Mazda CX-5 Design

The development team of the CX-5 were motivated by the belief that while a car is a beautiful tool, it should also be a living work of art and a machine that elicits excitement. They envisioned to take the emotional appeal and powerful vitality of the Kodo – Soul of Motion design to a higher level by creating a fresh expression of beauty that appeals to mature sensibilities.

Aiming for a design that is uniquely Mazda, the development team drew inspiration from Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. “Less is more” is the premise of Japanese styling, which always starts with a simple yet honed form free of nonessential elements. Traditional Japanese craftsmanship focuses in expressing ways of thinking and living through painstaking workmanship and a high level of detail. When a sword maker puts his heart and soul into crafting a sword, it becomes more than a tool. Similarly, cars built this way become more than mere machines—they speak to people.

The designers sought to enhance the previous model’s dynamic distinctiveness through styling that features both mature sophistication and power to express finely honed beauty. “Refined Toughness” became the guiding principle, with “mature physique,” “elegant form,” and “fine fit and finish” serving as the three pillars of the exterior and the interior design.

Mazda CX-5 Exterior

The CX-5’s physique emphasizes a tough stance and the look of forward momentum with a simple form that beautifully reflects shadows and highlights, as well as deeply chiseled design details from front to rear.

The lower center of gravity and the wider track (by 10mm) provide an impression of the crossover being securely planted on the road. The A-pillars are farther back (by 35mm), creating a longer nose and a sleeker roofline. Strong lines along the front fenders give way to rounded forms moving rearward along the side panels; these curves are carefully positioned such that the strong rays of light reflected off their surfaces are softened. This mutes any direct expression of toughness in favor of an elegant yet muscular appearance.

Adding to the illusion of breadth is a wide grille featuring an all-new design and flanked by thinner headlamps, with the elements appearing to stretch from end to end as a single wing-like unit. The front grille uses black mesh with a three-dimensional pattern as a background to the Mazda badge for an aggressive but sophisticated look. Side mirrors are body-colored and have integrated turn indicators. Wider-opening rear passenger doors allow for more comfortable access to the backseats. And alloy wheels, with designs that complement the dynamic exterior treatment, come in 17- and 19-inch sizes.

Further bringing out the expressive styling of the CX-5 is the new Soul Red Crystal body color, inspired by the deep translucence of rubies and red glass. To achieve this effect, the paint is infused with high-brightness aluminum flakes as well as lightabsorbing flakes. The result is a signature Mazda color that strikes the perfect balance between depth and brilliance to create an impression of emotionally charged energy.

Mazda CX-5 Interior

In keeping with the “Refined Toughness” principle, efforts for the interior focused on the areas of “ambience,” “form,” and “texture.” The basic cabin layout was conceptualized to be not merely driver-centric but human-centric as a whole, taking into account the pleasure and comfort of all occupants.

From the vertically stacked center console, design cues that convey Crossover toughness wrap around the forward-angled dashboard to the rear seats. The black cabin color scheme is complemented by a new decorative panel trim that blends the warmth of natural wood with the strength and sheen of metal, inspired by Japanese handcrafted swords and knives. Pentagonal air-conditioning vents and a new steeringwheel layout hint at the CX-5’s sporty character, while rosewood trims, supplied by a premium guitar-maker, provide a touch of elegance.

Seats are upholstered in plush black leather with cross-stitching, and have improved side bolsters that impart a sense of safety as well as oneness with the car. The spacious, airy interior gets an added feel of expansiveness via the electric glass sunroof. Everything is underlined by a high level of fit and finish, resulting in a premium riding experience traditionally reserved for vehicles of a higher class.