A rugged, off-road version of the Mazda’s CX-5 might soon rival the Subaru Forester Wilderness. That is, if customer demand is strong enough, according to the compact crossover’s program manager. If confirmed, said adventure-ready CX-5 would sit beneath the North American-exclusive, and similarly outdoor lifestyle-esque, CX-50. Advanced All-Wheel Drive Means Rugged CX-5 Is Possible Ian Wright/CarBuzz/ValnetIn a recent report for CarSales.com in Australia, the program manager for the 2026 Mazda CX-5, Koichiro Yamaguchi, stopped short of confirming that an outdoorsy version of the compact crossover was being considered. He did, indirectly anyway, hint that Mazda was open to such a project:“We don't have such offerings currently…[but] I like to monitor the customer feedback really carefully.”-Koichiro Yamaguchi, Mazda CX-5 program manager, per CarSalesFar from idle speculation, the question was based not only on increased interest in this niche market, but developments to the new CX-5 itself. In the report, for instance, Yamaguchi re-iterated the “elevated capability” and “improved performance” of the all-wheel drive configuration that now comes as standard on the CX-5. The foundation for a more rugged trim then is already there.And it's not like there isn't any interest for a rugged-themed SUV these days. Since late 2021, we've seen the Wilderness package for the Subaru Forester, plus the equally rugged Hyundai Tucson XRT and Honda Passport Trailsport. Even Nissan joined the party with its Rogue Rock Creek SUV. And sales suggest buyers really like their SUVs with knobby tires and extra body cladding.It's important to note that no official plans for a Wilderness and/or Trailsport-rivalling CX-5 off-roader have been confirmed at this time. CarBuzz.com has reached out to Mazda for further comment; we'll jump in with an update if new information becomes available. What A ‘Wilderness’ Version Of The Mazda CX-5 Would Probably Include Ian Wright/CarBuzz/ValnetShould the project be greenlit, improved ground clearance would be item one on the agenda. A suspension lift kit would be incorporated to raise the CX-5’s existing 200-millimeter ride height by an estimated 10-20 mm to offset the CX-5’s slightly larger and wider wheelbase compared with its predecessor. Admittedly, the short overhangs make competitive approach and descent angles easier to achieve. Front and rear skid plates would also be mounted, as would larger all-terrain tires.The off-road drive mode, one of three offered as standard via Mazda’s Mi-Drive system, would likely be reconfigured to further optimize throttle and braking response. It's also possible that the terrain-specific trail mode from the larger, four-wheel drive CX-50 would also be incorporated.On that note, the CX-5’s current 187-horsepower, and – particularly – the 186-pound feet of torque output being produced by Mazda's 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder would probably be given a boost. Alternatively, with a hybrid-assisted CX-5 already on the docket, and with the latter's electric motor inevitably providing additional torque, Mazda could conceivably introduce a Wilderness-rivaling CX-5 as early as 2027. Providing development isn't hit by further delays, of course.