2026 Mazda CX-5 outed

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been leaked online, giving us our first look at the firm’s Toyota RAV4 rival ahead of the mid-size SUV’s launch later this year.

Tipped to arrive in Aussie showrooms before the end of 2025 or early 2026, the first pic of an undisguised next-gen Mazda CX-5 was leaked via Car Design News on Instagram before the post was deleted shortly after.

Evolving the boxy design language first introduced by the larger CX-60, the sleeker CX-5 also adopts cues lifted from the latest battery-powered EZ-6 (or 6e, as it’s badged in some markets).

Early indications suggest the new CX-5 might grow in size to match the bigger Toyota RAV4’s dimensions.

It’s thought the Mazda CX-5 will remain on 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.

Under the bonnet, expect the new CX-5 to feature the entry-level Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol engine, in both two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Mild-hybrid power should also star, plus the firm’s Skyactiv X powertrains, while at the top of the tree the CX-5 will come with a sophisticated plug-in hybrid that could see it deliver 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.

The link with the all-electric 6e sedan is thought to continue inside, where we expect a large 14.6-inch infotainment to be combined with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

Like the Mazda6-replacing 6e, the CX-5 cabin will strike a more upmarket look and feel with the mid-sizer employing higher-grade materials.

The jury’s out on whether Mazda will rename its global best-selling model the CX-40 to conform with its current naming convention, but we’re willing to wager it will keep its CX-5 badging.

After all, in its last full year of production, Mazda sold an incredible 349,209 units of the current-gen (KF) CX-5.

The evidence of the new studio pics of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 appears to suggest a launch of the third-generation mid-size SUV could be imminent.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au