12 Years Later, All-New Mazda CX-5 Launches in Japan

Mazda's signature mid-size crossover SUV, the CX-5, has seen global cumulative sales exceed 5 million units since its first generation was launched in 2012. As a core flagship model for the brand, it holds a very high market share in the Japanese domestic market and is one of Mazda's most representative best-sellers.

Mazda recently officially launched the new generation CX-5 in Japan, with market prices ranging from 3.3 million yen (entry-level S front-wheel drive version) to 4.3065 million yen (top-spec L four-wheel drive version). This all-new facelift adopts the "Wearable Gear" design concept, creating a city SUV with a simple shape and hard lines. It is suitable for daily city commuting while featuring sports car proportions and spacious, comfortable seating space, offering a practical yet stylish style.

Upgraded Body Dimensions, Comprehensive Improvement in Space Performance
The new car's body dimensions are 4690mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1695mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2815mm. The manufacturer made minor adjustments to enlarge the dimensions based on the original model's silhouette, successfully blending a sporty exterior with a spacious cabin. The body lines focus on a stable visual effect of four wheels gripping the ground, with a simple and versatile design suitable for various driving scenarios.

The cabin design is themed around the dual core of "Driving Pleasure" and "Relaxation Space," continuing Mazda's consistent driver-oriented philosophy. The cockpit incorporates extensive horizontal line designs, not only making it easier for the driver to perceive the vehicle's posture and driving changes but also horizontally connecting the lines from the door to the dashboard, creating a stable, open, and calm cabin atmosphere.

The wheelbase has been extended by 115mm compared to the old model, significantly improving the comfort and practicality for all passengers. Specifically, rear knee and headroom have improved noticeably, thoroughly solving the problem of the cramped rear seat in the previous model.

Additionally, the new car adjusts the door and window lines to lower the entry threshold, significantly improving the convenience of entering and exiting the cabin. The trunk has a standard volume of 466 liters; even with five passengers on board, it can easily fit four golf bags or four large suitcases. At the same time, the trunk opening height is lowered, making it easier to load and unload items, greatly enhancing practicality.

Initially Only 2.5L Mild Hybrid Engine Introduced, Diesel Power Abandoned
The all-new CX-5 continues Mazda's "Jinba Ittai" driving philosophy, optimizing driving quality to deliver a lighter and more stable driving experience.
The current new car lineup temporarily offers only a single powertrain option, equipped with the e-Skyactiv G 2.5 power combination featuring a 2.5-liter inline-four direct-injection gasoline engine plus a mild hybrid system, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. This powertrain combines quick acceleration response, daily city driving flexibility, and high-speed overtaking power, while also improving fuel consumption, perfectly fitting various scenarios such as daily commuting and long-distance driving.

The new car is also among the first in the Mazda lineup in Japan to fully support E10 eco-friendly gasoline, with compatibility better aligned with the latest fuel standards. It is worth noting that the highly acclaimed diesel engine from the previous model will no longer be equipped on the CX-5 series, being fully allocated to larger SUVs like the CX-60 and CX-80. The manufacturer expects to launch a new version equipped with the all-new generation Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine in 2027, bringing stronger power and lower fuel consumption to the series.

Chassis and Steering Optimization, Dual Improvement in Handling and Comfort
This facelift focuses on strengthening driving quality. The manufacturer uses its proprietary modeling development technology to comprehensively analyze and optimize damper settings. Initial damper response is tuned for urban road conditions, while spring stiffness is lowered to effectively filter road vibrations, significantly improving ride comfort and reducing the bouncing sensation from rough roads.

The new car adds a brake-based limited-slip differential, effectively suppressing vehicle instability on slippery roads, improving cornering stability, and making acceleration out of turns smoother and more enjoyable. The steering system has also been re-tuned, offering a lighter and more flexible steering feel while retaining sufficient road feedback, allowing the driver to precisely grasp the vehicle's state and maintain Mazda's consistent excellent handling foundation.

Comprehensive Upgrade of Active Safety, Balancing Driver and Passenger Peace of Mind
The new car implements Mazda's "Active Safety" philosophy. Safety protection not only safeguards the driver but also comprehensively improves passenger peace of mind, while striving to reduce injury to road users in the event of an accident, with safety configurations fully evolved.

The cabin interface actively adopts voice and touch controls to reduce eye diversion and operation burden during driving; meanwhile, functions commonly used in emergencies such as hazard warning lights and defoggers retain independent physical buttons, balancing technological convenience with practical safety.

The new car is the first to feature an active driving assistance system; releasing the accelerator automatically activates deceleration assistance. It is also equipped with the full suite of i-Activsense intelligent safety systems, including driver abnormality monitoring and driving status monitoring, actively preventing potential risks caused by driver fatigue or negligence.

Comprehensive Upgrade of Tech Features, Google Services Standard Across All Trims
In addition to the 360-degree surround view camera system, the all-new CX-5 adds a transparent chassis view function, allowing clear viewing of the vehicle's surroundings and undercarriage even when parked or with mirrors folded, making parking and driving on narrow roads safer. The HUD head-up display on the windshield has also been optimized, with significantly improved image clarity and reading speed, making information display more intuitive.

The infotainment system has also been comprehensively upgraded. Google Smart Services are standard across all trims, and the top-spec L trim is equipped with a Bose sound system, ensuring all entertainment and comfort features are available.