Mazda CX-5: The Complete Guide

Discover everything you need to know about the Mazda CX-5 in our complete guide, which offers expert insights on the vehicle's key features, engine options and interiors.

Updated 10 February 2026

Combining practicality and driving pleasure, the Mazda CX-5 has solidified its position as a top choice for families and driving enthusiasts, offering a harmonious blend of style, functionality and dynamic handling.

Since its debut in 2012, the CX-5 has set new standards in the mid-size SUV category. Following significant updates, it now offers a broad range of trim options, personalised features, and enhanced performance. With five distinct trim levels and a choice of manual or automatic transmission, the CX-5 provides a tailored driving experience.

Its 5-star Euro NCAP rating, underpinned by advanced safety innovations like the i-Activsense suite, guarantees first-class passenger protection and utmost peace of mind. Inside, you can enjoy spacious seating, premium materials and cutting-edge infotainment with Mazda Connect.

All-New CX-5 Coming Summer 2026: The current CX-5 is no longer in production, as the all-new Mazda CX-5 prepares to take its place. Set to redefine modern driving, it features an optimised 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G 141ps petrol engine, new 12.9- or 15.6-inch centre display and modern interior architecture. Register your interest in the next-generation CX-5 here.  

This guide covers the Mazda CX-5 2012-2025 and will be updated as we learn more about the 2026 Third Generation launch. Read on to find out more or view our range of pre-registered and used CX-5 vehicles.

Mazda CX-5 Key Features

Rear Privacy Glass

Heated Seats

Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Reversing Camera

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Power Lift Tailgate

Adaptive Radar Cruise Control

MHEV Technology

Dual Zone Climate Air Conditioning

Mazda CX-5 Awards

Best Compact SUV for the Money, US News & World Report, 2023
Used Car of the Year Winner, Car Dealer Magazine, 2022
Used Mid-Sized Car of the Year Winner, Used Car Awards, 2022
Car and Driver, 10Best, 2020
Best Car for Dog Owners, AutoTrader New Car Awards, 2019
Top SUV, What Car? Green Car Awards, 2012

View the latest pricing, deals & finance offers on new Mazda CX-5 from T W White & Sons

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With its muscular pose, and huge amounts of technology as standard, the CX-5 is a success story through and through! If you want to really push the boat out, the range topping Takumi is the real deal, with soft, supple Nappa Leather, Heated Front and Rear seats, Air-Conditioned Vented Front Seats and a 360° Camera.

Mark Hammond, Client Advisor at Bookham

Mazda CX-5 Gallery

Used Mazda CX-5 for Sale

1

2018 Mazda CX-5

Sport Nav +

Mileage

44,787 mi

Transmission

Manual

Fuel Type

Petrol

Colour

White

Registration

YN68 JXT

Co2 Output

Drive Away

£15,250

Bookham

1

2021 Mazda CX-5

Sport

Mileage

14,923 mi

Transmission

Manual

Fuel Type

Petrol

Colour

Red

Registration

CU21 JXN

Co2 Output

Drive Away

£19,450

Bookham

1

2024 Mazda CX-5

Exclusive-Line Mhev

Mileage

19,891 mi

Transmission

Manual

Fuel Type

Petrol

Colour

Black

Registration

LM74 UEX

Co2 Output

Drive Away

£22,750

Weybridge

Mazda CX-5 FAQ

We keep our pricing and deals up to date. We have a range of pre-reg and used Mazda CX-5 cars in stock for you to view across our showrooms. 

The Mazda CX-5 is equipped with an optional all-wheel drive system, making it capable in various conditions, but it is not classified as a traditional 4 by 4 vehicle.

The top-of-the-range variant of the Mazda CX-5 is the ‘Takumi’ model which offers premium features such as a 360-degree view monitor, Nappa leather upholstery, heated rear seats, and air-conditioned front seats.

The Mazda CX-5, with its spacious interior and advanced safety features, is well-suited for long trips, ensuring both comfort and reliability on the road.

While both models feature similar engine options, the CX-5 offers a more spacious design compared to the slightly more compact CX-30.

