One-of-a-kind Lifted Mazda CX5 on 31”s – Overland Off-road Build
Launched back in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 has become a popular vehicle and favorable choice for many drivers worldwide. However, it was always considered as a softroader and urban-style crossover – mainly because of its Kodo design language and lots of other features intended for safe and enjoyable driving on the pavement.
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Though, the model can be fitted with an all-wheel drive system that is good enough for you to feel comfortable behind the steering wheel driving on snow, sand and dirt. The only thing you still need to cope with is that the CX-5 is too beautiful to get covered in mud.
“The only thing you still need to cope with is that the CX-5 is too beautiful to get covered in mud.”
However, Fūty Andersson Ōshima from Japan thought that the CX5 AWD crossover is good and capable enough to cope with off-road adventures and then made sure that his vehicle will do the job well. First and foremost, he lifted the CX-5 to clear the biggest possible tires to not harm the drivetrain and suspension size and installed proper wheels, being BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 265/70R16 that equals to 31” in common off-road sizing equivalent. As for the rims, the model runs on XTREME-J XJ04 16×8.0j 5×114.3 +18 matte bronz/black ones.
“First and foremost, he lifted the CX5 to clear the biggest possible to not harm the drivetrain and suspension size and installed proper wheels, being BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 265/70R16 that equals to 31”
Now, when the CX-5 has the needed traction to ride on any surface, it is needed to get all the necessary stuff with you. Here, side awning by Darche and Yakima roof rack come in handy. To add some finishing touches to the look, Fūty added Raptor-style Amber LED grille lights and custom black plastic fender flares. Now, his Mazda is completely off-road ready, besides it is one and only CX-5 off-road project taken to this level. Check Fūty’s Instagram profile to look at this unusual project by yourself and know more about his off-road adventures.
“To add some finishing touches to the look, Fūty added Raptor-style Amber LED grille lights and custom black plastic fender flares”
Mazda CX5 Specs
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- Tires: BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 265/70R16 (equals to 31”)
- Rims: XTREME-J XJ04 16×8.0j 5×114.3 +18 matte bronze/black
- Custom black plastic fender flares
- Raptor-style Amber LED grille lights
- Darche side awning
- Yakima roof rack
- Custom Lift kit: 2″ front, 3.5″ rear.
Watch the progress and find out more about this Mazda CX5 off road adventure project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @futy_anderssons!
Related Parts & Mods
– Inspired by this CX-5 build and looking to prepare your own Mazda for off-road adventures? Our team has put together a list of products and accessories available online that may help you to achieve similar results:
Lift Kit
- Tema4x4 Complete Lift Kit 40mm – For Mazda CX-5 2016-present
or
- DEALPAREX Lift Kit 1.2 inch 30mm – For Mazda CX-5 2016-present
Wheels
- BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A Tire 265/70R16 – Special tire for crossovers (May rub)
- BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 265/70R16 – Multi purpose off-road tire (May rub)
Keep in mind, 265/70R16 All terrain Tires are heavily oversized, so cutting or modifications may be required to make them work even with a lift kit! You can go with a smaller tire to stay on a safe side though.
- VLAOSCHI Forged 5×4.5 Hubcentric Wheel Spacers 1.5″ – CX-5 2013-2018.
We noticed that some CX5 owners order these spacers for a more aggressive off-road stance. Cutting/modifications may be required to run them.
Roof Rack
- SNIXWOO Roof Rails + Cross Bars – For Mazda CX-5 2017-2023
Hitch For Towing or Accessories
- CURT 13315 Class 3 Trailer Hitch with 2-Inch Receiver – For Mazda CX-5 2017-2023
Roof Top Tent
- Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 Rooftop Tent – 2 person
Awning
- DANCHEL OUTDOOR Overland Awning (5×8.2ft) – Pull-out style
Off-road Lights
- RIGID INDUSTRIES E-Series PRO LED Lightbar – Spot/Flood Optic Combo 20 Inch
*Before ordering any part or accessory, it is recommended that you verify its fitment with a qualified professional and/or seller. We are not responsible for fitment or other issues that may arise from using the products featured on our website.
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What lift kit did he use on this cx-5
Any details on the lift he did?
The owner mentioned that he used custom strut spacers (installed by his local shop) I think you can DM him on Instagram to find out more about the kit. After a bit of research we found a Thema 4×4 40mm spacer lift for the late model CX5, you may want to check it out: https://amzn.to/3PdIN3g
Who custom made those fender flares? I’d like to buy a set.
It’s custom-made by a local shop in Japan.
Do you answer any of the questions in the comments?
I noticed that the parts list at the end of the article mentions 1.5” wheel spacers but there is no mention of the owner having installed wheel spacers on the build. Were wheel spacers required to prevent rubbing for the 265/70r16 tires? Or was the lift and the +18 offset on the wheels enough for the tires to fully turn without hitting anything? Asking because I’m about to do this same lift to my cx-5. Thanks
Hi, thanks for the comment! You’re right, the owner of this CX5 did no provide any info about the wheel spacers, but we added the spacers to this list because we noticed that some CX5 owners order them along with the lift kits. We don’t have any exact information on fitment or possible rubbing issues though.
Most likely such wheel and spacer combo will rub and require some cutting, but it’s the price some drivers are willing to pay for the aggressive off-road stance. I recommend measuring your wheel wells and using Wheel-size.com visual tire fitment calculator to see if the wheel/tire/spacer combo you selected interferes with your suspension components and/or fenders. It will be a little more tricky to identify front tire rubbing on the full turn.
265/70/16 tires are about 53mm larger compared to the stock CX5 tires (225/65/17 or 245/50/19). A 40mm lift kit should free up some space in the wheel wells for this tire, but cutting or modifications may still be required.
Any idea as to what amber lights he is using and also what front wind/bug deflector he’a got on? For the life of me i cannot find them online. Thank you!
What year is this CX5?
Yuto did not specify it, but looks like its 2019.
Why is the lift kit 2″ for the front and 3.5″ for the rear? Would it sag if it is 2″ all around? or is it to compensate for the extra weight of the bike rack, spare tire, roof rack, etc?