Tech and infotainment upgrades for Mazda CX-5

MAZDA’S popular CX-5 medium SUV – its best-selling model in Australia – has undergone a number of updates since its 2012 debut to ensure it continues to connect with customers, the latest bringing with it new tech and infotainment features across most of the range.

With the deletion of a manual entry variant, the CX-5 range now starts at $35,390 + on-road costs for the front-drive Maxx 2.0L petrol automatic – itself up $1000 – but running costs should be reduced due to the introduction of longer 15,000km service intervals for all petro variants.

Arriving in showrooms from early 2023 revised CX-5 adopts the ‘new generation’ 10.25-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system which, Mazda says: “offers intuitive operation, faster processing and enhanced image and sound quality.”

Despite the $1000 price hike, the base Maxx 2WD petrol misses out on this new system that also includes Mazda’s enhanced seventh-generation navigation system.

The base grade also lacks the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity lavished on all other CX-5 variants that Mazda says “makes it even easier to stay connected on the road”.

Mazda has taken the opportunity to implement detail changes in other in-car areas including the centre console which will now house two new USB-C ports to support a wider variety of devices for better functionality.

Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said the update follows Mazda’s strategy to match and evolve with the changing needs of customers.

But most core elements of the vehicle remain the same, with power coming from various Skyactiv four cylinder 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated and 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engines plus a 2.2-litre turbo diesel, variously available in front- and all-wheel drive guise.

A timely new CX-5 feature given its summer launch timing is the remote window function activated through the key fob. The feature lowers all windows in unison via the unlock button and is a first for Mazda in Australia.

The model’s colour palette also gains a newly developed Rhodium White metallic paint, which was first seen on the upmarket Mazda CX-60 that wil soon make its Australian debut and brings the number of CX-5 colour choices to nine. 

Mazda has increased the service intervals for petrol variants of the Mazda CX-5 that now moves out to 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first instead of the previous 12 months or 10,000km.

The CX-5 is up against arguably the stiffest competition in the Australian new-car market, in one of the most popular segments, medium SUVs. 

Vying for sales with the CX-5 are the likes of the GWM Haval H6 starting from $33,990 drive-away, Honda CRV from $35,990 drive-away, Hyundai Tucson from $34,990 + ORC, Kia Sportage from $32,445 + ORC, New Nissan X-Trail from $36,750, MG HS from $31,990 drive-away, Mitsubishi Outlander from $35,990 + ORC, Toyota RAV4 from $34,400 + ORC and Subaru Forester from $37,890 + ORC. 

There are many more choices but with year to date sales running at 23,476 units (16.2 per cent market share), the CX-5 still ranks as the second most-popular medium SUV in Australia behind Toyota’s RAV4 with 30,370 sales (20.9 per cent share) year to date. 

“Mazda’s continued focus on improving and evolving product throughout its lifecycle has helped Mazda CX-5 remain a firm favourite SUV in Australia, resonating with customers for its timeless style, functionality and versatility,” said Mr Bhindi.

“The emphasis of this update is to boost customer connectivity with the car, and follows a significant redesign earlier in 2022, which refreshed and sharpened the looks of the Mazda CX-5.”

2023 Mazda CX-5 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on road costs.