2022 Mazda CX-5 facelift: Australian features revealed

UPDATE, 5:00 pm: Wheels has obtained additional information regarding the 2022 Mazda CX-5 facelift.

The original story has been updated to reflect this below.

The story to here

A leaked dealer bulletin has outlined local specification details for the updated 2022 Mazda CX-5.

Scheduled to arrive locally in March, the 2022 CX-5 – first revealed in September – has received an external facelift that will also bring additional technology and safety features to the popular mid-size SUV.

According to the documents seen by Wheels, the revised model will also sport a rejigged line-up – with a new Touring Active variant added, the GT and several AWD trims culled from the range, and a new powertrain option included.

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GT SP (overseas model shown)

Like the outgoing CX-5, engine options will comprise of naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol mills, as well as a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre twin-turbocharged diesel.

However, the Maxx Sport 2.0-litre petrol FWD will be axed in favour of the 2.5-litre engine – now available in front-wheel-drive guise for the first time in the CX-5’s local history.

In addition, several all-wheel-drive variants are facing the axe, with low customer sales reportedly behind the decision.

These discontinued options are the Maxx petrol AWD, Maxx Sport diesel AWD and Touring diesel AWD.

The entry-level 2.0-litre – limited to the base Maxx variant – can still be chosen with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, with the latter gearbox standard across the remainder of the mix.

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Touring Active (overseas model shown)

Mazda Australia is yet to confirm official pricing for the facelifted CX-5, however, Wheels believes increases of up to $2000 can be expected due to the additional standard equipment.

The documents confirm the 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster currently exclusive to the flagship Akera will become standard fit, while the windscreen-projected head-up display will also be available across the range – in an identical move to the CX-30 line-up.

Full-LED headlights and tail-lights are also set to be available across each variant.

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Touring Active interior (overseas model shown)

Other range-wide changes include; updated alloy wheel designs, steering and dynamic enhancements, NVH improvements, a new ‘S-shaped’ seat structure, the integration of fog lights into the headlamps, and an even-thinner space-saver spare wheel to cater for a newly adjustable rear cargo floor.

Petrol all-wheel-drive variants will also pick up the brand’s Mi-Drive switch with Sport and Off-Road driving modes.

The colour range is also set to change, with zircon sand metallic replacing titanium flash mica.

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GT SP (overseas model shown)

The current infotainment setup, consisting of the 8-inch unit on the Maxx, Maxx Sport and Touring (and likely Touring Active) running older software and the larger 10.25-inch widescreen on the GT SP and Akera using Mazda’s latest system, is expected to carry over for another year.

Traffic sign recognition – currently available on the Touring and above – will filter down to the Maxx Sport for the new model-year.

A wireless phone charger and reversible cargo floorboard are available in Touring grades and higher, while the newly-added Touring Active variant features unique styling enhancements.

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Akera (overseas model shown)

The chunkier body kit on the Touring Active includes silver trim on the front and rear bumpers and side skirts, in addition to lime green accents on the front grille, seats and air vents.

A diesel engine is optional on the Touring Active, alongside the naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre petrol.

As mentioned, the familiar GT variant has been discontinued for 2022 – with the optional turbo-petrol engine now limited to the GT SP and Akera.

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Above: the outgoing CX-5 GT SP

New additions for the blacked-out GT SP variant – added to the range earlier this year – include; a hands-free power tailgate, traffic jam assist, LED interior lights, black headlining, larger exhaust tailpipes and a red grille accent.

Mazda had already confirmed prominent gloss black wheel cladding and lower bumpers will be added, while black leather seat trim with red stitching will replace the outgoing suede/leather combination.

Finally, the range-topping Akera will gain body-coloured wheel cladding and lower bumpers for a more luxurious look, as well as improved adaptive LED headlights with 20 segments, up from 11 – in addition to the new equipment listed above.

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The facelifted Mazda CX-5 is expected to touch down in Australia in March 2022, although buyers hoping to purchase a turbo-petrol model could face delays due to a reported parts shortage.

Mazda Australia was unable to confirm the leaked details, however a spokesperson told Wheels the firm "looks forward to sharing more around the CX-5 in the new year".

2022 Mazda CX-5 range: