2027 Mazda CX-5 Evolve review: Long-term introduction

First Mazda went upmarket, and now it's going... downmarket?

That certainly seems to be the case with the third-generation CX-5, which marks a strategic departure from the premium push led by Mazda’s large-platform SUVs – the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90.

Where the quartet tried – and have arguably failed thus far – to justify elevated price tags with high-end interior materials, advanced digital displays, and lusty rear-biased inline-six powertrains, the new CX-5 takes a more grounded approach: it’s cheaper than its closest competitors, and makes no pretence of being a luxury product.

In theory, it should therefore appeal strongly to unpretentious families facing the cost-of-living pressures synonymous with Australian life in 2026.

But what's been lost in Mazda's mission to re-engage the mainstream? We're about to find out, as CarExpert's Melbourne garage has welcomed a Navy Blue Mica CX-5 Evolve for three months of rigorous testing.

How much does the Mazda CX-5 cost?

As explained above, the new CX-5 appears to offer strong value against its Japanese and Korean rivals, particularly in one-up-from-base Evolve trim.

Because, at $42,990 before on-road costs, it undercuts even the base Toyota RAV4, as well as all-wheel drive versions of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

That said, Chinese alternatives – namely the Chery Tiggo 7, BYD Sealion 6, Geely Starray EM-i, GWM Haval H6 and MG HS – still promise more for less.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What's under the bonnet?

There's no penalty for purchasing a lower-end CX-5 variant in the engine department, as the Evolve is powered by the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol mill used right across the range.

Due to tighter emissions standards globally, the power and torque outputs listed above are down 8kW and 10Nm on the previous-generation CX-5’s G25 engine, but Mazda says 95-octane premium unleaded will increase outputs to 138kW and 257Nm.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The Evolve is positioned near the bottom of the CX-5 range, although it still comes with niceties including heated front seats and a wireless phone charger. I don't have much time for the standard 17-inch wheels, though.

2027 Mazda CX-5 Pure equipment highlights:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/65R17 tyres
• Automatic LED headlights with auto high-beam
• 10.25-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster
• 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wired
• Mazda Connected Services
• Black cloth seat upholstery
• 8-way manual driver’s seat adjustment
• Parking sensors – front, rear

CX-5 Evolve adds:

• Frameless, auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Side mirrors – auto-folding, heated
• Heated front seats
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wireless
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Smart keyless entry
• Rear air vents

CX-5 Touring adds:

• 19-inch machined alloy wheels with 225/55R19 tyres
• Black Maztex leatherette seat upholstery
• • incl. synthetic suede inserts
• 10-way power driver seat incl. memory function
• Heated steering wheel
• Remote power tailgate
• Head-up display
• Roof rails
• Heated windscreen
• Exterior mirrors incl. memory function

CX-5 GT SP adds:

• 19-inch black alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Gloss-black wheel-arch mouldings
• Gloss-black front, rear bumper finish
• 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
• Signature LED illumination – headlights, tail-lights
• Ambient interior lighting
• 8-way powered passenger seat adjustment
• Black leather upholstery
• Heated outboard rear seats
• USB-C outlets – rear
• 360-degree cameras incl. see-through view

CX-5 Akera adds:

• Ventilated front seats
• 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Panoramic sunroof
• Hands-free tailgate function
• Steering wheel paddle shifters
• Personalise system incl. Easy Entry, driving position guide

To see how the Mazda CX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Mazda CX-5 safe?

Yes, very much so. It achieved a full five-star ANCAP safety rating in July, including a standout 93 per cent score for vulnerable road user protection – the highest recorded under the 2023-25 ANCAP assessment regime.

ANCAP said the family SUV combined strong crash protection for adult and child occupants with highly effective collision avoidance technology, and a front-end design aimed at reducing injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.

"The CX-5 has long been a popular model for families, and buyers of this latest model can be assured that Mazda has considered the safety and protection of occupants and those outside the car," said ANCAP chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg.

Standard safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go
• Smart City Brake Support – AEB
• • Forward, reverse, turn across traffic
• Blind-spot monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning
• Front/rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• LED headlights with auto on/off
• Driver attention monitor/warning
• High Beam Control
• Reversing camera

GT SP adds:

• Surround-view camera

To see how the Mazda CX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Mazda CX-5 cost to run?

The CX-5 is backed by Mazda's five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance.

Mazda caps service pricing for the lifetime of the vehicle, with a detailed breakdown of maintenance requirements available on the brand's local website.

For comparison's sake, a five-year total of $2203 renders the CX-5 more expensive to service than direct rivals such as the CR-V ($995), Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid ($1595), Sealion 6 Essential ($1593), and RAV4 HEV ($1625).

I'm also expecting regular trips to the servo, given the CX-5 consumes a claimed 7.4L/100km – far more than any of the hybrid SUVs listed above.

To see how the Mazda CX-5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert's Take on the Mazda CX-5 G25 Evolve AWD

Our first impressions of the CX-5 Evolve aren't overwhelmingly positive, to be honest.

From the outside, it looks a little awkward compared with the previous-generation model, trading compact proportions and cohesive curves for a bloated stance, gaping wheel-arches – at least with the 17-inch alloys – and generic tailgate lettering.

Slipping into the driver’s seat, more reasons for apprehension emerge. The absence of physical controls is jarring, while material quality is a mixed bag even by segment standards, let alone the loftier benchmark Mazda has set for itself over recent years.

We do, however, appreciate the abundant cabin storage on offer. The driving ergonomics are also spot-on.

And while it hasn't seen any use yet, there's enough evidence to suggest the enlarged second row and boot are well equipped to deal with whatever we throw at them.

The engine? Not so much. Even at this early stage, it's clear the non-turbo four-pot is both underpowered and inefficient by modern standards, so we're preparing to practice patience on the road and selective ignorance at the fuel pump.

All else remains to be seen, but we encourage you to leave any questions or requests in the comments below as we attempt to unpack where this relatively basic version of the overhauled CX-5 fits within the overpopulated mid-size SUV landscape.

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MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-5 showroom