“Th CX-5 is great. It has all the space of a Crossover SUV, but drives and handles more like a sports car.”
2016 Mazda CX-5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 received a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. The headline change was a broad update to the exterior, cabin, ride comfort, and noise control.
About the 2016 Mazda CX-5
1st generation CX-5 (2013-2016), refreshed final model year before the 2017 redesign.
Mazda positioned the CX-5 as a compact SUV for drivers who wanted utility and fuel economy without giving up steering feel and control. The brochure leans on car-like handling, strong highway fuel economy, available predictive AWD, and flexible cargo space for everyday family use. Against other compact SUVs, the CX-5’s core pitch was simple: it should feel more engaging and more polished from behind the wheel while still handling commuting, weather, and weekend gear.
The Sport is the straightforward entry model and the only 2016 CX-5 trim with a manual transmission. Touring adds a 7-inch touchscreen, a control knob on the console, and blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, while Grand Touring brings leather seats, Bose audio, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The front-wheel-drive Sport automatic moved to the stronger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Automatic models gained Sport mode, and the all-wheel-drive system was retuned.
Styling
Mazda introduced a new grille and fog-light surrounds, redesigned the dashboard and center console, and revised the armrest layout. Grand Touring also received a new wheel design.
Safety
Touring and Grand Touring added rear cross-traffic alert alongside blind-spot monitoring.
Tech
Touring and Grand Touring gained a 7-inch touchscreen with a console-mounted control knob. The lineup switched from a hand brake to an electronic parking brake, and Bluetooth became standard on Sport.
Ride and comfort
Revised seats and suspension tuning improved comfort, while added sound insulation reduced cabin noise.
2016 Mazda CX-5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd SKYACTIV / Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33–35 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155–184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 150–185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 64.8 cu-ft | 65.4 cu-ft | 65.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.3 in | 39.3 in | 39.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Mazda CX-5 redesigned?
No. The 2016 CX-5 was a mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation model, with updated styling, a redesigned dashboard and center console, and improvements to comfort and cabin quietness.
What changed on the 2016 CX-5 compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 CX-5 gained refreshed front-end styling, a redesigned cabin layout, an electronic parking brake, revised seats and suspension, more sound insulation, and a retuned all-wheel-drive system. Automatic models also gained Sport mode, and the front-wheel-drive Sport automatic moved to the 2.5-liter engine.
Which 2016 CX-5 trims have the 7-inch touchscreen?
Touring and Grand Touring have the 7-inch touchscreen with a console-mounted control knob. Sport uses a simpler setup, though Bluetooth became standard for 2016.
Did the 2016 CX-5 Sport get the 2.5-liter engine?
The front-wheel-drive 2016 CX-5 Sport with the automatic transmission moved to the stronger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Sport was also the only trim that retained a manual transmission.
Are all 2016 and 2016.5 CX-5 models equipped the same way?
No. Later 2016.5 CX-5 builds received additional standard equipment that was not fitted to every 2016 model, so equipment should be checked on the individual vehicle.
2016 Mazda CX-5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
4.2
2016 Mazda CX-5
(870 reviews)
“I am extremely happy with my 2017 Mazda CR-5. It is very comfortable, intuitive to drive, attractive and functional. I am especially pleased with the safety and convenience features-- because of those, I consider this the be the best car we have ever owned.”
“The Mazda CX-5 is a perfect vehicle for our family of 4 - reliable, sporty, and has all the features we need.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 02 09 2016 Mazda CX 5 Pricing Announced
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 08 06 2016 Mazda Lineup
- mazdausa.com — Cx5 / Pdf / Cur Cx5 Specs
- portal.mazdausa.com — Brochures / 2016 / 2016.5 Mazda CX5 Brochure
- news.mazdausa.com — 2015 Mazda CX 5 Specifications
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 03 08 2017 Mazda Cx 5 Pricing
- news.mazdausa.com — 2017 CX 5 Spec Deck revised