Mazda CX-5 (2025): New edition without diesel, but with hybrid

(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) - Mazda presents the third generation of the CX-5 . The compact SUV is a true success: 4.5 million units have been built since 2012. But compact will be relative in the future, as is the case with some of the CX-5's competitors. The new CX-5 will be larger and more spacious, while the diesel engine will be discontinued.

Production of the new model will begin in October, and sales are scheduled for December 2025 with a base price of €35,000. We got a sneak preview at the Mazda Design Center in Oberursel, Germany. Here are our impressions.

Exterior

The previous generation of the Mazda CX-5 has been on the market since 2017. The new edition is also immediately recognizable as a CX-5. Of course, such a successful model doesn't undergo a radical redesign. Audi recently took a similar approach with the new Q3 . The lines of the future CX-5 remain powerful and curved, as we've come to expect from Mazda.

Overall, the CX-5 remains recognizable, but features many new elements. Like the front, where we find a hood that's a full five centimeters higher (for pedestrian protection!) and a wider grille framed by a gray plastic element that connects to narrow LED headlights.

Depending on the chosen trim level, 17- or 19-inch wheels are available. At the rear, the design of the new CX-5 is reminiscent of the CX-60 and CX-80, with horizontally arranged lights that converge in the center where the "Mazda" logo is located.

The new generation's dimensions are particularly significant. With a length of 4.69 meters (an increase of 11.5 cm compared to the previous model), a width of 1.86 meters (an increase of 1.5 cm), and a height of 1.70 meters (an increase of 3 cm), the new CX-5 closely resembles the proportions of a CX-60 or even a BMW X3. By comparison, the current VW Tiguan is "only" 4.54 meters long.

This increase in size is partially absorbed by the trunk and, above all, by the wheelbase of 2.82 meters (plus 11.5 cm). According to Mazda, the increase brings numerous benefits: 58 mm more knee room and 29 mm more headroom in the rear, wider rear door openings for easier entry and exit, and easier attachment of infant car seats.

There is also a trunk that has been enlarged to 583 liters (plus 61 liters compared to the predecessor), maximum load space volume of 2,019 liters (plus 381 liters compared to the predecessor), 45 mm more length (up to 94 mm with the rear seats folded down), 30 mm more height (with the seats folded down), a 26 mm higher opening and an 18 mm lower loading height.

The flatter floor and increased loading height make it easier to load even bulky items. Flexible, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat backrests are also available.

Height: 1.70 meters Width: 1.86 meters Wheelbase: 2.82 meters

Length: 4.69 meters

interior

Regarding the interior, Mazda says it was inspired by the Japanese principle of "Ma," which values space, balance, and harmony. Indeed, the dashboard feels high-quality, with physical buttons reduced to a minimum. A striking feature is the steering wheel, which features Mazda lettering instead of the logo.

There are also very few controls on the center console: for example, the buttons for the driving modes have been moved to the steering wheel spokes to make activating the different profiles more intuitive.

The materials used are a little hard (but not rough) in direct live contact, even in the most visible areas.

Special attention was also paid to the seats. For example, the shape and padding in the pelvic area help maintain the natural curvature of the spine, reduce unwanted head movements, and help minimize the risk of motion sickness.

Of course, the cockpit is now even more digital: there is a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 15.6-inch infotainment display (12.9 inches in the simpler versions), the latter integrating Google apps such as Maps, the artificial intelligence Google Gemini and the 360-degree camera system.

The longer wheelbase and increased height result in truly impressive rear space, almost comparable to that of a higher-class car. The legroom is remarkable, and the headroom is even more surprising. Furthermore, the nearly 90-degree opening of the rear doors makes entry considerably easier.

engines

At its debut, the new CX-5 will be available exclusively as a mild hybrid with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 141 hp and 238 Nm, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. This engine, called the e-Skyactiv G 140, is already familiar from the Mazda 3 and CX-30 .

In the CX-5, it's paired with a recalibrated six-speed automatic transmission for smoother transitions. The engine is also capable of deactivating two of its four cylinders at steady speeds to further reduce fuel consumption. According to the manufacturer, fuel consumption averages 7.3 l/100 km for front-wheel drive models and 7.7 l/100 km with all-wheel drive.

A full-hybrid gasoline version based on the new Skyactiv-Z engine will follow in 2027. However, the 2.2-liter diesel with 150 or 184 hp will be dropped from the model range, and will not have a successor. Nor will the 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine installed in the CX-60 .

In addition to the powertrain, Mazda has also made extensive changes to the chassis. In particular, Mazda says it has opted for a softer suspension setup, providing more effective damping on both the front and rear axles.

The steering is more precise, and the accelerator pedal response is said to be more reactive and with less lag. G-Vectoring Control Plus is also confirmed for all-wheel drive versions. In these models, the system intervenes in torque distribution to improve steering response and provide greater stability or smoothness in corners, depending on the situation.

Finally, on-board noise insulation and engine vibrations have also been further improved, with the latter being equipped with a balance shaft capable of reducing low-frequency noise.

Version: 2.5-liter petrol mild hybrid; Power: 141 hp; Drive: Front- and all-wheel drive

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Prices and market launch

The price of the new Mazda CX-5 e-Skyactiv G 141 Prime-Line FWD with Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission starts at €35,000. Even at this price, the new Mazda CX-5 offers more extensive standard equipment than the previous model, the CX-5 e-Skyactiv G 165 Centre-Line FWD with manual transmission, which cost €35,190. The automatic transmission on the previous Mazda CX-5 e-Skyactiv G 165 carried an additional €2,000 surcharge.

Even the Prime Line trim level (not combinable with all-wheel drive) includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch touchscreen in the center console, an infotainment system with Google built-in, wired smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-speaker audio system.

The interior features durable black fabric upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather gear knob. Key safety features include adaptive cruise control with radar-based distance control, Cruise & Traffic Support, lane change assist, and driver attention assist.

Detailed pricing for the new Mazda CX-5 will be announced at a later date, with pre-sales scheduled for October 2025. The new CX-5 will arrive in German Mazda dealerships in December 2025.

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