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First Look

This is the (slightly) new Mazda CX-5 SUV, and it's now a funky-looking hybrid

Mazda gives its SUV a little refresh with new looks and a (single) petrol-hybrid powertrain

Published: 10 Jul 2025

This is the new Mazda CX-5, and like its CX-30 and Mazda 3 siblings, it's now been electrified.

So out go the 2.0-litre/2.5-litre petrols and 2.2-litre diesel, and in comes a sole 2.5-litre mild hybrid 'e-Skyactiv G' engine. It makes a heady 139bhp and 176lb ft. That's sent to either the front wheels alone, or all wheels depending on trim. For the former, Mazda quotes 0-62mph in a heady 10.5s.

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No, it's not as fast as it looks. But it does look good. The exterior design doesn't stray too far from the existing CX-5, but it appears as though every surface has been sweating at the gym: the front's slightly sharper, wears new lights and deeper air intake vents. Similar story around the back, too, where the new rear taillights help add some visual width and a bit more modernity.

Should ride and handle with a little more flair, at least according to Mazda - it notes tweaks to the chassis and suspension for "enhanced ride comfort and road handling". The old car was already a good steer.

Subtle changes underneath and outside, bit of a big step inside. Out goes the button-heavy cabin, and in comes a giant screen. Lots of them. Mazda's done a clean sweep of the instruments and centre console, binning the rotary dial and fitting a new 10.25in driving display, a giant central display available in either 12.9in or 15.6in, and a head-up display.

Google is integrated for the first time, enabling features like Gemini and Play (free initially, and then, er, not). Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Maps, Netflix and Amazon Prime also form part of the package, and the suite is coupled with a 12-speaker Bose sound system in the fancier trims, turning the cabin into a mini concert hall. There's also a wireless charger pad.

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Speaking of trims, there are four: Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Live, and Homura. Mazda's stretched the wheelbase of this new car too, which it reckons improves occupant space, as well as allow a little more boot capacity (it's grown by 61 litres vs the old car). Plus, those rear doors open wider for easier access. Other family practicalities include a 40:20:40 split, and an interior clad in washable real cow.

It'll roll into showrooms next summer. We don't have details on CX-5 pricing yet, though it'll likely sit north of the £30k mark. More as we get it.

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