17 hours ago
11
Off-road upgrades like new bumpers and mudflaps reach the new-generation CX-5, but it won't come directly from Mazda.
Family Cars
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been given an off-road makeover, with a range of rally-inspired styling accessories.
The visual package comes from specialist Mazda tuning company AutoExe in Japan. While off-road inspired, the new parts are limited to styling kits and lack true off-road mechanical upgrades.
For anyone wishing their new CX-5 looked a bit more rugged, AutoExe offers a lower front bumper extension with decorative bash plate and LED lower lights, rear decorative bash plate, wheel arch extensions in matte or gloss black, a black bonnet decal, and front and rear rubber mudflaps available in black or red.
Other pieces in the KM-07 AX part range include a chunky lower tailgate garnish in bash plate-matching silver, carbon-look door handle protectors, slimline window visors, door decals that say ‘ACTIVE-XCROSS’, and faux bolts for the wheel arch trims in either black or chrome.
Parts are available individually, allowing owners to tweak the styling upgrades to their liking, but a fully decked-out KM-07 AX kit comes to JPY¥550,110, or AUD$4830.
For owners looking for a more aggressively styled road-going upgrade, AutoExe also offers the KM-07 kit, with an alternative styling direction for the front bumper extension, sporty side sills, a rear bumper garnish, and extended rear roof spoiler – all finished in gloss black. Parts like slimline weather shields and carbon-look door handle covers can also be added.
With fewer parts for the complete upgrade kit, the KM-07 package runs to JPY¥506,000 (AUD$4440).
While AutoExe has offered lifted suspension for the previous-generation CX-5 in the past, the latest upgrades are limited to styling only, with no mechanical upgrades added to the enthusiast brand’s lineup yet.
Meanwhile, Mazda Australia can’t match the off-road styled package, but does offer a genuine ‘Aero Kit’ for the new CX-5, including a silver under-bumper lip, side sill mouldings, a rear bumper garnish and a roof spoiler extension, for $4830.
Family Cars Guide
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
