Back to the future

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/12/2023 (652 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The current generation of the Mazda CX-5 crossover debuted in 2016 as a 2017 model, and with the arrival of the 2024 CX-5 Suna Edition, logic suggests that seven years later, this model is overdue for a replacement.

There have been some changes over those seven years, as Mazda worked to keep the model going with versions such as the Signature and Kuro models that added uplevel trim and features. The Suna is the latest, and comes with a handsome Zircon Sand paint scheme, 2.5-litre turbo and all the available creature comforts, from heated seats and steering wheel to dual-zone climate control, sunroof and keyless entry.

One thing that stands out with the CX-5 is how, even six years later, the design remains contemporary, with its striking snout and clean lines.

I’ve written enough about the CX-5, and have owned one since 2018, so it seems with this story, the tack to take is to predict what the next CX-5, should there be one, will look like.

First off, it seems reasonable to say there will, indeed, be a new model, although Mazda Canada is still in “we don’t comment on future models” mode. The CX-5 fits into the lineup nicely between the CX-30 and CX-50 crossovers.

As well, the CX-5 is, by a very large margin, Mazda’s top-selling vehicle in Canada. To the end of November, Mazda has sold 21,691 CX-5s in 2023, nearly twice its entire passenger car segment (which, between the Mazda3 and MX-5 totalled 11,123 vehicles sold). The Mazda3 is No. 2 in 2023, with 10,097 sold up to Nov. 30.

Clearly, there’s an appetite for the CX-5 Mazda will want to continue to feed.

So, what to expect? I suspect the new CX-5 will move towards the CX-90 in styling to a certain extent. Expect the front facade to retain the snout-like shape of the current model, but perhaps with the grille pushed forward to be almost even with the grille surround.

Designers, who are no doubt working on the new one now, are probably pushing the boundaries of metallurgy and design with a complex series of swoops and swales along the sides, while perhaps giving the new version a more pronounced sport coupe stance with a longer hood.

Under that hood, given Mazda’s experiments with hybrid technology in the CX-90, don’t be surprised to see a plug-in hybrid version to compete with the RAV-4 Prime or Honda Prologue EV. At the very least, a mild hybrid is likely, perhaps as the base engine. (The CX-90 is only available electrified in some form, either as a mild hybrid or as a plug-in.)

Given that the CX-5 won’t change much in weight or size, I suspect Mazda will stick with a six-speed automatic to retain its excellent responsiveness. Disappointing, in my eyes, would be a move to an eight-speed transmission as seen on the CX-90. In the CX-90, the sharp, responsive gear shifts of the CX-5 are lost as it sometimes hunts for the right gear ratio.

It should be noted that moving to eight speeds from six doesn’t appreciably change the highest drive ratio: more speeds means there are more steps on the way to the top gear ratio, not that the highest gear gets much, if at all, higher.

As with the current CX-5, at least since 2019, all-wheel drive is likely the only available drive layout. Mazda discontinued front-drive CX-5s for the 2020 model year.

Inside, you can expect Mazda to increase the level of luxury even more, perhaps with pinstriped panel pieces or jewelled metallic knobs and buttons where appropriate. A switch to the current infotainment interface is all but certain — unless a new and improved interface is developed by then — as is expanding the amount of LCD display in the instrument panel, probably on par with the current Mazda3.

The company’s desire to compete on design, materials and execution with high-end models has been evident since the current CX-5 debuted.

The upside-down L-shaped shift pattern on the CX-90 gearshift is also likely, much to the chagrin of some of Canada’s top automotive journalists, who, myself among them, found it needlessly complicated. That said, it’s probably something to which an owner would acclimate very quickly.

On models with keyless entry, expect to see the CX-5 move away from the current rubber button on the door handle to capacitance-activated touchpoints, such as is on the CX-90 (and many other brands’ vehicles, as well). Adopting a smartphone-as-key idea, as on certain Hyundai models, is also possible.

In the meantime, Mazda has done a very good job of keeping a six-year-old model current. For the latest updates to the 2018 design, Mazda has modified the coil spring rates for sharper handling, updated the front stabilizer bar to improve the extent to which the outside front wheel is held to the ground in turns, and with turbo models, such as the Suna featured here, added co-operative control of the all-wheel drive and the G-vector control (GVC) system to reduce torque at the rear wheels during turns, helping reduce oversteer.

Unlike our 2018 model, Apple Car Play and Android Auto are standard.

The Suna is the only model offered with Zircon Sand Metallic paint, and also comes with terracotta leather upholstery with black suede-like trim and terracotta interior stitching accents.

The old saying is that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I’d say that’s wrong: purchase is the sincerest flattery. Even six years later, I’d still opt for a CX-5. Can’t say that about too many models this long of tooth.

kelly.taylor@winnipegfreepress.com