Mazda CX-5 gets factory pop-up camper roof for Japan
Mazda has launched a pop-up roof camper version of the CX-5 SUV in Japan, offering sleeping space for up to four and targeting the growing domestic camping market.
Mazda has introduced a pop-up roof camper version of its CX-5 SUV for the Japanese market, responding to increased domestic demand for compact adventure vehicles. The factory-backed conversion adds a fibreglass pop-up tent to the roof, transforming the CX-5 into a four-berth camper with sleeping space both inside and above.
The pop-up tent features a transparent outer membrane for panoramic views and an integrated LED roof light. The interior of the tent measures 1,800mm in length and 900mm in width, accommodating an adult and a child. Two more can sleep inside the CX-5 with the rear seats folded flat. The fibreglass roof shell provides protection from the elements, making the set-up suitable for year-round use.
A new approach for Mazda campers
This is not Mazda's first foray into camper conversions. The company previously offered the Bongo Friendee van with a factory pop-up roof between 1995 and 2005, which gained a following among Japanese families and grey import enthusiasts in the UK. The new CX-5 camper, however, brings the concept to a mainstream SUV platform, targeting buyers who want everyday usability with occasional adventure capability.
Pop-up roof campers are more commonly associated with larger vans such as the Volkswagen California and Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo, which offer amenities like sinks and refrigerators. Mazda's approach is more compact, focusing on sleeping arrangements rather than full kitchen or bathroom facilities. This positions the CX-5 camper as an alternative for buyers seeking a smaller, more versatile vehicle for weekend escapes.
Features and market positioning
- Pop-up tent with panoramic window and LED lighting
- Sleeping for four (two inside, two in roof)
- Weather-resistant fibreglass roof shell
- Factory conversion available through Mazda dealers in Japan
Mazda has not announced plans to offer the CX-5 pop-up camper outside Japan. The conversion is aimed at the domestic market, where compact camping vehicles have seen increased popularity amid a broader outdoor leisure boom. Pricing and further technical details are available from Japanese Mazda dealers.
