IIHS results

The old 1cars text adds that the KE also scored five stars from Euro NCAP. Compared with the KF, the 2025 car's safety-assist score is 24 percentage points higher, a sign of how much driver-assistance technology has improved.

Rivals: how the CX-5 compares

The CX-5 has always been the handling choice of this class, with a premium-feeling cabin. Its weakness is the lack of a full hybrid until the Skyactiv-Z arrives. Put it next to any rival in the 1cars comparison tool.