Would it be wishful thinking that a 2016.5 is a stop-gap measure to prepare us for a 2017 revamp with significant changes such as a 2.5T motor?

 

Mazda has gone away from dedicated face-lift models, instead going for minor improvements bit by bit. The CX-5 is now over 4.5 yrs old. There should be a new fresh new model coming soon.

I can't see Mazda using the 2.5T in the CX-5. It would take too much away from the CX-9.
Its about time Mazda USA uses the 2.2 diesel turbo.

 

I'm not sure Mazda should be too concerned about a CX-5 with a 2.5T cannibalizing CX-9 sales - rather than how many sales they are already losing to the 240
hp varients in competitors such as Kia, Hyundai, Subaru & Ford.

 

According to Road and Track, Mazda is introducing a re-styled 2018 CX-5

 

Honda added a CVT to their CRV in 2015 and is adding a 1.5L turbo next year. The CRV was about as refined as you could get it in 2014. Since the CVT it has experienced severe vibration at idle and some other growing pains.

Hopefully, Mazda will not make too many drastic changes if their current model has most of the wrinkles ironed out. It is also fascinating to monitor product life cycles of Japanese sport motorcycles by Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki. Sometimes bikes are completely redesigned with less than 25% common parts every two years.