The all-new Mazda CX-5 SUV is more spacious, has more tech, and will arrive in Singapore during the 3rd quarter of 2026
Tokyo – The Japan Mobility Show (JMS) 2025 sees automakers bringing up their A game. A car enthusiast’s wet dream, in a country where car culture is massive.
Among the unveilings, a few cars and brands stood out. The Mazda Vision X Coupe was not only a look at the brand’s future design direction, but also how their cars could eventually reduce carbon, the more their cars are driven. The Mazda Vision X-Compact on the other hand may offer a hint of what the new Mazda2 might look like.
Toyota, which took up an entire hall, unveiled the Lexus Sport Concept (which many say will be the new LFA). They also branded Century as their flagship car brand, to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach. China’s BYD also showed up, making a huge statement with their very first electric Kei car, the Racco… which is pointed quite squarely at the Japanese domestic market.
Mazda’s most important car goes bigger and more luxurious
While it is already in Europe, it will be another year before Singapore will get to see Mazda’s all new CX-5. We got ourselves acquainted and were pretty impressed. The new CX-5 continues with Mazda’s dynamic KODO design philosophy.
It sports a more upright front-end, and a new lighting signature all around. At the rear, Mazda has replaced the badge with their wordmark in their new font.
The third-generation car is a longer car, with a wheelbase of 2,815mm – 115mm more than the car it replaces. All of this is focused at the rear of the car, providing for more rear passenger legroom and improved cargo space. With the added wheelbase, the rear door apertures have been expanded by some 70mm in width, making it easier for entry and exit. To further aid this, the rear doors now also open wider.
The boot has also gotten bigger, some 40-50mm deeper, with this European-spec example pictured, boasting 567 litres – about 61 litres more than the previous CX-5. Mazda has also lowered the lift-in height of the boot by 18mm, for easier access.
Fulfilling a sorely needed tech upgrade
The interior sees a(nother) bump in quality, with “bulletproof” fit and finish. The car we peeled through featured a tan/black leather interior, which looks and feels upmarket. To further emphasise the impression of space, the dashboard features a stitch mark which sweeps across the dashboard, and onto the doorcards. Mazda has also replaced the emblem on the steering with their wordmark, which is tidier.
The infotainment system is all-new, and Mazda has ditched the rotary wheel, and seem to be in-favour of lesser buttons. A new 15.6-inch touchscreen, with assistance from Google Gemini will expand usability way beyond what the older system delivered.
Powertrains
We hear that there will be just one engine option available for the moment – their proven 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder, paired with a 24 volt Mild Hybrid system, which puts out 187hp and 250Nm. Drive to the front wheels is via their familiar 6-speed automatic.
The newer Skyactiv-Z powertrain is expected to find its way into the third-generation CX-5 in 2027.
Text: Clifford Chow
Photos: Clifford Chow & Mazda
