The South African market received the third-generation Mazda CX-5 in August 2026, and the Homura AWD sits at the top of the range. At R749 100, it is the most expensive derivative in a line-up that also includes the front-wheel-drive Active at R578 250 and Dynamic at R636 000, along with the AWD Individual at R717 000.
The Homura adds a 15,5-inch infotainment screen, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters and a transparent chassis-view camera over the Individual, which itself features a 12-speaker Bose system and leather upholstery. All prices include a 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and service plan.
Although an eminently driveable car, it is just sad Mazda has succumbed and done away with the familiar physical buttons and switches in favour of dumping it all into the touchscreen and, I believe, contributing to diminished safety on the road.
Mazda CX-5 derivatives can be found right here, just waiting for your click
The new model, known internally as the KM, is 115 mm longer, 15 mm wider and 20 mm taller than the outgoing KF, with a wheelbase stretched by the same 115 mm.
Every South African derivative uses a 2,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 132 kW and 240 Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. That represents an increase of 11 kW and 27 Nm over the 2,0-litre unit it replaces. The AWD system is available only on the new generation, as the previous KF model was front-wheel drive only.
On road testing produced a 0-to-100 km/h time of 10,8 seconds for the Homura AWD, which is marginally slower than Mazda’s claimed 10,7 seconds. Braking performance was excellent but the powertrain gets less positive commentary.
Acceleration is adequate for daily driving, compared to turbo-charged rivals that are noticeably punchier. Fuel consumption presents a similar concern. Mazda claims 7,7 l/100 km for the AWD, but real world driving measured 10,3 l/100 km on an urban and motorway route. That is 2,6 l/100 km above the claim and equates to roughly 560 km from the 58-litre tank.
Ride and refinement are the CX-5’s strongest attributes. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are exceptional, with a suspension firm enough for confident cornering yet supple over poor surfaces, making it an effortless long-distance cruiser.
Can I afford it – find out with this handy Finance Calculator
The interior represents the most significant change. The traditional rotary controller has been removed, replaced by a 12,9-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 15,5-inch unit in the Homura, along with a fully digital instrument cluster. Material quality remains remarkably high, and the cabin offers generous rear legroom, rear air-conditioning vents and dual USB-C ports.
Boot space is up to 466 litres, from 438, with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1 215 litres with the seats down – compared to the Haval H6 at 560 litres and the Toyota RAV4 at 732 litres.
Standard safety equipment includes six crash bags, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.
A brand-level concern remains, however. Mazda’s local sales are low, and the company recently cut its dealer network from 53 to 33 amid rumours it may leave the market. Mazda sold only 160 vehicles in October 2026, and low volumes can mean weaker resale values. The 5-year warranty and service plan soften this somewhat, but it remains worth weighing.
Good insurance is vital – click here to find out more
The CX-5 Homura AWD offers superb ride comfort, a quality cabin and strong brakes. It is held back by an engine that feels dated next to turbo-charged and hybrid rivals, real-world fuel use around 10,0 l/100 km and a price of R749 100.
The conclusion on whether Mazda has done enough is a reluctant no, with cross-shopping a Haval H6 PHEV or Toyota RAV4 hybrid recommended, both of which have stronger powertrains. The CX-5 suits buyers who value comfort, refinement and design over performance and running costs. If efficiency or overtaking ability matters, the rivals should be tested first.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
