Overview

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Mazda CX-5 in the Australian market, from its debut in 2012 through to the upcoming third-generation model arriving in mid-2026. Whether you're considering a brand-new CX-5, hunting for a used bargain, or simply curious about how this SUV became one of the country's best-sellers, you'll find the full picture here. We walk through each generation's specs, what changed and why, how they performed in the real world, and what to watch for if you're buying second-hand. Pricing, known issues, which grades to target, and which to avoid are all covered.

From Underdog to Fixture: How the CX-5 Won Over Australia

When the Mazda CX-5 arrived in Australia in early 2012, the medium SUV segment was already getting crowded. Toyota had the RAV4. Honda had the CR-V. Hyundai was pushing the Tucson hard on price. Into this mix, Mazda rolled something that looked different, drove differently, and was priced to compete, and somehow, it landed perfectly.

More than a decade later, the numbers are hard to argue with. Over 316,000 CX-5s sold in Australia alone, with global figures exceeding five million units. It's been a top-three finisher in the medium SUV category almost every year since launch, and in plenty of those years it wore the crown outright. That's not luck. It's the result of Mazda consistently delivering a car that Australians actually wanted to drive, not just own.

The CX-5's story here is one of a brand finding its confidence. Mazda had been a reliable but somewhat unremarkable player in the Australian market before 2012. The CX-5 changed that. It gave the brand a halo product, something to point to when people asked what Mazda stood for. The answer, it turned out, was driver engagement, honest value, and design that doesn't look dated after three years in the driveway.

Generation One: The KE Series (2012–2017)

The Right Car at the Right Time

The CX-5 replaced two models that had run their course, the Tribute (essentially a rebadged Ford Escape) and the CX-7, a larger, thirstier SUV that never quite found its footing. In their place came something purpose-built from the ground up, and it showed.

The KE-series CX-5 was the first vehicle in the world to feature Mazda's Skyactiv technology suite across the board. This wasn't just a marketing term. Skyactiv was a genuine engineering programme targeting four areas simultaneously: the engine, transmission, body, and chassis. The goal was efficiency and handling without relying on turbochargers, hybrid systems, or significant weight additions. It was an old-school approach applied with modern precision, and it worked.

The Kodo design language, translating to 'Soul of Motion', gave the CX-5 its visual identity. Flowing lines, a wide stance, and a front end that suggested movement even when parked. It aged well too, which matters when you're selling a car that buyers intend to keep for seven or eight years.

Grades and Specifications

The Australian lineup launched with four grades: Maxx, Maxx Sport, Grand Touring, and Akera. Two engines were on offer, a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 114kW and 200Nm, and a 2.2-litre diesel making 129kW and a more useful 420Nm. Both engines came with six-speed transmissions, either automatic or manual depending on grade. Front-wheel drive was standard on the base petrol, while the diesel and upper-grade petrols offered all-wheel drive, a configuration that suited Australian conditions well, from suburban school runs to weekend escapes on unsealed roads.

The diesel deserves a special mention. Returning around 5.7L/100km in real-world conditions, it was genuinely economical for a family-sized SUV at a time when fuel prices were a constant concern. It made long hauls to regional areas less punishing on the wallet, and its torque spread made it relaxed and effortless on the highway. It was no surprise it became the preferred choice for many buyers outside major city centres.

Practicality was solid throughout: 403 litres of boot space with all seats occupied, expanding to 1,560 litres with the rear bench folded. Rear seat room was competitive in the segment, and the cabin layout was intuitive. Mazda resisted the temptation to clutter it with controls that looked impressive in a showroom but confused owners three months later.

How It Drove

The KE-series CX-5 drove with a directness that most rivals couldn't match. The steering had genuine weight and feel. Body roll through corners was well controlled. On winding roads, the kind you find heading into the hills behind the Gold Coast or along the Great Ocean Road, it behaved more like a car than a crossover. That distinction mattered to buyers who hadn't entirely given up on driving enjoyment when they moved up from a sedan.

