MAZDA is the first to recognise the importance of the CX-5 in its global range. Since the medium SUV’s launch in 2012 – as a replacement to the long-serving Tribute – some 3.5 million examples of the model have been sold worldwide, including more than 235,000 in Australia.

The CX-5 has been the subject of ongoing improvement since its debut and, although it is ostensibly the same car underneath the sheet metal, the Mazda’s ability to maintain the level of appeal it has in the market, and to compete with an ever-growing list of newer competitors, is testament to just how “right” the CX-5 was from the get-go.

But that isn’t to say the CX-5 isn’t showing its age… Despite the inclusion of 48V mild-hybrid technology, the model is still without a true hybrid option, much less a plug-in variant or battery EV. It also still runs a six-speed transmission in a time when most competitors offer eight speeds or more, but that’s not really a pressing issue – the Skyactiv Drive ‘box is sufficiently capable.

The KF II-series CX-5 brings fresh looks, increased safety technology and a refined driving experience to the Mazda range. Now priced from $32,190 through to $53,180 (plus on-road costs), the CX-5 has gone up in price between $800 and $1300, depending on variant.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 features a wider front grille, revised head- and tail-lights, redesigned front seats, a retuned six-speed auto transmission, a quieter and more rigid body, and the introduction of a multi-mode drive controller with four settings: Normal, Sport, Offroad and Towing.

Grade and driveline offerings are familiar, save for the inclusion of the new Touring Active variant (see separate news story in links below) and the addition of Mazda’s Smart City Brake Support (MSCB) with night-time pedestrian detection as standard across the range.

Engine selections are as before, with Mazda’s 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre and 140kW/252Nm 2.5-litre normally aspirated petrol four-cylinder, 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, and 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel four-cylinder units available.

Two- and all-wheel drive configurations are likewise on offer, as is a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Mazda lists average fuel consumption figures for variants equipped with the 2.0-litre petrol engine at 6.9 litres per 100km (manual and auto), the 2.5-litre petrol auto at 7.2 (FWD) and 7.4 (AWD) litres per 100km, the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol (auto with AWD) at 8.2 litres per 100km and the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (auto with AWD) 5.7 litres per 100km. 

The updated CX-5 measures 4550mm in length, 1840mm in width, 1680mm in height, and rides on a 2700mm wheelbase – all figures are unchanged from the outgoing model. Kerb weight ranges from 1521-1765kg, depending on grade, and Mazda lists the turning circle at 11.0m.

The load bay is a claimed to hold 428 litres (VDA) with the rear seats in place and when loaded up to window height, while the braked towing capacity remains rated to 2000kg.

All model grades feature both top-tether and ISOFIX child seat restraint points and are backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance included. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.