New Mazda CX-5 revealed! Larger, more expensive, less powertrain choice

First details and images of the third generation Mazda CX-5 medium SUV have been revealed at least 12 months ahead of it going on-sale in Australia in the second half of 2026.

A critical component of the Japanese car-maker’s success with more than 316,000 examples sold in Australia and 4.5 million globally since it first launched in 2012, the new CX-5 offers a conservative evolution of Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ exterior design language combined with a larger body offering more space inside the cabin.

That growth is designed to increase the CX-5’s appeal for family buyers, who make up a big share of customers in Australia’s largest new vehicle segment.

It will also arrive in Australia with a significant boost in infotainment technology including Mazda’s largest ever touchscreen and powertrain choices – at least initially – reduced.

The new CX-5 will launch here only with a detuned 132kW/242Nm (currently 140kW/252Nm) version of the familiar naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive.

The current 2.0-litre entry-level engine won’t continue and front-wheel drive is at least temporarily parked. The powerful upper-spec 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine has also been dropped.

The absence of the cheapest specification in the current line-up inevitably means the pricing entry point will be higher for the new CX-5. Pricing currently starts at $36,740 plus on-road costs (ORCs) for the current 2.0-litre FWD CX-5 Maxx, while the cheapest AWD 2.5-litre Maxx Sport is $42,960 plus ORCs.

A Mazda-developed Skyactiv-Z petrol-electric hybrid powertrain will be added to the line-up no sooner than some time in 2027. This is a different unit to the one borrowed from Toyota that Mazda employs in the North American market CX-50.

Skyactiv-Z will be widely available across the local CX-5 range rather than restricted to the top grades. Expect it to attract a price premium compared to 2.5-litre models.

No technical details of the new hybrid unit have as yet been revealed. Mazda simply promises it will “offer a higher level of performance and fuel efficiency along with the engaging drive that our customers expect”.

The timing on hybrid means Mazda is years behind its medium SUV rivals led by Toyota in going petrol-electric. The Toyota RAV4 is exclusively hybrid and the market leader.

The new generation RAV4 adds a plug-in hybrid in 2026 , meaning it will directly compete with a stream of new Chinese mid-size SUV PHEVs rolling into Australia.

Mazda says the engine has been detuned to comply with European emissions requirements. But it also claims improvements in flexibility, response and quietness.

In Europe, where the new CX-5 starts its global roll-out before the end of the year, the 2.5-litre engine comes as an e-Skyactiv mild hybrid that makes 104kW/238Nm.

Mazda says the exterior design of the new CX-5 is intentionally tied in with the CX-0 (60, 70, 80, 90) SUVs rolled out in recent years.

But it is also meant to retain links to its CX-5 predecessors. The overall look is sharper-edged with more angular lighting elements front and rear.

MAZDA lettering replaces the Mazda badge at the rear, while the only alloy wheel size confirmed so far is 19-inches.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a new Japanese car without a reference to some form of local design inspiration. In this case it’s ‘Kigumi’, which is a term from architecture referring to the use of precise wood joinery. In the CX-5 it relates to the way the body meets the fender trim.

Based on an evolution of the current Skyactiv platform, the new CX-5 measures up 115mm longer overall at 4690mm and has a 115mm longer wheelbase, stretching that to 2815mm. It is also more than 15mm wider at 1860mm and up to 20mm taller at 1695mm.

The primary claimed improvements that delivers is more rear seat leg, knee and headroom and more boot space, the latter 50mm longer with an 18mm lower lift-in height.

Mazda also says the “utility” and user-friendliness of the interior space has been improved. For example, the door openings are larger and reshaped for easier access while the boot is squarer with more storage spaces.

The overall design approach of the CX-5 is ‘Wearable Gear’, meaning the vehicle has a stylish flexibility suitable for multiple driving environments.

The new CX-5’s key tech upgrade is a 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen with inbuilt Google technology. Mazda says it can be customised and used like a smartphone, access Google features such as an intuitive voice assistant to control important interior features such as climate control and media as well as download apps through the Google Play store.

The new screen will have shortcuts to aid quick access to frequently used controls and be accompanied by a reduction in physical buttons.

The interior design effort also extends to a selection of materials and finishes intended to produce a calm and “harmonious” environment.

In Australia, the big screen won’t be offered on all models and the level of Google technology integration is yet to be finalised.

Other new CX-5 interior features being touted are a panoramic sunroof and seven-colour ambient lighting on the front doors.

Without delving into details, Mazda has promised the new CX-5 will include the latest automated driver assist and safety features. The target is a five-star ANCAP rating, with results expected to be based on Euro NCAP testing being conducted to 2025 protocols.

The CX-5 will have Australian testing ahead of its launch and examples sold here will continue to be sourced from Japan.

In terms of the chassis, only the continued use of MacPherson strut front- and multi-link rear suspension has been confirmed thus far.

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