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MAZDA CX-5 Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2012
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
MAZDA CX-5 photo gallery

The Japanese manufacturer advertised the CX-5 as not being just a regular compact SUV. And for sure, that does sound like marketing, however, we cannot deny that the CX-5 was one of the best looking compact crossover on the market.

For 2016, the looks didn’t change very much, and that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as the Mazda’s design was popular and liked all over the world.

The front changes included dynamic steering LED headlamps and LED foglamps, while the back was fitted with angry-looking full LED taillamps.

From the side profile, the CX-5 was reminiscent to the BMW’s crossovers. While looking at the rear windows line, it gave the impression that the passengers in the back would have limited headroom.

However, the headroom available in the back was fairly generous, as well as the legroom, and that made the CX-5 a good choice for longer trips with more than 2 people.

A small downside, due to the sloping rear glass, the CX-5 offered less cargo room.

Under the hood, the CX-5 came with a choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that developed 155 hp. This engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, with no automatic gearbox as an option.

The more powerful 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine cranked out 184 hp and was fitted with an automatic transmission.

Economy wise, the 2.0-liter engine offered a great fuel consumption.

full description and technical specifications
MAZDA CX-5 photo gallery

Mazda refreshed the first generation of the CX-5 in 2014, just two years after the model's introduction on the market at the Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2016 model-year.

Mazda was not on its first crossover experience when it launched the CX-5. Previously, it made the CX-7 and the CX-9, which the Japanese automaker built together with Ford. This time, it was on its own and built the vehicle on the same platform as the Mazda 6. Thus, the carmaker proved that it could adapt and create worthy vehicles in a market where its name was not too often associated with SUVs.

Mazda adopted the Kodo design language for the entire range, so it also had to make some adjustments to the CX-5. Thus, on the outside, the vehicle was heavily modified at the front fascia, with a new grille and refreshed headlights. In addition, the front bumper sported new side scoops adorned by horizontal slats. From its profile, there were minimal changes, although it was available with new light-alloy wheels. Finally, at the back, the taillights featured clear lenses over turn signals instead of the red ones that were previously used. Last but not least, depending on the trim level, it also got LEDs instead of regular bulbs.

Inside, there were new aluminum trims that adorned the vents and other areas, but the most significant upgrade was for the infotainment system, which featured Mazda's latest HMI (Human Machine Interface). Another upgrade was for the parking brake, which was available with a push-pull button instead of the regular hand brake lever. Thus, the center console that divided the front bolstered seats looked cleaner.

Under the hood, the car was revamped for the European version with new, Euro6-compliant engines. All engines featured Skyactive technology that allowed them to run leaner, leading to better fuel efficiency.

REVIEW: 2016 Mazda CX-5   full description and technical specifications
MAZDA CX-5 photo gallery

Mazda entered a new era after its divorce from Ford, and the CX5 was one of the most surprising moves that the Japanese carmaker made.

Launched in 2012, the Japanese SUV evolved from a concept car to a production model in just three years. It shared its platform with the third generation of the Mazda 6. Thanks to sharing some important components, it managed to provide a very good price per value ratio.

Mazda didn't want to follow the same path as other carmakers. It introduced its own design language named Kodo, or the soul of motion. Behind that marketing name was a vehicle where life-inspired shapes (bio-design) and functional yet simple lines from the Japanese minimalism styling met. Thus, the CX5 featured swept-back headlights inspired by felines and a shield-like pentagonal, wide grille. From its profile, the sculptured lines on the bodywork, door panels, and rear quarter panels. The flowing lines from the car's sides were also inspired by waves and nature.

Inside, Mazda made a U-turn and created a simple, minimalist interior design inspired by the Japanese culture. The binocular-style instrument cluster was inspired by the MX5 roadster. At the same time, the integrated infotainment display in the dashboard resembled the one used in the 6 series. The high-mounted bucket seats at the front, separated by the tall center stack, created individual spaces for the front occupants. At the back, there was enough room for three adults on the split-folding (40/20/40) bench.

Under the skin, the CX5 featured Mazda's SKYACTIVE technology both for the engine and the gearbox. These allowed the vehicle to obtain a respectable fuel efficiency for its class. In addition, customers could choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic and both gasoline or turbo-diesel engines.

full description and technical specifications