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Mazda’s CX-5 has long reigned as Australia’s favourite mid-size SUV, but 2020 is likely the year it loses that title to the much-improved, new-generation Toyota RAV4.

To try and keep up with fresher competition though, Mazda has introduced rolling updates to the popular CX-5, including a new off-road mode for all-wheel drive (AWD) variants that better equips the stylish SUV for rough terrain.

The first of Mazda’s models to adopt its latest design language, the second-generation Mazda CX-5 hit Australian showrooms in 2017 and has remained largely the same since.

Even after three years, the CX-5 looks gorgeous and isn’t out of place alongside some of Mazda’s newer offerings such as the Mazda3 small car and new CX-30 small SUV.

Inside, Mazda’s CX-5 is a clear step above in quality compared to its mainstream rivals, and even nudges close to the fit and finish of luxury brands including BMW and Audi.

We don’t have much to complain about in with the CX-5’s design, inside or out, but at the risk of nit-picking, we’d say the multimedia screen is starting to look dated, especially when stacked up against the well-designed unit of the Mazda3 and CX-30.

Though Mazda has slightly increased the pricing of its CX-5 for the 2020 model year, there"s still a wide selection of grades available from $30,980, before on-road costs, to $51,330.

Standard features across the range include an 8.0-inch multimedia display, 17-inch wheels and push-button start, but our test car was also kitted out with dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, a powered tailgate, head-up display, leather interior and power-adjustable mirrors.

The Akera grade also gains 19-inch alloy wheels, ambient interior lighting, heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats, as well as a frameless rearview mirror, heated steering wheel and woodgrain interior panels, It’s these small details that elevate the CX-5 from its peers.

There’s equipment here that is rarely seen in anything outside models from the big three German brands, and though a Mazda badge doesn’t quite hold that level of cache, the CX-5 is also not priced quite as highly as a BMW, Mercedes or Audi, either.

Whether you agree with Mazda Australia’s decision to push some models upmarket with higher price points and more equipment, there"s no denying the blend of luxe and value presented in the CX-5.

Measuring 4550mm long, 1840mm wide and 1680mm tall, the CX-5 is slightly shorter than the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Tucson, but its generous 2700mm wheelbase is larger than most of its peers.

Our CX-5 test car is fitted with a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, producing 170kW and 420Nm, with drive sent to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

As one of the most potent petrol engines you can get in the mainstream mid-size SUV class, coming away from the line is expectedly brisk and the engine will enable a zero to 100km/h in an almost-hot-hatch-bothering 7.7 seconds.

Diesel is also offered in the CX-5 range, an increasingly rare occurrence as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Subaru Forester are no long offered with oil-burning options, and in Mazda’s case is a 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre twin-turbo unit.

For those looking for a more frugal CX-5 though, the diesel engine is also available that will sip just 5.7L/100km, while the 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol units are also less thirsty at 6.9 and 7.4L/100km respectively.

Don’t get us wrong, the CX-5 isn’t transformed into a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota LandCruiser because of the new feature, but it certainly helps that Mazda has added extra go-anywhere assurance to its popular model.

Mazda said it has also improved the NVH levels of the new CX-5 thanks to extra sound deadening, but without driving the old car and new one back-to-back, it is a little hard to tell the level of enhancement.

Lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, driver attention alert, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control, as well as auto high beams, wipers and headlights, are all included as standard across the entire Mazda CX-5 line-up.

The Mazda CX-5, like all new Mazda Australia vehicles, comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, along with a six-year anti-corrosion assurance and five years of roadside assist.

For example, the cabin filter will need to be replaced ever 40,000km, costing an additional $80, while spark plugs will need to be refreshed every 60,000km interval at a cost of $327.

If we had to pick though, we"d go for the AWD 2.5-litre Touring for $40,980, which is loaded with nice creature comforts such as a head-up display and keyless entry for a price that doesn"t break the bank.

For now though, the Mazda CX-5 still has the substance to back up its style, even three years on from the market launch of its latest form, though only just.

New Mazda CX-5 captures the eye and the imagination with a sleek new front end design that features a signature wing extending outward from the 3D textured grille. Styled with Kodo Design principles, character lines have been minimised in favour of surfaces that catch the light. Next generation technology ensures that inside you can enjoy a smoother and quieter ride, as well as more comfortable seats that support the S-curve of your spine.

This screen shows your current speed, recognises traffic signs, and puts important navigation information straight into your line of sight. Standard on all grades.

Not only does Mazda CX-5 seat five people comfortably, it has carrying all kinds of cargo covered. The 40/20/20 spilt fold-down rear seatback gives you true flexibility when it comes to your cargo space. And with the ability to fold the seats completely flat, you can enjoy a massive 1,340L of cargo room.

New Mazda CX-5 features Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), enabling you select the most appropriate drive mode. When paired with all-wheel drive capability, you can take on a range of different terrain.

With High Beam Control (HBC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Tyre Pressure Monitor (TPMS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) new standard across the range, Mazda CX-5 puts safety as its top priority.

Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead with the ability to bring you to a complete stop in traffic and take off again once traffic moves.

New Mazda CX-5 captures the eye and the imagination with a sleek new front end design that features a signature wing extending outward from the 3D textured grille. Styled with Kodo Design principles, character lines have been minimised in favour of surfaces that catch the light. Next generation technology ensures that inside you can enjoy a smoother and quieter ride, as well as more comfortable seats that support the S-curve of your spine.

This screen shows your current speed, recognises traffic signs, and puts important navigation information straight into your line of sight. Standard on all grades.

Not only does Mazda CX-5 seat five people comfortably, it has carrying all kinds of cargo covered. The 40/20/20 spilt fold-down rear seatback gives you true flexibility when it comes to your cargo space. And with the ability to fold the seats completely flat, you can enjoy a massive 1,340L of cargo room.

New Mazda CX-5 features Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), enabling you select the most appropriate drive mode. When paired with all-wheel drive capability, you can take on a range of different terrain.

With High Beam Control (HBC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), Tyre Pressure Monitor (TPMS) and Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) new standard across the range, Mazda CX-5 puts safety as its top priority.

Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Stop & Go adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead with the ability to bring you to a complete stop in traffic and take off again once traffic moves.

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Mazda CX-5 has elevated the SUV to a whole new level. Stunning design both inside and out, impressive performance, excellent efficiency and the latest i-Activsense advanced safety technologies all come together to deliver an SUV that truly is a cut above. Here are some of our favourite features:

Mazda has utilized a good mix between metal and soft touch materials, keeping the overall cabin feel exclusive comparable to the exterior of the vehicle. The dashboard definitely exudes the exclusive feel that Mazda brings for all its models.

The 2.5L AWD High Turbo variant offers a mix of both analog and digital for the instrument cluster as it features a 7-inch TFT Display on the centre meter. The aim of this was to ensure that the instrument cluster graphics does not distract the driver too much while on the road.