It wasn't without compromise. Road noise was an issue in early examples, particularly noticeable on coarse chip bitumen. The ride could feel firm over broken surfaces, relevant given the condition of some Australian roads outside capital cities. And the infotainment, by 2014 standards, was starting to show its age.

The 2015 Facelift

Mazda addressed many of these points with a mid-cycle update in 2015. The front end received sharper detailing, and the interior got a seven-inch touchscreen, an upgrade that felt meaningful at the time. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were added, bringing the safety suite closer in line with what European rivals were offering. Cabin insulation was improved, taking the edge off the road noise complaint. It wasn't a transformation, but it kept the CX-5 current through to the second generation's arrival.

ANCAP gave the KE-series a five-star rating, with strong scores across adult occupant, child occupant, and pedestrian protection categories. Multiple Wheels Car of the Year nominations followed, along with consistent praise from long-term test reviewers who found the CX-5 held up well over distance.

Generation Two: The KF Series (2017–2025)

Building on a Winning Formula

Mazda launched the second-generation CX-5 in Australia in March 2017, and the approach was measured rather than dramatic. Rather than redesigning what was working, they refined it: quieter cabin, improved materials, more polished road manners, and a look that pushed further into premium territory without abandoning the practicality that had made the first generation so popular.

The Kodo styling evolved with slimmer LED headlights, a bolder front grille, and cleaner surfacing across the body. Inside, the materials quality took a noticeable step up. Softer touch points, better-stitched upholstery on upper grades, and a more cohesive dashboard layout made it feel genuinely close to European alternatives that cost considerably more. Mazda were clearly targeting conquest sales from buyers who had previously dismissed Japanese SUVs as a budget option.

Engines and Drivetrains

The engine lineup expanded for the KF series. The 2.0-litre petrol carried over as the entry point, while a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 140kW and 252Nm joined the range in higher-spec grades, smoother and more relaxed at motorway speeds than the 2.0. The 2.2-litre diesel continued, holding strong until around 2024 when it was quietly dropped from the Australian lineup as emissions regulations tightened and buyer preferences shifted.

The most significant addition came in 2019: a turbocharged 2.5-litre petrol producing 170kW and 420Nm, available across the Touring, GT, and Akera grades with AWD as standard. This variant changed the character of the car considerably. It covered ground with real urgency, handled steep highway grades without fuss, and made the CX-5 a legitimately quick family SUV. Towing capacity on the turbo AWD reached 2,000kg braked, adding another dimension of usefulness for buyers with a boat or camper trailer.

The six-speed automatic was recalibrated for sharper responses, though it occasionally felt hesitant at low speeds in stop-start traffic, a minor gripe that cropped up consistently in long-term owner reports.

Cabin and Technology

Noise suppression in the KF series was markedly better than the KE. Thicker laminated glass on the front windows, additional sound-deadening material in the floor and doors, and acoustic tuning of the cabin made highway driving considerably more relaxed. Where the KE could feel loud on coarse chip at 110km/h, the KF was genuinely hushed.

The infotainment moved to an eight-inch screen, and from 2019 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, finally addressing one of the most common complaints from KE owners. Mazda's rotary dial interface, the MZD Connect system, divided opinion. Some found it intuitive, others found it fussy compared to a touchscreen. The interface improved across subsequent software updates.

Safety technology expanded considerably under the i-Activsense umbrella. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection became standard across most grades. ANCAP maintained the five-star rating, with particularly strong scores in adult occupant and pedestrian protection categories.

Updates Along the Way

The 2022 facelift refreshed the exterior with revised bumpers, updated LED light signatures front and rear, and new wheel designs. Seat comfort improved with better bolstering and revised foam density. Previous seats had drawn criticism for lower back support on longer drives. The turbo AWD models received standard equipment upgrades, and the cabin received further material refinements.

By 2024, with the diesel gone and a new generation in development, the KF range streamlined to petrol-only options. Sales figures remained strong throughout, with over 23,000 units moved in 2023 alone, placing the CX-5 second in the medium SUV segment behind the Toyota RAV4. It held a podium position every single year from launch, a consistency that few cars in any segment can claim.

Awards recognition continued steadily. Drive and CarsGuide both acknowledged it multiple times over the KF's lifespan, and international recognition included the Women's World Car of the Year award in 2017. The range remained competitively positioned against European rivals across its entire lifespan.

What's Coming: The Third Generation (2026 Onwards)

Mazda revealed the third-generation CX-5 in 2025, with Australian deliveries expected from mid-2026. This is a more significant step forward than the KE-to-KF transition. The new car is longer overall, with a more spacious rear cabin and a larger boot. The dashboard adopts a screen up to 12.3 inches on upper grades, with a cleaner layout that moves away from the outgoing car's more traditional instrument cluster.

Petrol engines carry over initially. Expect the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbo units to continue, with a hybrid variant slated for 2027. Mazda's quoted efficiency target for the hybrid sits around 5.0L/100km combined, which would represent a meaningful improvement over the current turbo's real-world consumption.

The platform has been evolved rather than replaced, prioritising handling refinement and structural rigidity. Advanced driver assistance systems will expand to include more sophisticated autonomous emergency braking, updated lane centring, and improved rear cross-traffic detection. The grade structure is expected to maintain the familiar Maxx-to-Akera ladder.

For buyers who can wait, it's worth considering. For those who need something now, the 2022–2025 KF cars represent excellent value, particularly as early third-generation buyers work through any teething issues.

Buying a Used CX-5: What You Actually Need to Know

The Market Right Now

As of early 2026, the used CX-5 market is well supplied. Thousands of listings sit across Carsales, Drive, and Autotrader at any given time, spanning every generation, grade, and condition level. Supply is healthy enough that you shouldn't feel pressured into a rushed decision.

Used CX-5s span a wide range depending on age, grade, and kilometres. Early KE models with high kilometres sit at the more affordable end of the market. Mid-range KF variants with under 100,000km command a higher premium, and the newest 2022–2025 examples sit closest to new car territory. Turbo models consistently command a premium over equivalent non-turbo grades, reflecting strong demand on the used market. Always factor in stamp duty (which varies by state), registration transfer, and transport costs if buying interstate, as these can close the gap on what appears to be a cheaper interstate option.

Service History: The Non-Negotiable

A full-service history is the single most important thing to verify before committing to any CX-5. These engines, particularly the diesels and the turbo petrols, are not forgiving of neglected maintenance. Oil changes should appear every 10,000km, or more frequently if the car spent time in dusty inland conditions. Transmission fluid should have been refreshed around the 60,000km mark.

Dealer stamps carry more weight than independent stamps, but a consistent history from the same independent workshop is still reassuring. What you don't want is a logbook that jumps from 45,000km to 95,000km with nothing in between. Gaps aren't automatically disqualifying, but they need a credible explanation from the seller.

The Test Drive

Don't rush the test drive. Cold starts are telling. The engine should fire cleanly and idle smoothly within a few seconds. Warm it up properly before you push it, then cover some varied ground: suburban streets, a stretch of open road at 100km/h, and some stop-start traffic if possible.

Listen for unusual noises from the engine bay, particularly at idle. The KE-series road noise issue should be obvious on coarse chip. If a KF is notably loud on the highway, check whether the tyres are worn or whether there's been previous underbody damage affecting insulation. Feel for transmission hesitation pulling away from lights. Some KF automatics exhibit a brief pause that's annoying but not catastrophic. Anything more pronounced is worth investigating.

