WE TEND TO THINK mid-sized SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 sit right in the sweet spot for size and convenience, and judging by sales, many buyers agree with us.
For 2020, Mazda has given the CX-5 a host of upgrades, adding greater versatility, safety and comfort both on and off-road.
Available from March, the updated model adds new technology, advanced safety equipment and improves cabin quietness.
Headlining the 2020 upgrades is Mazda’s newly developed Off-Road Traction Assist function, which is added to all AWD models, offering greater rough road driving potential for the medium SUV and a higher level of control for the driver.
With the push of a button, this driver support technology brings the AWD and traction control systems together to effectively electronically lock the rear differential in the same way rugged 4×4 vehicles operate. CX-5 then intelligently monitors traction to distribute the right amount of torque to the tyres that have grip to extricate the vehicle when stuck, supressing tyre spin and maximising traction performance.
Driver control is further enhanced for Maxx Sport grade and above, with paddle shifters now offered as standard to allow manual gear operation.
For models equipped with the Skyactiv-G 2.5L petrol engine, it’s now easier to track fuel consumption and engine operation, with a Cylinder Deactivation display added to MZD Connect. This function allows the driver to see when the engine shuts down cylinders 1 and 4 to conserve fuel, (although why you’d need to know is beyond us).
All grades benefit from enhanced safety, with the advanced autonomous emergency braking function, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), adding night-time pedestrian protection to its operation.
The updated Mazda CX-5 is quieter too, with several NVH improvements applied to achieve a more comfortable driving experience.
In all models, the headliner material is revised to achieve a 10 percent improvement in low frequency sound absorption, reducing cabin noise when moving from a smooth to a rough road surface. For petrol-powered models, a steering vibration countermeasure reduces vibrations from the road surface and felt through the wheel.
For vehicles equipped with the Skyactiv-G 2.5T petrol engine, there is further NVH improvement, with the capacity of the silencer shell expanded, the exhaust tail sound supressed and the rigidity of the tyre pan that holds the spare increased.
More updates include a larger 8-inch display for the entry grade Maxx, new generation nameplate badging and key fob design for all grades and the addition of Polymetal Grey Metallic to the body colour lineup.
The updated Mazda CX-5 comes standard with Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and five-year Mazda Premium Roadside Assistance. It’s available now, starting at $30,980 (plus on road costs). From what we can see, prices are broadly similar to the previous model, with variations of a few hundred dollars (up and down) depending on variant.
| Grade | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | |
| Maxx | Skyactiv-G 2.0L | Manual | FWD | $30,980 |
| Maxx | Skyactiv-G 2.0L | Auto | FWD | $32,980 |
| Maxx | Skyactiv-G 2.5L | Auto | AWD | $35,980 |
| Maxx Sport | Skyactiv-G 2.0L | Auto | FWD | $36,290 |
| Maxx Sport | Skyactiv-G 2.5L | Auto | AWD | $39,290 |
| Maxx Sport | Skyactiv-D 2.2L | Auto | AWD | $42,290 |
| Touring | Skyactiv-G 2.5L | Auto | AWD | $40,980 |
| Touring | Skyactiv-D 2.2L | Auto | AWD | $43,980 |
| GT | Skyactiv-G 2.5L | Auto | AWD | $46,090 |
| GT | Skyactiv-D 2.2L | Auto | AWD | $49,090 |
| GT | Skyactiv-G 2.5T | Auto | AWD | $48,590 |
| Akera | Skyactiv-G 2.5L | Auto | AWD | $48,330 |
| Akera | Skyactiv-D 2.2L | Auto | AWD | $51,330 |
| Akera | Skyactiv-G 2.5T | Auto | AWD | $50,830 |
All prices plus on road costs.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mazda CX-5, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.