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The next-generation CX-5 family SUV could remain more affordable than big-name rivals like the Toyota RAV4.
Mazda’s new-generation CX-5 is expected to be priced competitively against Australia’s growing family SUV set, but it will likely still be one of the more expensive offerings.
For context, it is expected the 2026 CX-5 – due to launch around the middle of the year in Australia – will likely receive a price increase in line with newer technologies and a larger body, but the difference could remain modest.
And that is because the third-generation CX-5 will be built on a carryover platform, and will reuse the existing 2.5-litre petrol engine already in service across various Mazda models.
What is different, however, is that the new car will feature less power and torque – from 140kW/252Nm today to 132kW/242Nm in the new version – due to emissions rules, and the entry-level 2.0-litre and flagship turbo 2.5-litre engines will be dropped.
In the US, the new-generation CX-5 increased in price by 3 to 9 per cent – depending on grade – and if Australia follows suit, it means the mid-size SUV line-up could start from around $42,000.
Mazda has not officially confirmed pricing for the new CX-5. The current model is priced from $37,240 plus on-road costs with a 2.0-litre engine and front-wheel drive.
When asked if Australian prices will mirror what has been seen in overseas markets, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi told Drive in recent weeks that the brand is not yet ready to reveal its hand, but promised “value” for customers.
“We’re not in a position to tell you pricing, but there’s a reason behind it,” Bhindi said. “The way it works is, pricing is the last piece of the puzzle that gets signed off for the market and it takes into account a lot of variables.
“The only thing I can give you a guarantee of is we are very much focused on the value proposition.
“It will be a very sharp value proposition, but what that number is, you just have to give us a little bit longer – we’re not that far away.”
Keep in mind the base 2.0-litre engine will be discontinued with the new-generation CX-5, effectively taking the point of entry from $37,240 before on-road costs.
Mazda Australia also has to balance positioning the new CX-5 with the recently-introduced entry-level CX-60, which uses the same 2.5-litre engine in a larger body.
The aforementioned CX-60 starts from $44,740 plus on-roads, but the new CX-5 is likely to open below this.
Bhindi said the new CX-5 and CX-60 will step on each other’s toes – though likely only the higher-end grades of the former will encroach into the entry versions of the latter.
“There will be overlap [with new-generation CX-5 and CX-60 pricing],” Bhindi said.
“That’s the way we design it, because when you look at pricing, there’s a band where consumers are comfortable with the investment in their car.”
However, Mazda could position the CX-5 below the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4, all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester, and Europe-sourced Volkswagen Tiguan that open at $45,990, $43,490, and $45,650, respectively.
The current CX-5 is priced from $37,240 plus on-roads with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre engine, up to $56,150 plus on-roads with a 2.5-litre turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
