The 2017 Mazda CX-5 SUV has launched in Australia with an array of improvements and a starting price of AUD 28,690. 

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 uses the existing powertrains of the outgoing model, however it brings refreshed exterior and interior packages plus a host of additional equipment, refinement and moderate fuel efficiency gains.


The new Mazda CX-5 comes with two petrol engines, a 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre four-cylinder, or a 2.2-litre diesel available across five grades and 12 different variants, including three Maxx and three Maxx Sport, two Touring, GT and Akera grades.

The base petrol engine will be made available as a front-wheel drive (FWD) while the larger petrol and diesel engine are available exclusively with all-wheel drive (AWD). Mazda will offer the entry model FWD CX-5 Maxx with a six-speed manual, priced from AUD 28,690, with the range topping out at AUD 49,990 for the top-spec CX-5 Akera diesel AWD. The new CX-5 measures 4550 mm (+10 mm on previous model) in length, 1840 mm in width and 1675 mm in height (-30 mm). The wheelbase remains at 2700 mm with a turning radius of 5.5m.


Mazda will offer the CX-5 with eight different colour choices including a revised version of the Soul Red as well as Eternal Blue, Machine Grey, Sonic Silver, Snowflake White Pearl, Titanium Flash, Deep Crystal Blue and Jet Black. Inside, choices range from black cloth, black Maztex/suede, black and white leather options. The boot has increased in size from 403 to 442 litres, which Mazda claims is big enough to accommodate three 72cm suitcases or four golf bags.

The infotainment system still lacks smartphone mirroring technologies such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however the new 7.0-inch screen now uses optical bonding for the LCD and touch panel, making it noticeably thinner and more resistant to reflection.


The noise vibration and harshness levels of the new CX-5 have been vastly improved, with new sound deadening technologies used across the range. The improvements see the new CX-5 produce the same level of cabin noise at 100 km/h as the previous model did at 80 km/h, according to Mazda.

Safety wise, all models get blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors and camera, as well as rear cross-traffic alert. The addition of upgraded smart city brake support, a form of autonomous emergency braking (AEB), is also available across the range with the ability to now also detect pedestrians (between 10-60 km/h) as well as vehicles (4-80 km/h).


When the system detects an object and assesses the threat of an imminent collision, it automatically applies the brakes. The top-spec Akera gains the latest in active safety with Mazda radar cruise control with full stop and go functionality, lane departure and lane keep assistance systems as well as side camera and smart brake support.