2026 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid caught in traffic

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been caught testing on US roads ahead of its debut in the second half of 2025, when it will arrive with new electrified powertrains and a fresh look.

Tipped to arrive in Aussie showrooms before the end of 2025 or in early 2026, the jury is still out on whether Mazda will be brave enough to follow its convention and rename its best-selling model the CX-40, or if the third-generation Mazda CX-5 will keep its existing nameplate.

With more than 345,209 sold globally in 2024 alone, we expect the latter, but what we do know from the latest KindelAuto footage is the new CX-5 will feature an all-new look heavily inspired by the latest battery-powered EZ-6 (6e) sedan and EZ-60 (CX-6e) SUV.

Featuring boxier proportions introduced by the CX-60, the new CX-5 sports a relatively long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen, slab-sided body surfacing and broad arches, delivering a sportier look overall compared to the out-going nine-year-old CX-5.

At the rear, it’s possible to make out light clusters reminiscent of the CX-80, while the twin-exit exhausts prove a combustion engine lurks under the bonnet.

Within, it’s thought the CX-5 will share much with the 6e sedan, that was developed as part of Mazda’s joint venture with Chinese brand Changan.

Expect a huge 14.6-inch touch-screen to be blended with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and plenty of high-grade materials as the brand chases its rivals.

Built to battle the Toyota RAV4 and the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, it’s thought that Mazda will continue to offer an entry-level Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, in both 2WD and AWD, as well as mild-hybrid power and both a regular Skyactiv X hybrid plus a more sophisticated plug-in hybrid, the latter potentially offering a pure-electric range of up to 100km.

Shortly after its launch, Mazda will begin rolling out its more sophisticated Skyactiv-Z combustion engines in 2027, delivering its most efficient petrol powertrain yet.

It’s thought the Mazda CX-5 will remain on the Mazda’s Small Product Group front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive architecture used for the current CX-50, MX-30, and smaller CX-3 and Mazda3.

There’s no word yet when Mazda will unwrap the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5, but it could use the LA motor show on November 21 for its official debut.

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