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The all-new Mazda CX-5 is reportedly months away from making its global debut. Here is everything we know so far about the next version of Mazda's best seller.
A new-generation version of the Mazda CX-5 family SUV is around the corner.
Set to make its global appearance later this year ahead of its arrival in local showrooms shortly after, the third-generation CX-5 will be the first full model change in eight years.
While some initially believed the CX-5 could be absorbed into the larger CX-50 model available in the North American and Chinese markets since 2022, the global success of the CX-5 has led Mazda to develop a third-generation model – as first confirmed almost two years ago.
Changes are set to include the addition of an Mazda-developed full-hybrid powertrain and modern in-cabin technologies, along with a larger body than before with the introduction of the more-rigid Small Platform shared with the Mazda 3 and CX-30.
Here's everything we know so far about the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 mid-size SUV.
When will the new Mazda CX-5 launch?
A Mazda South Africa executive recently let slip that the new CX-5 will make its global debut between July and September 2025.
It is likely the CX-5 will be unveiled online or at a media event rather than at a motor show – though the biannual Munich motor show in Germany will be held in early September, which could provide the public with its first in-person look at the new model if Mazda attends the event.
The executive mentioned the CX-5 will arrive in South Africa between January and March 2026, though new-generation Mazda vehicles have historically taken a few months longer to launch there than other markets – including Australia.
Drive expects the new CX-5 to be in Australian Mazda showrooms by Christmas 2025 or at the beginning of 2026, pending any last-minute delays.
What engines will the new Mazda CX-5 have?
Petrol (including mild-hybrid)
The CX-5 is expected to retain its 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine in front- and all-wheel drive – while there has been no news on whether the current front-drive 2.0-litre non-turbo and all-wheel-drive 2.5-litre turbo will continue into the new generation model, nor any rumours they will be axed.
The CX-50 – likely to share much in common with the new CX-5 including its Small Platform architecture – is available in the United States with the 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol and the 2.5-litre turbo, along with a 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid derived from the Toyota RAV4 unique to that model.
There are no significant differences between the 2.5-litre in the current CX-5 compared to newer models like the Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-50 – all have around 140kW and 250Nm with cylinder deactivation technology and a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
A longitudinal version of the 2.5-litre available in the CX-60, 70, 80 and 90 plug-in hybrid switches to a newer eight-speed multi-clutch automatic, but these vehicles use the rear-wheel-drive Large Platform, with the eight-speed transmission unlikely to appear in the CX-5 with its transverse engine layout.
A detuned 24-volt mild-hybrid version of the 2.5-litre is tipped for Europe, replacing the current 2.0-litre engine to "meet customer and market requirements" with improved noise, vibration and harshness characteristics.
Mazda has announced a new 'Skyactiv Z' petrol engine family with improved efficiency over its current 'Skyactiv G' and 'Skyactiv X' technologies, but it won't be ready in time for the CX-5's launch.
The headline change for the new CX-5 will be the addition of a parallel-hybrid powertrain to finally give Mazda a rival to Australia's best-selling SUV, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
While details are scarce, the in-house system is likely to be built around Mazda's existing 2.5-litre engine, with recent patent filings spotted by Japanese publication Best Car showing two electric motors – one to generate electricity and the other to power the wheels, similar to the e:HEV hybrid system in the Honda CR-V.
It is unknown if the CX-5's hybrid system will be paired to an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) automatic like the RAV4 and CR-V, or if Mazda will retain the six-speed torque-converter unit from the petrol model, like the Tucson and Sportage hybrids.
Unlike other hybrid vehicles, the patent shows a power control device mounted directly to the electric motor to reduce the need for a mounting frame and additional high-voltage cabling, reducing cost and weight.
Best Car reports the CX-5 hybrid won't arrive until sometime in 2026, after the launch of the petrol model this year.
Plug-in hybrid (not confirmed)
In October 2024, members of a CX-5 forum in Germany claimed their local dealers mentioned the new-generation model would be available as a plug-in hybrid when it launches in Europe, along with mild-hybrid and traditional hybrid options.
There has been no other news on the potential of a plug-in hybrid CX-5 – but if it does eventuate, it is also likely to be based around Mazda's 2.5-litre petrol engine as an extension of the closed-loop hybrid model, adding a larger battery pack, an electric-only driving range, and the ability to plug in to charge it.
