It’s raining mid-size SUVs at the minute. Overnight, the first of Toyota’s updated 2022 RAV4s was unveiled overseas. Just yesterday Kia New Zealand confirmed an aggressive introductory offer for its all-new Sportage. And now Mazda has unveiled its facelifted CX-5 in full.
The reveal comes following an online CX-5 image leak last week. Sure enough, the leaked images have proven to be accurate, with these new press images show a more polished, smoothed out CX-5 relative to its already handsome predecessor.
Not unlike the RAV4 from earlier today, the tweaks are fairly minor. The CX-5 gets a new grille and front bumper, a fog-light delete, new headlights with a different light signature, and slimmer tail lights.
Mazda says that it’s updated the CX-5’s bodyshell, chassis, and suspension to make for a more refined, quiet, and comfortable driving experience. The six-speed automatic is also reportedly more responsive than before.
As expected, the most notable changes are on the CX-5’s spec sheet. Standard wireless phone charging on all models, a new off-road mode in all-wheel drive variants (thanks to the standardisation of Mazda Intelligent Drive Select), and changes to the model’s active safety suite all feature.
In regards to the latter, Mazda has added Cruising and Traffic Support (its naming conventions for its level 2 semi-autonomous driving system) to the CX-5’s iActivesense safety suite. The seats have also been redesigned to be more comfortable and provide better back support.
All of these changes come with the caveat that spec for locally sold CX-5s hasn’t been confirmed by Mazda New Zealand. We will cover these details when they’re formally announced.
There have been no engine changes confirmed, meaning that those wanting an electrified CX-5 will likely have to wait until the next generation.
For now, the model has been confirmed overseas with either a naturally aspirated 139kW 2.5-litre four or a turbocharged 186kW 2.5-litre four. The current 2.2-litre 140kW turbodiesel four is probably set to return, too.
Barring those seats, not much has changed in the interior, either, with the now familiar dashboard layout staying on for another few years at least. This isn’t all bad, given that it’s one of the best bolted-together cabins in class, and the infotainment system inherited an update just last year.
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