[2] A successor to both the Tribute and the slightly larger CX-7,[3][4] it is Mazda's first model to feature the "Kodo" design language and the first model to be fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, including a rigid, lightweight platform combined with a series of engines and transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

In rapid development from 2009 to 2011 under Hideaki Tanaka[22] and styled under Masashi Nakayama from 2009 to 2010, the CX-5 was first shown at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

[23] The Japanese model was unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show,[24][25] while a customized variant featuring a red exterior body colour, alloy wheels painted in matte black, and a slightly lower body height was unveiled in 2012 at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

[32] The CX-5 is available with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, powered by the PE-VPS 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine capable of 162 bhp (121 kW; 164 PS) and 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m) averaging an estimated 28 mpg‑imp (10 L/100 km; 23 mpg‑US) and emitting around 139 g/km of carbon dioxide.

Fuel consumption for the entry-level diesel engine with front-wheel drive is 63 mpg‑imp (4.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg‑US) on the European NEDC combined cycle.

At launch, only one trim level was offered, with the 2.0 L Skyactiv-G engine and 6-speed automatic transmission with a choice of FWD or AWD.

Initially, the facelift version was fully imported and only available with the 2.5 L engine, but again, consumers could choose between FWD or AWD.

An automatic transmission was standard on all-wheel drive models, with manual available on the 2.0 Maxx FWD petrol).

[47] For the 2014 model year, an optional 2.5-litre four-cylinder Skyactiv petrol engine was introduced to address the main criticism of the CX-5, lack of power.

[51] Notable changes include updates to exterior styling, reductions in road noise, an improved infotainment system, and a sport mode for the six-speed automatic transmission.

The Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine was made standard on all United States trim levels, except the base-level Sport equipped with the six-speed manual transmission and front wheel drive, which retained the 2.0-litre powerplant.

[52] According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2013 CX-5 achieved Good crash test ratings in the Moderate Overlap Front, Side, Roof Strength, and Head Restraint & Seats categories, while achieving only a Marginal rating in the Small Overlap Front crash test.

The small overlap test, introduced in 2012 by the IIHS, simulates a frontal collision on 25 percent of the driver's side front corner.

Since its adoption, the IIHS has noticed several automakers making non-symmetrical modifications to their vehicles to improve ratings.

[53] The second generation CX-5 was unveiled with an overhauled design and new technologies on November 15, 2016, at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Under U.S. fuel economy standards, Mazda claims the new engine delivers 22, 27 and 24 mpg‑US (10.7, 8.7 and 9.8 L/100 km; 26, 32 and 29 mpg‑imp) in city, highway and combined, respectively with AWD, regardless of octane.

However, the diesel engine was only sold for the 2019 model year and was only offered on the top-of-the-line Signature trim level.

[63] In 2017 for the 2018 model year, Mazda added standard cylinder deactivation and made the i-ACTIVSENSE Package available on the Sport trim.

[64] In 2018 for the 2019 model year, Mazda made available a new turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine and added new Grand Touring Reserve and Signature range-topping trims.

Signature trims received new safety features such as reverse automatic braking and driver attention alert as well as improved clarity for the 360-degree camera.

Models with the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine may lack cylinder deactivation and engine start/stop due to parts supply issues, and have EPA ratings of 23, 29 and 25 mpg‑US (10.2, 8.1 and 9.4 L/100 km; 28, 35 and 30 mpg‑imp) city, highway and combined respectively, instead of 26, 31 and 28 mpg‑US (9.0, 7.6 and 8.4 L/100 km; 31, 37 and 34 mpg‑imp), approximately a 12% increase in fuel usage.

[citation needed] The second generation CX-5 was launched in Mexico in March 2017, with three trim levels: i, i Sport and Grand Touring.

[90] The second generation CX-5 was launched at the 27th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 11 August 2017, with two trim levels: GT and Elite, it is powered by a 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol engine.

[92] In November 2023, the CX-5 range was updated which included the Kuro Edition grade received all-wheel-drive as standard.

[105] In July 2023, the facelifted CX-5 debuted in Vietnam and the range was restructured into three trim levels: Deluxe, Luxury and Premium.

[106] The 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol engine option shortly return to the range in the Signature grade, which can be specified with two packages: Sport and Exclusive.

[110] The second generation CX-5 was launched in South Africa on 1 June 2017, with four trim levels: Active, Dynamic, Individual and Akera.

[111][112] In January 2021, the Carbon Edition grade was added to the range powered by a 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol engine.

Highlights include restyled bumpers and tailgate with new headlights and tail lights, larger tailpipes, a new Mi-Drive drive selector control, updated seats, and wireless charging.

The dampening control structure was improved and frame rigidity was increased, helping to reduce vibrations and road noise.