Run the air-conditioning hard. Australian summers don't forgive a marginal climate system, and a regas to restore performance costs money you could avoid spending. Cycle the folding mirrors several times. A worn mirror fold motor is a known irritant and a replacement isn't cheap. Check all windows, the sunroof if fitted, and every seat adjustment function.

On the underbody, look for scrapes and dents from gravel track use. The CX-5 is not designed for serious off-road work, and examples used on bush tracks sometimes show damage to the undertray, exhaust hangers, or suspension components. Tyre wear should be even across both axles and side to side. Uneven patterns suggest alignment issues or suspension wear.

Recalls and PPSR

Mazda has issued several recalls across the CX-5's lifespan, covering items including liftgate strut failures and emissions system components. Before finalising any private purchase, run the VIN through the Product Safety Australia recall database at recalls.gov.au, and through Mazda Australia's own recall checker. It's a five-minute job that can save a significant headache.

Run a PPSR check (through ppsr.gov.au) on any private sale vehicle to confirm it's not still under finance, hasn't been written off, or isn't carrying any security interests. Dealers are legally required to provide a clear title, but private sellers are not held to the same standard.

Which Grade and Year to Target

For most buyers, a 2019 or newer KF in Touring or GT specification represents the sweet spot. These grades include leather seating, the full i-Activsense safety suite, heated front seats, power-adjustable driver's seat, and the eight-inch infotainment with CarPlay, without the premium attached to the Akera's top-spec equipment. The 2019 cutoff is meaningful: that's when the turbo arrived, CarPlay was standardised, and most of the early software bugs had been resolved.

If budget is the priority, a 2017–2018 KF Maxx Sport or Grand Touring with a clean service history is still a strong choice. The 2.0-litre engine in these grades is adequate rather than exciting, but it's simple, reliable, and cheap to service.

Avoid high-kilometre KE diesels unless you can verify the intake has been cleaned and the car has been properly maintained throughout. The potential for carbon build-up and the general age of these examples makes them a higher-risk proposition compared to a slightly more expensive 2017–2018 KF petrol.

Getting an Inspection Done

A pre-purchase inspection is worth every cent. The RAC in WA, NRMA in NSW, RACV in Victoria, RACQ in Queensland, and their equivalents in other states all offer thorough inspections. For a used car purchase, that's an easy cost to justify. An independent mechanic familiar with Mazda products is a solid alternative.

A good inspection will flag underbody damage, coolant issues, oil consumption, brake wear, tyre condition, and any structural concerns from prior accident damage. It won't catch every future problem, no inspection can, but it significantly reduces the risk of an expensive surprise in the first six months of ownership.

The CX-5 earned its reputation the hard way, by consistently being a good car in a competitive segment, over a long period, across two full generations. It's not the flashiest option in the medium SUV space and has never claimed to be. What it offers is a vehicle that's genuinely enjoyable to drive, practical enough for family life, reliable when maintained properly, and well-supported by Mazda's dealer network across the country.

For used buyers, the value proposition is strong. A well-maintained 2019–2021 KF in the right grade gives you a capable, modern SUV with strong safety credentials for considerably less than a new alternative. Do the homework, get the inspection done, verify the history, and a used CX-5 can be one of the better decisions you make in the used car market.

For new car buyers, the current KF run-out stock offers proven value, while those who can hold off until mid-2026 will have the third generation to consider, a more substantial update that brings the CX-5 into sharper competition with the latest electrified offerings.

