The original Mazda 5 was one of the first new Mazda vehicles to employ high-tensile steels in the body shell for an ideal combination of reduced weight combined with high torsional and flexural rigidity. The facelift version inherits this robust structure and adds suspension updates front and back for improved driving stability and optimised ride comfort. The new dampers for the MacPherson strut front suspension reduce damping force lag between compression and extension. The multi-link rear suspension's forward lateral links are now raised by 2 mm , which increases toe-in by 30%. These updates help further increase grip and stability when Mazda 5 facelift corners at higher speeds, especially with a full load of passengers and luggage.

The original Mazda 5 scored 33 points and was awarded five stars on Euro NCAP testing, which is still one of the highest rankings in this class. The Mazda 5 facelift retains this safe and strong body shell with its unique triple-H structure, six airbags , and a collapsible brake pedal . In addition to this, active safety is enhanced with improved brake response . The brake booster was optimised to increase the speed that the fluid pressure rises when the driver first steps on the brake pedal for more positive feedback. Carryover options like an automatic light system and rain sensors also contribute to active safety. Large ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes, four-channel ABS, EBD and brake assist are standard. A DSC system , combined with Traction Control System (TCS) , is either standard or optional, depending on grade and market.

The new LED rear combination lamps that are part of the Sports Appearance Package, are not only a design plus, they also make the Mazda 5 facelift more visible to following cars. The rear lamps use 12 LEDs each , which increases their brightness and makes them easier to see when deceleration occurs. They also come on 0.15 seconds quicker than incandescent bulbs when the brakes are applied. Moreover, they use far less energy: only 9 instead of 52 Watts.