Overseas reports claim the 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel – which was axed in Australia in 2023 but remains available in other markets – won't continue into the next generation, in favour of the full-hybrid petrol-electric powertrain.
It will leave the 3.3-litre inline-six single-turbo diesel in the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 as Mazda's only option for diesel buyers – along with Isuzu-sourced four-cylinder diesel engines in the BT-50 ute.
The Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail also lost their diesel engines in their most-recent generations in a shift to petrol-electric hybrid technology, among other models.
What will the new Mazda CX-5 look like?
The design of the new CX-5 will be an evolution of the current model rather than a revolution.
It will follow Mazda's existing Kodo design language – which debuted in an earlier iteration with the first-generation CX-5 back in 2011 – with inspiration from Mazda's newest vehicles.
This is expected to include slimmer headlights with a similar design to the Mazda 6e electric sedan, along with tail-lights inspired by the CX-90 large SUV – while its side profile could be similar to the CX-50, with the same door handle and side mirror design.
How big will the new Mazda CX-5 be?
The CX-5 is expected to have a growth spurt for the first time since the nameplate launched more than a decade ago.
It is rumoured to grow 110 millimetres in length, which would see it leapfrog most of its rivals to become one of the largest mid-size SUVs on offer.
At the rumoured 4685mm length compared to 4575mm for today's model, the new CX-5 would be almost identical to a Nissan X-Trail in size and marginally shorter than a Mitsubishi Outlander.
The Nissan and Mitsubishi twins-under-the-skin are available in a 'five-plus-two' seven-seat configuration – though the CX-5 is almost certain to remain a five-seat model.
Expect to see an increase in its width and wheelbase sizes, too.
What technology will the new Mazda CX-5 offer?
The CX-5 will likely take its technologies from Mazda's new-generation medium and large SUVs – the CX-60, 70, 80 and 90 – with a larger infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, and more.
Mazda and Toyota have partnered to use common software and other electronics, but this won't happen until 2027 when Mazda unveils its first ground-up electric vehicle, with the CX-5 to retain its current Mazda Connect infotainment system.
It is expected to borrow the 12.3-inch infotainment unit from the CX-60 – up from 10.25 inches – along with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to replace the CX-5's current 7-inch semi-digital unit, at least on flagship variants.
USB-C charge ports are likely to feature for rear passengers – replacing USB-A – with access potentially moving from the centre armrest to the rear of the centre console, as seen in the CX-60, allowing devices to be charged when there is a middle passenger.
To meet newer and more stringent ANCAP crash-test standards, safety feature improvements are likely to include a more advanced autonomous emergency braking system with motorcyclist, junction-turning and direct-oncoming detection, a driver monitoring camera, rear occupant alert, and more airbags including a front-centre unit.
Mazda Connected Services telematics will also appear in the CX-5 in Australia for the first time after its debut in the MX-5, Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-80 – unless Mazda Australia elects to add this feature to the current model in a running change before it is retired, but this now appears unlikely given how close the new-generation car is.
Expect the CX-5's current features to carry across depending on the variant, including heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, a head-up display, a Bose audio system, front USB-C charge ports, and a hands-free electric tailgate.
How much will the new Mazda CX-5 cost in Australia?
As with any other new-generation vehicle, price increases are almost certain – but the CX-5 is unlikely to stretch beyond its current $40,000 to $60,000 range in Australia to ensure it remains aligned with its mid-size SUV competitors.
Mazda Australia could use the new-generation CX-5 as an opportunity to bring the model into line with its latest nomenclature, which would see the current Maxx and Maxx Sport entry-level variants be renamed to Pure and/or Evolve – while the familiar Touring, GT SP and Akera grades should carry across.
It is unclear if the full-hybrid powertrain will be available across the entire CX-5 line-up when it arrives in Australia, but with the Toyota RAV4 moving to a comprehensive hybrid-only range in mid-2024, Mazda would likely be aiming to offer as many hybrid options as possible to suit different budgets.
Current 'G35' GT SP and Akera turbo variants carry a $2500 premium over an equivalent 'G25' non-turbo version, which could be mirrored with hybrid versions of the new model.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
