2026 Mazda CX-5: Price, engines, release date and everything we know so far

Yesterday at 04:00 PM

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.

MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 family SUV only months away from debut

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. 

MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 could debut new 'Skyactiv Z' engine, as more details emerge

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. 

Full-hybrid (confirmed)

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. 

It will join a growing list of electrified mid-size SUVs, including the Mitsubishi Outlander (PHEV), Hyundai Tucson (hybrid), Kia Sportage (hybrid), Nissan X-Trail (hybrid) and Honda CR-V (hybrid) – along with Mazda’s own CX-60 (mild-hybrid and PHEV). 

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.

MORE: Confirmed – Next Mazda CX-5 to add hybrid power, retain name

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. 

MORE: New 2026 Mazda CX-5 is 12 months away with hybrid and PHEV options – report

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. 

Diesel (likely axed)

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. 

MORE: Mazda CX-5 diesel is done – report

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.

MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 spied ahead of reveal expected later this year

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.

The post 2026 Mazda CX-5: Price, engines, release date and everything we know so far appeared first on Drive.