Mazda may soon launch an off‑road CX-5 version aimed at rivals Subaru Forester Wilderness and Hyundai Tucson XRT. Discover the clues and what’s next.
According to a report from Carscoops, Mazda is quietly expanding the CX‑5 family. While a hybrid power‑train is already in development, the Japanese automaker may also be working on a more adventurous, off‑road‑ready CX‑5.
Why an Off‑Road CX‑5 Now?
A senior Mazda engineer told Australian automotive outlet Car Sales that the company is closely monitoring customer feedback before committing to a sportier, terrain‑focused variant. The goal: offer a CX‑5 that can comfortably tackle dirt roads, gravel paths and light‑to‑moderate off‑road conditions.
Direct Competition
The prospective model would go head‑to‑head with the Subaru Forester Wilderness and the Hyundai Tucson XRT. Both rivals have introduced dedicated off‑road trims that blend everyday practicality with rugged styling—a segment that’s gaining traction in Europe, North America and Australia.
Mazda’s Current Off‑Road Offering: CX‑50
Today Mazda already sells the CX‑50, a model built on a more robust chassis and marketed as an outdoor‑oriented SUV. However, the CX‑50 is currently limited to the U.S. market and isn’t available in Australia or many other regions. Bringing the CX‑50 to right‑hand‑drive markets would also require a costly conversion of the steering system—a step Mazda isn’t ready to take just yet.
What Could the New CX‑5 Variant Include?
Rather than developing an entirely new platform, Mazda may simply bolt on a set of off‑road accessories to the existing CX‑5 architecture. Possible additions include:
- Raised suspension with longer shock absorbers
- All‑terrain tires and reinforced wheel arches
- Protective skid plates and body cladding
- Under‑body lighting for night‑time trail driving
These tweaks would give the CX‑5 a decidedly tougher look and improved capability without the expense of a full model redesign.
Official Comment from Mazda
Koichiro Yamaguchi, the head of the CX‑5 development team, told Car Sales: “At this moment we do not have such options available. Mazda wants to observe customer reactions very carefully for future variants we hope to bring to the CX‑5.” While he did not confirm the off‑road version, the comment leaves the door open for a future launch.
What This Means for Buyers
If Mazda proceeds, the off‑road CX‑5 could arrive in the next model year, positioning itself as a more affordable alternative to the Forester Wilderness and Tucson XRT, especially in markets where the CX‑50 is absent. Enthusiasts can expect a blend of Mazda’s signature driving dynamics with added durability for weekend adventures.
Stay tuned for official announcements—Mazda’s next move could reshape the compact SUV segment once again.