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Is Mazda Brewing a True Off-Roader out of One of America’s Most Beloved Vehicles?

The industry push and growing trend for off-road “lite” and overlanding vehicles has Mazda intrigued.

Rear view of a red Mazda car with illuminated taillights and a license plate reading "JSU 513" at sunset.Mazda
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By Chris Chin

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Mazda might be looking to build an off-roading and overlanding variant of its most popular crossover, the CX-5. New reports suggest the small, Hiroshima-based automaker is canvassing the prospect following the recent launch of its third-generation model.

The small, Japanese automaker recently expressed interest in the idea to Australia’s CarSales, who spoke with Koichiro Yamaguchi, or the CX-5’s Program Manager. Although Yamaguchi didn’t officially confirm the idea, he did hint that circumstances, such as popular rivals and trends, are favoring the idea.

If customers want it, they’ll build it

Two Mazda SUVs, one dark blue and one red, parked near a blue lifeguard tower by the beach.
Mazda just launched the redesigned, third-generation CX-5 after the previous model’s decade-long production run.
Mazda

According to the report, the outlet sat down with Yamaguchi during the launch of the third-gen CX-5. After nearly a decade, Mazda finally rolled out a redesigned successor to the outrageously popular second-gen model, which was in production since 2015.

When prodded about the idea of making a more adventurous version of the CX-5, Yamaguchi said, to a degree, the idea is definitely enticing.

Rear view of a red Mazda CX-5 AWD SUV parked on a beach with ocean waves in the background.
With a new gen model out, Mazda’s product planners are keeping an open mind on how to expand the range.
Mazda

“We don’t have such offerings currently,” Yamaguchi said. But he also admitted that customer demand could most certainly alter the situation. “I like to monitor the customer feedback really carefully.”

Now that the next-gen CX-5 is out, him and his team at Mazda are exploring ways to enrich the lineup. And a more rugged version is certainly on the table, though it’s all dependent on what customers want.

Dark blue Mazda CX-50 SUV parked on a concrete driveway in front of a modern building with wood and concrete facade.
The CX-5 is easily Mazda’s best-selling and most popular model, which is why they waited so long to update it.
Mazda

“We would like to hear from you and would like to listen to the feedback from the market,” Yamaguchi admitted.

He also said, while Mazda doesn’t have a specific, dedicated all-terrain-biased trim, CX-5’s engineers did improve the all-wheel-drive system so that it can handle more varied terrain. It’s likely improvements taken from the CX-50, which was the first all-wheel-drive Mazda to feature an “off-road” driving mode.

Mazda car dashboard with digital speedometer showing 80 mph, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and driving mode options.
The CX-50 was Mazda’s first-ever vehicle with a dedicated “off-road” driving mode.
Mazda

“In terms of the actual trim, we don’t have off-road trim, but we actually elevated the capability of the AWD really much,” Yamaguchi’s interpreter translated, from Japanese to English, adding “we have more minute control in the various parameters.”

Meaning, if Mazda wants to make a more rugged CX-5, it can tune the all-wheel-drive system accordingly, which is one of the most difficult parts. The rest, such as adding more ground clearance, beefier tires and matching bodywork, are the easy parts.

Taking aim at Subaru, Hyundai

Olive green Mazda CX-50 SUV with roof rack driving on dusty rocky terrain.
Mazda hinted at more rugged variants with the CX-50’s Meridian Edition.
Mazda

Interest in a more rugged CX-5 grew after Mazda launched the CX-50 in 2022. The CX-50 boasted the automaker’s latest Mi-Drive system, or Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, with an “off-road” mode, a first for Mazda.

Mazda also rolled out the more rugged Meridian Edition for the top-spec turbocharged model. The package adds beefier all-terrain tires with 18-inch alloys, plastic body undercladding for greater protection on the rocker panels and other accessories.

Red Mazda SUV with illuminated rear lights driving on a winding road near rocky hills at dusk.
Would you like to see a more rugged CX-5?
Mazda

Additionally, other rivals proved the popularity of more rugged trims. Such includes Subaru with its recent Wilderness variants for the Outback, Forester and Crosstrek. Hyundai has also entered the fray with its XRT variants of the Santa Cruz, Palisade and Santa Fe.

Ford is jumping on the “off-road-lite” bandwagon with its Tremor variants. Even Toyota has introduced its Woodland trims, all of which boast subtle factory upgrades for buyers who want to take on the roads less traveled.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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