2026 Mazda CX-5 hybrid reveal this year

The all-new third-generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to make its global debut in the second half of 2025, brandishing several powertrains – including hybrid options.

That’s the word according to Mazda South Africa managing director Craig Roberts, who told Moneyweb it would make its global debut in the third quarter of this year – think July, August, September.

The new CX-5 isn’t just crucial for Mazda globally. In Australia, it could become a sales powerhouse and even challenge for the top spot along with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, especially as the ute market is now diluted with keenly priced metal from China.

The burning question, however, is whether the CX-5 name will continue or whether Mazda will exert its new naming convention on the much-loved mid-size SUV.

The CX-9 became the CX-90, the CX-8 became the CX-80… but the CX-50 is already taken, so will the new CX-5 become the Mazda CX-40?

“Naming wise, let’s put that to the side, let’s just call it next-generation CX-5,” Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi told carsales at the launch of the recently renewed BT-50.

The new-generation Mazda CX-5 family SUV is tipped to arrive in Aussie showrooms in late 2025 or early 2026 and the new model will go global, continuing to be sold in Europe, China and the Americas, as well as Asia and Australia.

Australia was the fourth biggest market for Mazda CX-5 sales globally in 2024, behind the USA, China and Canada.

“In terms of the importance of that vehicle in that segment with that value proposition, it is very important and not just in Australia,” said the Mazda exec.

“I think global markets, across many regions, Mazda has recognised that car in that value proposition and that product proposition is pretty important – even in the US, where they have CX-50.”

When the Japanese car-maker reveals the 2026 Mazda CX-5 hybrid mid-size SUV – the first all-new CX-5 in eight years – it is expected to confirm several powertrain options including a RAV4-like plugless ‘HEV’ setup and almost certainly a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 will join the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and several other newcomers in offering hybrid powertrains.

Mazda is also expected to offer an entry-level 2.5-litre petrol engine, in both 2WD and AWD, but Mazda knows that hybrids are driving renewed customer interest.

“The next generation CX-5 will have full hybrid technology as an option,” said Bhindi, noting that hybrid powertrains are crucial to the success of SUVs.

“I think if you look at the consumer trends, that’s the technology [people want]. There’s a lot more comfort [with hybrids] as opposed to the full battery EV at this stage.

“Now, fast forward a few years, that might change to battery EV, as more options come into the marketplace for consumers, as the pricing gets better.

“But I think more importantly it’s the charging infrastructure, which governments and regulators have promised, on average, every 150km.

“That takes time to roll out but also renewable energy of over 80 per cent by 2030, I think, is a target. So those things need to mature and I’m sure you’ve noticed those wind turbines out there, which is great to see,” said the Mazda Australia chief, praising renewable energy endeavours and potentially gearing up for more electrified product.

Digital images: Kolesa.ru

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