MANILA: Mazda formally introduced the all-new CX-5 to the Philippine market.

The sport utility vehicle’s third generation comes with an electrified powertrain, a more confident design, enhanced interior comfort, and greater everyday usability.

“Since Bermaz Auto Philippines took over the exclusive distributorship of Mazda in the Philippines, the CX-5 has been a core part of our line-up. 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 Chief Executive Officer Steven Tan said.

“Now on its third generation, the all-new Mazda CX-5 combines a more intuitive human-machine interface with the same emotional appeal that defines the brand, expressed through Jinba-Ittai driving dynamics and Kodo design, while enhancing everyday comfort through improved packaging and ride quality. It meets the demands of daily commuting while remaining versatile enough for weekend travel or family use,” he added.

Here are some notable details about the newly launched sport utility vehicle.

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Exterior

The CX-5 stays true to its roots, retaining the distinct Kodo design philosophy while adopting sleek proportions, a bolder presence, and improved everyday functionality.

Its latest iteration follows the “Wearable Gear” concept, which embodies flexibility and approachability.

Compared to its predecessor, the model grew 115 millimeters (mm) longer, 15 mm wider, and 30 mm taller, with its wheelbase increasing by 115 mm, resulting in best-in-class second-row legroom.

A trapezoidal motif defines the boundary between the body and lower cladding. This portion is inspired by the traditional Japanese woodworking technique “kigumi,” in which structures are precisely interlocked without nails.

Further, the nose was raised, while the front wing lines are now easier to see from the driver’s seat. To emphasize width, Mazda widened the bumper openings, while the Signature Wing element—which is positioned between the sharp double illumination—helps the front stand out and exude confidence.

The sides feature gloss-black cladding and 19-inch alloy wheels with a black metallic finish.

At the rear, linear LED taillights and bold “MAZDA” lettering in place of the usual company logo create a clean look.

Interior

Inside, the SUV features an uncluttered cabin that embodies the principle of Ma, a key pillar of Japanese aesthetics that prioritizes space, balance, and harmony.

Occupants are welcomed by a rich mix of Japanese Sen Wood and genuine sports tan leather. The front seats are power-adjustable, with memory presets and ventilation for the driver.

Up front is a horizontal, door-to-door dashboard layout housing the new integrated 15.6-inch infotainment system. It is complemented by a redesigned center console with repositioned cupholders and a wireless charger.

Rear knee clearance increased by 64 mm, while headroom grew by 29 mm. The rear door opening is also 70 mm wider, complemented by a wider scuff plate and lowered hip point to facilitate ingress and egress.

The extended wheelbase also increased load-floor depth by approximately 45 mm, allowing bulky items to be stored upright.

Other amenities include a new seven-color ambient lighting system on the front door trims and a panoramic sunroof.

Moreover, the CX-5 is the first model to adopt Mazda’s next-generation electrical and electronic architecture, Mazda E/E Architecture+ (EEA+). It enables faster processing, improved connectivity, and future-ready digital functions, while serving as the foundation for the vehicle’s enhanced human-machine interface (HMI), advanced connectivity, and over-the-air (OTA) update capability.

The central touchscreen offers smartphone-like usability and a customizable home screen with quick access to frequently used features. It also eliminates the need for physical controls for climate-control functions, provides access to voice assistance and popular apps for music, video streaming, and news, and displays the vehicle’s surroundings through the 360° View Monitor.

The infotainment setup is paired with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with Perceptual Sound Rendering (PSR).

Behind the multifunction steering wheel is an all-digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, complemented by a head-up display projected onto the front windshield.

Powertrain and chassis

Under the hood is a new 2.5-liter e-Skyactiv-G coupled with Mazda’s hybrid system that can deliver:

Maximum output (in horsepower)	178.5
Peak torque (in Newton-meters)	242

The powertrain send power to the wheel via a recalibrated six-speed automatic transmission with revised shift mapping and updated hydraulic torque-converter control. These changes reduce shift frequency and enable smoother or crisper transitions depending on the load and the driver’s preference.

The SUV also gets softer springs, carefully tuned dampers, and adjusted anti-roll bar sizes, with rebound damping increased at both the front and rear.

For safety, the model is equipped with a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) under the i-Activsense package. These include:

• Front and Rear Smart Brake Support
• Enhanced Blind Spot Monitoring
• Driver Monitoring and Driver Attention Alert
• Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Emergency Lane Keeping

This suite of features helped the vehicle achieve a five-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme and its counterpart for the Australasian market, as well as a Top Safety Pick+ recognition from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Price and availability

Priced at P2.495 million, the Mazda CX-5 2.5L AWD HEV Premium Plus is available in six colors:

• Navy Blue Mica (introduced for the first time in Mazda’s lineup)
• Soul Red Crystal
• Rhodium White
• Machine Gray
• Jet Black
• Aero Gray

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

“The all-new Mazda CX-5 elevates the everyday experience thanks to its advanced technology, significantly more practical SUV dimensions, and, of course, the signature driving dynamics,”Tan said. “The CX-5 is an important part of Mazda, with cumulative global sales reaching five million units. There is no doubt that the next-generation model will continue to do the same.”

Relatedly, Tan revealed that an a front-wheel-drive version of the all-new CX-5 will arrive sometime early next year.

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