Brand’s best-selling nameplate gets major upgrades

MAZDA Philippines recently unveiled the all-new Mazda CX-5 crossover, billed as a 2027 model. The third-generation version of the brand’s best-selling nameplate “builds on its proven foundation with a more confident design, enhanced interior comfort, and greater everyday usability,” the company said in a release.

“Since Bermaz Auto Philippines took over the exclusive distributorship of Mazda in the Philippines, the CX-5 has been a core part of our lineup. Known for its distinctive design and responsive performance, it is the choice for drivers seeking a refined yet practical compact SUV,” Mazda Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan said.

The model will initially be offered in a single variant, the CX-5 2.5L AWD HEV Premium Plus, priced at P2.495 million. A front-wheel-drive version is expected to arrive next year.

The vehicle follows a design ethos Mazda calls “Wearable Gear,” intended to make it “fit naturally” into various lifestyles, much like functional, stylish clothing. The CX-5 is meant to project qualities that are “urban and refined, practical, and ready for active use,” while remaining flexible and approachable.

Compared with the outgoing generation, the CX-5 is larger in every major dimension. It is 115mm longer, 15mm wider, and 30mm taller. Its wheelbase has also increased by 115mm, which Mazda said translates to more cabin space and best-in-class second-row legroom. Rear-knee clearance has increased by 64mm, while headroom is up by 29mm.

The rear door now opens 70mm wider than before. Combined with a wider scuff plate and a lower hip point, Mazda said this should make getting in and out of the vehicle easier. In the cargo area, the load floor depth has been lowered by about 45mm, allowing bulky items such as large pieces of luggage to be stowed in an upright position.

Power comes from a new 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv-G engine paired, for the first time, with the brand’s hybrid system. Mazda said the setup “delivers a more efficient and responsive engine, while retaining the mechanical purity and direct feedback that characterize Mazda’s human-centric driving experience.” The engine produces 181ps and 242Nm, with peak horsepower now reached at 5,000rpm instead of 6,000rpm in the outgoing version. Torque delivery below 4,500rpm has improved by up to 19%, Mazda said.

Performance is routed through a “recalibrated” six-speed automatic transmission with revised shift mapping and updated hydraulic torque converter control. Mazda said the hybrid system also contributes to a quieter and more refined cabin, particularly when the engine restarts after a stop.

Inside, a horizontal door-to-door dashboard layout is designed to enhance the sense of space. A new integrated 15.6-inch infotainment screen, now a touchscreen, is paired with a redesigned center console, repositioned cupholders, and a wireless charger. Mazda said the touchscreen reduces the need for physical controls.

The cabin also features Japanese Sen Wood accents intended to add warmth and luxury, while “high-contact areas are finished in black to minimize visible wear and tear — an example of Mazda’s attention to detail and real-world use.” Tan leather covers the seats, and the front seats come with power adjustment. Memory presets are available for the driver, and ventilation is standard.

The CX-5 comes with a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a complimentary five-year service plan.

It will be available in six colors, including the new Navy Blue Mica, a first for the brand. Other color options are Soul Red Crystal, Rhodium White, Machine Gray, Jet Black, and Aero Gray. — KMA