Either way, it's not hard to see why this car has spent the better part of fifteen years near the top of Australia's SUV sales charts. When something works this well, for this long, you tend to keep coming back to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Mazda CX-5 a reliable car in Australia? Yes, the CX-5 has a strong reliability reputation in the Australian market. Both the KE and KF generations hold up well when serviced regularly, with oil changes every 10,000km and transmission fluid refreshes around the 60,000km mark. The naturally aspirated petrol engines are particularly low-maintenance. The diesels and turbo petrols require closer attention but are reliable when looked after properly. Owner satisfaction surveys and used car residual values both reflect the car's strong long-term reliability record.
2. What is the best year Mazda CX-5 to buy used in Australia? For most buyers, a 2019 or newer KF-series CX-5 is the best target. From 2019, the range gained the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the full i-Activsense safety suite as standard across most grades. These updates addressed the main complaints from earlier models, and the 2019-onwards cars benefit from resolved software and mechanical teething issues. If budget is tighter, a 2017–2018 KF with full service history is still a solid choice.
3. How does the Mazda CX-5 hold its value in Australia? The CX-5 holds its value better than most competitors in the medium SUV segment. Strong demand on the used market, a consistent quality reputation, and low running costs all contribute to solid resale figures. Turbo models and higher-spec grades tend to retain value particularly well, and the CX-5 consistently outperforms several European rivals when it comes to depreciation over a typical ownership period.
4. Is the Mazda CX-5 good for long-distance driving in Australia? It's one of the better options in its class for covering long distances. The KF series in particular offers a refined, quiet cabin at highway speeds, a comfortable driving position, and fuel consumption that doesn't punish you on longer hauls. The 2.5-litre turbo is especially relaxed at 110km/h, and the adaptive cruise control on most grades from 2019 reduces fatigue on open stretches. For regional buyers or those regularly covering distances between major centres, it's a well-suited choice.
5. What is the towing capacity of the Mazda CX-5? Towing capacity depends on the variant. The turbocharged 2.5-litre AWD models are rated to tow up to 2,000kg braked, making them suitable for a small boat, camper trailer, or horse float within that limit. Non-turbo models carry a lower braked towing rating. Always verify the specific towing rating on the compliance plate and in the owner's manual for the individual vehicle, and ensure the tow bar is professionally fitted and rated accordingly.
6. How does the Mazda CX-5 compare to the Toyota RAV4 in Australia? Both are strong choices, but they suit different priorities. The CX-5 is generally considered more engaging to drive, with sharper steering and a more driver-focused character. The RAV4 offers hybrid powertrain options that the CX-5 currently lacks, and outsells the CX-5 in Australia. The RAV4 also offers slightly more boot space in some configurations. The CX-5 tends to score higher on interior quality and driving dynamics in back-to-back comparisons, while the RAV4 leads on powertrain variety and outright practicality. Buyers who prioritise fuel efficiency and hybrid availability lean toward the RAV4. Those who value the drive itself often prefer the CX-5.
7. When is the new Mazda CX-5 coming to Australia? The third-generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to arrive in Australian dealerships in mid-2026. Mazda unveiled the new model in 2025, with the updated car featuring a larger cabin, a touchscreen up to 12.3 inches on upper grades, and an evolved platform. Petrol engines carry over initially, with a hybrid variant expected to join the lineup in 2027. The grade structure is expected to follow the familiar Maxx-to-Akera ladder.
8. Is it worth buying a Mazda CX-5 over a European SUV in Australia? For most buyers, yes. The CX-5 delivers a comparable level of interior refinement, strong safety credentials, and genuine driving enjoyment at a significantly lower purchase price than equivalent European alternatives. Running costs are also considerably more manageable, with Mazda servicing generally less expensive than European brands and parts availability better across regional Australia. European SUVs in the same segment often carry higher depreciation and dearer maintenance costs. Unless a specific European feature set or brand prestige is a priority, the CX-5 represents better overall value for the majority of Australian buyers.
9. Does the Mazda CX-5 have a hybrid option in Australia? As of early 2026, the CX-5 does not offer a hybrid variant in Australia. The current KF range runs on petrol-only powertrains following the discontinuation of the diesel in 2024. However, the upcoming third-generation CX-5, due in Australian dealerships from mid-2026, is expected to introduce a hybrid option, with Mazda targeting arrival of that variant around 2027. Buyers with a strong preference for hybrid technology may wish to consider waiting for the new generation or exploring alternatives like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid in the meantime.