Photo: Mazda
Never for a second did we consider the old generation of the CX-5 was showing its age. But Mazda wanted to stay ahead of the game and launched this all-new model today, ahead of the public showing during the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The 2017 CX-5 looks both familiar and fresh at the same time. Most of the styling reminds us of the bigger CX-9 model, especially the grille and pinched headlights.
Dimensionally, the SUV has widened itself by 10mm to improve handling. In addition, designers have pushed the A-pillars back by 35mm to give it a sportier snout. At the back, the taillights sit below the belt line and have been thinned out, while the tailgate is slanted and gets more aero elements.
Between the extra chrome poking out of the grille and the 3D taillights, this looks more like a concept car than any Mazda and just about every Japanese design to date. However, we can't help but notice that the changes are mostly of the superficial kind.
Interior highlights include a small 3-spoke steering wheel, a display integrated into one of the instrument binnacle and metallic finish around the air vents which have become focal points. There’s also a 7-inch display now resting on top of the dashboard, but it looks on the small side.
Thanks to the use of high-strength steel, the CX-5 has 15.5% higher structural rigidity. The powertrain choices have been outlined as largely the same. Europeans will continue to be offered Mazda's Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel, which for the first time might be available in the US as well, according to some rumors.
The rest of the CX-5 range will be made up of the 2.0L and 2.5L engines of the naturally aspirated variety. Depending on the model, you'll have a choice between FWD and AWD, a 6-speed manual or the automatic. The biggest drivetrain change will be the addition of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control that's already made its debut on all other 2017 or in some cases 2016 Mazda models.
On the safety front, the 2017 CX-5 adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition which displays all the necessary information on that 4.6-inch screen in front of the driver.
Dimensionally, the SUV has widened itself by 10mm to improve handling. In addition, designers have pushed the A-pillars back by 35mm to give it a sportier snout. At the back, the taillights sit below the belt line and have been thinned out, while the tailgate is slanted and gets more aero elements.
Between the extra chrome poking out of the grille and the 3D taillights, this looks more like a concept car than any Mazda and just about every Japanese design to date. However, we can't help but notice that the changes are mostly of the superficial kind.
Interior highlights include a small 3-spoke steering wheel, a display integrated into one of the instrument binnacle and metallic finish around the air vents which have become focal points. There’s also a 7-inch display now resting on top of the dashboard, but it looks on the small side.
Thanks to the use of high-strength steel, the CX-5 has 15.5% higher structural rigidity. The powertrain choices have been outlined as largely the same. Europeans will continue to be offered Mazda's Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel, which for the first time might be available in the US as well, according to some rumors.
The rest of the CX-5 range will be made up of the 2.0L and 2.5L engines of the naturally aspirated variety. Depending on the model, you'll have a choice between FWD and AWD, a 6-speed manual or the automatic. The biggest drivetrain change will be the addition of Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control that's already made its debut on all other 2017 or in some cases 2016 Mazda models.
On the safety front, the 2017 CX-5 adds Mazda Radar Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition which displays all the necessary information on that 4.6-inch screen in front of the driver.
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