Mazda’s third-generation CX-5 glows up and loses its buttons

You may recognize Mazda today for its sleek inline-six-powered crossovers or the ever-beloved MX-5, but the reason the company can make cool cars like these is because of its best-selling model, the CX-5.

Now in its third generation, the CX-5 undergoes a lot of radical changes, both good and controversial.

The crossover now grows in all dimensions, growing to 4,690mm long (+115mm), 1,860mm wide (+15mm), and 1,695mm tall (+15mm) with a wheelbase 2,815mm (+115mm), allowing for 61L more cargo space with a 40:20:40 split-folding bench and wider opening rear doors.

The car looks more aggressive, with a two-layered light design that wraps around the Mazda wing grille, painted gloss black cladding, up to 19-inch wheels on the top trim, and sharp taillights reminiscent of the ones found on the CX-60 and CX-90, both surrounding the new “MAZDA” wordmark that replaces the emblem in the middle, and in the steering wheel inside.

Inside, this CX-5 gets a massive redesign, featuring a cleaner, minimalist interior design. Upholstery options include black or tan leather, or two-tone black and white artificial leather with a suede-like material. The highest trims also add ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof, features that the older CX-5 did not offer.

Mazda has also focused on an entirely new user experience, hence a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, new “streamlined” steering wheel controls, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and either a 12.9 or 15.6-inch infotainment screen.

This, unfortunately, removes the majority of the physical controls in the cabin, such as the commander knob for the infotainment and climate controls, but in exchange, you get a smartphone-style menus that have Google Services built-in and a new suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

As for the powertrain, it will launch with an electrified 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv-G engine paired with the 24V M Hybrid tech (mild-hybrid) that sends 141 horsepower and 238 Nm of torque to either the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Take note that, unlike other crossovers that it competes with, like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4, it’s not a full hybrid yet.

This will come with the new Skyactiv-Z engine, set to be introduced in 2027 with a self-developed hybrid system. But for those who want to purchase this car, Europe will be getting it first by the end of 2025, and other markets by the end of 2026.

^{Photos from Mazda}