Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) (2012-2017) – batteries


Choosing the right battery for your Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) from the years 2012 to 2017 requires taking into account several factors, including engine variant, the presence or absence of the Start-Stop system, fuel type, and the specific battery mounting type used in this vehicle. Mazda CX-5 I is known for its reliability and practicality, but when it comes to the battery, this model departs from the European standard in certain ways. For example, while in most cars of this class the most common battery mounting is the B13 type, in the Mazda CX-5 you will often find mounting types such as B0, B00, B01, B1, or even Korean B1. This is a crucial detail because even if a battery has the right capacity and starting power, it must also fit securely in the car’s battery tray, and incompatible mounting may lead to installation issues or even be a safety hazard.

For Mazda CX-5 I models equipped with the 2.0 petrol engine and the Start-Stop system, it is recommended to use EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) technology. This is because the Start-Stop system puts additional strain on the battery by frequently shutting down and restarting the engine, especially in city traffic. EFB batteries are designed to withstand this kind of operating cycle and provide longer life under such conditions. The appropriate battery capacity for these models ranges from 60 to 65 Ah, and the recommended cold cranking amps (CCA) are between 520 and 650 A. As an example, suitable battery models include the Exide EL604 or Varta N65, but it is essential to check the mounting type, as Mazda uses B0 or B00 here. This is a notable distinction from many competitors, where the B13 mount is more prevalent.

If your 2.0 petrol CX-5 does not have a Start-Stop system, you can opt for a standard lead-acid battery, which is both more common and less expensive than EFB or AGM types. In this configuration, the required battery parameters are similar in terms of capacity (60-65 Ah), but the cold cranking current can range from 390 to 580 A. Again, it’s crucial to select the correct mounting, which in this case can be B0 or Korean B1. Some of the compatible models are Bosch S40 24, Exide EA654, Lucas LP005, or Varta D47, but remember, these are only examples and you should always make sure the chosen battery fits your specific mounting type.

For the diesel variants, the requirements are slightly higher. The 2.2 D engine with Start-Stop system requires an EFB battery with a capacity between 80 and 85 Ah, and the CCA should be in the range of 740 to 800 A. The mounting in this case is either B01 or B1, which is again different from the B13 standard. Example suitable models for this configuration include Lucas LE249 or Varta N85. The same applies to the AWD version of the diesel engine with Start-Stop, as it shares the same requirements.

If your CX-5 diesel does not have Start-Stop, the battery needs to be even more robust, with a recommended capacity of 95 to 100 Ah and a CCA between 720 and 830 A. Here, standard lead-acid batteries are sufficient, and you have a broader selection of mounting types: B01, B1, or Korean B1. Example batteries include Bosch S40 28, Exide EA954, Lucas LS249, or Varta G7.

An interesting fact about the Mazda CX-5 I is that, partly due to its Japanese-Korean roots and global focus, it often diverges from the most popular European battery standards, so it can be a challenge to find the right battery if you’re shopping in Europe. Always double-check the mounting type, as well as the battery’s physical dimensions, before purchasing. Aside from capacity and starting power, the correct fitment is essential for safe and stable operation, especially in a car as reliable and versatile as the Mazda CX-5. Choosing an inappropriate battery can lead to problems not just with starting, but also with the vehicle’s electronic systems, especially in Start-Stop versions.

To sum up, always base your choice on your car’s engine type, presence of Start-Stop, and, perhaps most importantly, the exact battery mounting type. While there are many suitable batteries on the market, only those that fit all these criteria will ensure the dependable operation you expect from your Mazda CX-5 I.

Mazda CX-5 in version I (KE, GH) was produced in the years 2012 – 2017. The following table presents information about batteries that match each of the engines available on the market.

Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Mazda CX-5 (2012-2017):

LayoutTerminal typesBase hold-down
0 – positive on the right side1B0
0 – positive on the right side1Korean B1
0 – positive on the right side1B01
0 – positive on the right side1B1
As you can see, in case of Mazda CX-5, even the basic parameters of the batteries (battery layout, terminal types and base hold-down) are not identical for all engine versions. For this reason, care must be taken to match the battery to a specific engine.

Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) – petrol engines:
  • 2.0 – with Start-Stop
  • 2.0 AWD – with Start-Stop

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Exide EFB
EL604
60 Ah
520 A
230x173x222 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic EFB
N65
65 Ah
650 A
232x173x225 mmMore
What battery will be best for a Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) with 2.0 or 2.0 AWD engines? First and foremost, choose a battery made with EFB technology, as these engines have a start-stop system. Dimensions of matching batteries differ slightly depending on the manufacturer and are 230x173x222 mm or 232x173x225 mm. The parameters of these batteries are at least 60 Ah of a capacity and 520 A CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). All the batteries in the list above have a base hold-down B0.

Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) – petrol engines:
  • 2.0

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Bosch S4
S40 24
60 Ah
540 A
232x173x225 mmMore
Exide Excell
EB604
60 Ah
390 A
230x173x222 mmMore
Exide Premium
EA654
65 Ah
580 A
230x173x222 mmMore
Lucas Premium
LP005
60 Ah
540 A
230x170x225 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic
D47
60 Ah
540 A
232x173x225 mmMore
For the Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) with a 2.0 gasoline engine, we choose batteries with dimensions of 230x170x225 mm, 230x173x222 mm or 232x173x225 mm, whose capacity exceeds 60 Ah. The weakest of these is the battery Exide Excell EB604 which capacity is 60 Ah and Cold Cranking Amps is 390 A. The most powerful battery is Exide Premium EA654 of a capacity 65Ah and Cold Cranking Amps: 580 A.

Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) – diesel engines:
  • 2.2 D
  • 2.2 D AWD

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Bosch S4
S40 28
95 Ah
830 A
306x173x225 mmMore
Exide Excell
EB954
95 Ah
720 A
306x173x222 mmMore
Exide Premium
EA954
95 Ah
800 A
306x173x222 mmMore
Lucas Supreme
LS249
100 Ah
800 A
302x175x225 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic
G7
95 Ah
830 A
306x173x225 mmMore
For the Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) with 2.2 D or 2.2 D AWD diesel engines, we recommend batteries sized 302x175x225 mm, 306x173x222 mm or 306x173x225 mm, with a minimum capacity of 92 Ah. The most basic battery of this set is Exide Excell EB954 of a capacity 95Ah and 720A Cold Cranking Amps, the battery with the biggest capacity is Lucas Supreme LS249 of a capacity 100 Ah, having 800A Cold Cranking Amps.

Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) – diesel engines:
  • 2.2 D – with Start-Stop
  • 2.2 D AWD – with Start-Stop

ModelCapacity and CCADimensions (LxWxH)Price
Lucas Fusion EFB
LE249
80 Ah
740 A
302x175x225 mmMore
Varta Blue Dynamic EFB
N85
85 Ah
800 A
306x173x225 mmMore
2.2 D or 2.2 D AWD engines in the Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) with Start-Stop system require the use of EFB technology batteries. Dimensions of matching batteries differ slightly depending on the manufacturer and are 302x175x225 mm, 305x173x225 mm or 306x173x225 mm. The parameters of these batteries are at least 80 Ah of a capacity and 740 A CCA (Cold Cranking Amps).
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Mazda CX-5 , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!

See also information about other cars of this manufacturer

Mazda 2 I (DY) (2003-2007) battery
Mazda 2 II (DE) (2007-2014) battery
Mazda 3 I (BK) (2003-2009) battery
Mazda 3 II (BL) (2009-2013) battery
Mazda 3 III (BM) (2013-) battery
Mazda 5 I (CR19) (2005-2010) battery
Mazda 5 II (CW) (2010-) battery
Mazda 6 I (GG) (2002-2008) battery
Mazda 6 II (GH) (2007-2013) battery
Mazda 6 III (GJ) (2012-) battery
Mazda CX-3 (2015-) battery
Mazda CX-30 DM (2019-) battery
Mazda CX-7 (2006-2012) battery
Mazda CX-9 I (TB) (2006-2015) battery
Mazda MPV I (LV) (1995-1999) battery
Mazda MPV II (LW) (1999-2006) battery
Mazda MPV III (2006-2016) battery
Mazda MX-3 EC (1991-1998) battery
Mazda MX-5 I NA (1990-1998) battery
Mazda MX-5 II NB (1998-2005) battery
Mazda MX-5 III NC (2005-2014) battery
Mazda Premacy I (1999-2005) battery


3 responses to “Mazda CX-5 I (KE, GH) (2012-2017) – batteries”

    • In your Mazda CX-5, there is most likely an EFB type battery installed, approximately sized 306 (length) x 173 (width) x 225 mm (height). Good alternatives for such a battery should be, for example, Varta N85 or Yuasa YBX7335.

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