The Mazda CX-5 is a mid-sized SUV, offering a spacious interior and a boot capacity of 522 litres.

Older Versions and Special Editions

2012-2015

First Generation

CX-5-First-Generation

Launched in 2012, the CX-5 was the first vehicle to introduce Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design and Skyactiv technology. The range offered a 2.0L 163ps petrol engine available across SE-L, Sport and Sport Nav trims, alongside two 2.2L diesel options: a 150ps engine paired with SE-L in 2WD configuration, and a 175ps version exclusive to Sport and Sport Nav with 4WD and the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

2012-2015

2013

Minor Updates

The SE-L Lux trim level was introduced, complete with leather trim, an electric sunroof, and an electric driver’s seat, available in the 150ps Diesel variant.  

2013

2014

Minor Updates

Improvements were made to the CX-5’s suspension and soundproofing.

2014

2015-2017

First Generation Facelift

The First-Generation Facelift saw significant visual updates, increased standard equipment, an upgraded 7-inch infotainment display with Mazda’s own navigation (MZD Navigation), and new safety technology, including Smart City Brake Support. This facelift also saw small aesthetic changes to the grille, and polished alloy wheels (Sport spec).

2015-2017

2017-2018

Second Generation

CX-5-Second-Generation

The second-generation CX-5 arrived with a refreshed front and rear design, enhanced refinement through additional soundproofing to reduce noise and vibration, and the introduction of G-Vectoring Control. Engine options comprised a 2.0L 163ps petrol (manual only) and a 2.2L diesel available in either 150ps or 175ps with AWD, the latter offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. Two new paint colours also joined the range: Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Machine Grey Metallic.

2017-2018

2018-2020

Facelift

A major facelift with new engine options was unveiled in 2018, with a revised ten-model line-up across highly specified SE-L Nav+ and Sport Nav+ trim levels. The 2.2L Skyactiv-D engine was heavily revised to meet tougher emissions standards (WLTP), with 175ps diesel upgraded to 184ps. It also saw the introduction of a 165ps SKYACTIV-G 2WD automatic, plus additional active safety equipment as standard.

2018-2020

2019

Minor Updates

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto became standard in all future CX-5 models.

2019

2020

100th Anniversary Edition

The 100th Anniversary Edition of the CX-5 adopted a white-and-burgundy two-tone exterior and interior, with Snowflake White Pearlescent exterior paint contrasting with burgundy interior carpet and burgundy leather seats, as well as a bespoke badge within the interior.

2020

2020-2023

Facelift

This facelift included five trim levels at launch: SE-L, Sport and GT Sport, as well as all-new features such as rectangular LED lights, restyled bumpers, and suspension improvements. It also saw the introduction of the Mi-Drive system and Zircon Sand Metallic paint colour.

2020-2023

2021

Minor Updates

This year saw the introduction of the 2.5L petrol (194ps) to the UK market, and the new 10.25-inch widescreen replaced the 7-inch display. 2021 also saw the launch of the Limited Edition ‘Kuro’ model, whereby production was limited to 750 vehicles.

2021

2023

Minor Updates

24v Mazda M Hybrid (mild-hybrid) technology was launched across all petrol models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto were introduced, and the front USB ports were changed to USB-C. The CX-5 became the second car to offer Rhodium White as an exterior paint option. The range was restructured to five new trim levels: Centre-Line, Newground, Exclusive-Line, Homura and Takumi.

2023

2025

Minor Updates

In 2025, Mazda announced that from the 1st September 2025, all Mazda cars registered thereafter will benefit from a full six-year manufacturer warranty, with the mileage limit rising from the current 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles.

2025

Arriving Summer 2026

Third Generation

CX-5-Third-Generation-Navy-Blue

A bold evolution of the current bestseller, the all-new CX-5 will be available in eight exterior colours, including Navy Blue. It will feature an optimised 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G 141ps petrol engine and will be available in four grades; Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura, and boasts a significantly more modern interior architecture than its predecessor.

Arriving Summer 2026