Mazda CX-5 for Sale - Import from Japan

The CX-5 went on sale in Japan in February 2012 and was the first Mazda built from the ground up with the full SkyActiv package of engines, transmissions and chassis. The first generation is the KE series. The second generation, the KF series, arrived in late 2016.

Chassis codes tell you the engine and drive. On the KE, KE2FW is the 2.2 litre diesel with front-wheel drive and KE2AW is the diesel with four-wheel drive. KEEFW and KEEAW are the 2.0 litre petrol in front and four-wheel drive, and KE5FW is the 2.5 litre petrol. On the KF, KF2P is the 2.2 litre diesel, KFEP the 2.0 litre petrol and KF5P the 2.5 litre petrol.

Dealer stock is almost all KE2FW and KE2AW diesels, while recent auction lots include both generations and a number of KF2P diesels.

The 2.2 litre SkyActiv-D diesel was the big selling point. It is strong, with plenty of torque for an SUV of this size, and it returns good fuel economy on the motorway. Paired with a six-speed automatic, it makes the CX-5 relaxed to drive. The 2.0 litre and 2.5 litre SkyActiv-G petrols are smoother and simpler, with no particulate filter to worry about, and the 2.5 litre has the best balance of power and refinement for those who prefer petrol.

Four-wheel drive is an advantage in snow and on rough roads, while front-wheel drive is cheaper to buy and run. Trim levels in Japan include XD, XD L Package and Proactive, and earlier cars have the standard and L Package grades. Higher trims add leather, a power tailgate and driver assistance features.

If you want the cheapest sensible entry, look for a KE2FW diesel or a KEEFW petrol in grade 4 with a clean history. They are the most common cars in Japanese stock and at auction, so there is plenty to choose from and little reason to settle for a poor one.

If you often drive in snow, on gravel or up steep roads, pay a little more for four-wheel drive, such as the KE2AW. It adds weight and complexity but gives much better traction.

If you cover long distances every year, the diesel is the one to choose, because the torque and fuel economy add up. If most of your driving is short and around town, the petrol avoids the filter and emissions issues that short trips can cause on a diesel.

If you want the newest equipment, such as improved safety systems, a quieter cabin and a more modern infotainment screen, look at the KF series. It costs more, but it is the most refined CX-5 you can import from Japan.

The CX-5 is a mainstream Mazda sold in huge numbers worldwide, so parts are easy to find and independent workshops know the car. Routine servicing is straightforward. Diesel owners should use good quality fuel and the correct oil, and keep to the service schedule. Tyres, brakes and suspension components are priced like those of any mid-size SUV.

If you are importing to a country where Mazda has no dealer network, find out in advance who can service the car, and whether the diesel engine and its emissions parts are supported locally.

Auction sheet and grade. Prefer grade 4 or better and read all repair and interior comments. Scratch marks are shown as A and dents as U, numbered 1 to 3 by size.

Diesel emissions. Short trips can load a diesel particulate filter and EGR system. Ask the inspector to check for warning lights and rough running, and look at service records for oil changes, which matter on a modern diesel.

Oil level and condition. Some owners of the 2.2 litre diesel report a rise in oil level from fuel dilution, so ask for the oil to be checked and prefer a car with regular oil changes.

Rust and underbody. Check the sills and wheel arches, especially on cars from regions with road salt.

Suspension and tyres. Check for noises, uneven tyre wear and worn bushes.

Interior and electronics. Check the infotainment screen, air conditioning and tailgate.

Mileage. Many Japanese cars are sold with low mileage, but a documented history is more valuable than the number.

In November 2026, ZervTek dealer stock had about 1,340 CX-5s. Prices started from about ¥320,000 FOB for older, higher-mileage KE cars. The middle half sat between about ¥1.0 million and ¥2.5 million, with a median of about ¥1.8 million, and the top 5 percent cost more than about ¥3.1 million. Recent low-mileage cars and KF models make up the upper end. These figures come from asking prices in ZervTek dealer stock, not a quote. Auction prices change daily with grade, mileage and bidding, and shipping and destination-country taxes are extra.

Against rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the CX-5 is known for sharper handling, a well-finished interior and strong diesel economy. The trade-off is that it is a little less roomy than some competitors and that the diesel needs sensible use. If you want a low-risk petrol SUV, the 2.0 or 2.5 litre petrol is a safe choice. If you want the strongest long-distance economy, a well-maintained diesel is the one.

Check the current rules in your country before you buy.

United States. The CX-5 was sold new in the US, and cars built from 2012 will not reach 25 years until 2037, so importing a Japanese example is rarely practical there.

Right-hand-drive markets such as the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and parts of Asia and the Pacific can register a Japanese CX-5 more easily because it is already right-hand drive. Emissions, safety and registration rules apply and vary, and diesel vehicles may be treated differently from petrol ones.

Africa and South Asia. Many countries limit the age of imported vehicles, and some restrict diesel or apply different duties, so check the current policy before bidding.

Australia has strict import schemes, and the CX-5 was sold locally, so used Japanese imports are generally not an option.

ZervTek is an exporter in Chiba, Japan. We have access to all the major Japanese auto auctions, which run Monday to Saturday, and we can buy from local dealers. You can choose an auction vehicle or a stock vehicle. We do the bidding, and our fees are agreed up front, with any extra cost needing your approval.

On request, an inspector can check the car in person and send photos and videos before the auction. After a successful bid, payment is due within 3 days. We deliver the car to the port yard and book shipping by RoRo or container. You receive the invoice, shipping instructions and export certificate digitally before the vehicle ships.