Verdict
B
Mid SUV · Japan · 2012-Present
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 — spec data and generation history.
Years
2012-Present
Generations
2
Segment
Mid SUV
Mazda's mid-size SUV - the car that launched Skyactiv branding in 2012. KE (2012-2017) was the original first-Skyactiv Mazda, sharp KODO styling, the Mazda 6 sister product. KF (2017-Present) is the second generation - same platform, properly polished. UK gets 2.0/2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol and 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel, FWD or AWD. No hybrid, no PHEV - in 2024-25 Mazda is reframing the lineup around the new CX-60 / CX-80 / CX-5 e-Skyactiv. The CX-5 is the polished, slightly upmarket Mazda mid-size SUV that has been quietly very good for over a decade. The KF facelift (2022) added the cabin polish that should always have been there. CX-60 is the replacement push - CX-5 carries on alongside.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
KE 2012-2017 → KF 2017-Present
Cabin tech Step-change
NVH Quieter
MPG +5 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2012-2017
KE
→
2.2 Skyactiv-D - 175 bhp, 0-62 in 9.4s.
Verdict
B
BHP
175
0–60
9.4 s
Top
129 mph
MPG
45 mpg
Used
$6,400-$18,000
- + First Skyactiv Mazda - efficient and light
- + KODO styling sharp
- − Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon build-up under heavy DPF use
- − Cabin plastics not premium
2017-Present
KF
→
2.5 Skyactiv-G - 192 bhp, 0-62 in 8.5s.
Verdict
B
BHP
192
0–60
8.5 s
Top
137 mph
MPG
32 mpg
Used
$18,000-$41,000
- + Properly polished cabin (especially post-2022 facelift)
- + Genuine refinement step on KE
- − No hybrid in UK (CX-60 takes that role)
- − Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon build-up still
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2012-2017 - KE
- Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon build-up (regen failure)
- Skyactiv-G oil consumption
- i-stop battery weak
2017-Present - KF
- Skyactiv-D 2.2 carbon (still)
- AWD coupling fluid leak
- Infotainment lag pre-2022 facelift
Rivals
Honda CR-V · Toyota RAV4 · Volkswagen Tiguan · Nissan X-Trail