Third-gen Mazda CX-5 on the way

Mazda is preparing to launch the third generation of its popular CX-5 medium SUV, featuring updated exterior and interior styling but a carryover four-cylinder petrol engine as the only powertrain.

News of the Hiroshima-based carmaker’s CX-5 update comes at a time when Australians are reeling from steep hikes in fuel prices caused by the Iran war, with anecdotal evidence suggesting new car buyers are increasingly looking for fuel-saving alternatives.

Unfortunately for Mazda, there will be no hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain option available for the CX-5 at launch, although some media outlets have reported the brand is working on a hybrid powertrain which is not expected to arrive until 2027.

Mazda also has its battery electric CX-6e medium SUV in the pipeline and due in showrooms in late 2026, so may feel it has its efficiency bases covered.

The Chinese-made CX-6e is no relation to the CX-5 and is based on a platform jointly developed by Mazda and its Chinese partner Chongqing Changan Automobile Co.

For now, the only engine option in the new CX-5 range is the carryover 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit that powers the current (second-generation) CX-5, with unchanged power and torque outputs of 132kW/242Nm.

The engine drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km.

The Australian Automobile Association’s Real World Fuel Testing program found that the same powertrain in the soon-to-be-superseded model used a higher 9.0L/100km, a discrepancy of 22%.

While there may not be a great deal to get excited about under the bonnet, the new CX-5 features comprehensively refreshed styling inside and out, which Mazda says is an evolution of its well established ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’ design theme.

Recommended retail pricing for the five-variant range starts with the CX-5 Pure ($39,990), followed by the Evolve ($42,990), Touring ($47,490), GT SP ($51,990), ending with the range-topping Akera ($54,990).

Model-to-model direct price comparisons with the current-generation CX-5 are difficult due to the range including 2WD variants and both an entry level 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a higher-grade 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, none of which is available in the new range.

Nevertheless, of the models that do lineup directly, the new 2.5 Touring is $1,890 more expensive, the new 2.5 GT SP is $1,030 more expensive, and the new Akera is $1,840 more expensive.

The new range CX-5 boasts a generous list of standard equipment and safety technologies including Smart City Brake Support for both forward and rear directions, Lane-keep Assist System (LAS), Lane-departure warning (LDW), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go function.

Mazda Connected Services is also now fitted across the range, integrating with the MyMazda app to allow remote access to features including Vehicle Status and Health, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Lock, Vehicle Locator services, Curfew Notification, Geofencing capability and Emergency SOS services integration.

The new Mazda CX-5 is expected to land in Australia in mid-2026, with customer deliveries commencing shortly after.

CX-5 Pure standard features:

• 12.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen
• 10.25-inch TFT LCD multi-information meter display
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Dual-zone climate control
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
• Black cloth trim with eight-way manual driver’s seat adjustment
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Turn Warning
• Front and rear parking sensors
• LED headlamps with auto on/off and High Beam Control (HBC).

CX-5 Evolve adds:

• Frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming
•  Auto folding and heated exterior mirrors
• Heated front seats
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Smart keyless entry
• Rear air vents.

CX-5 Touring adds:

• 19-inch machined alloy wheels
• Black Maztex trim with synthetic suede inserts
• 10-way powered driver’s seat with memory function
• Heated steering wheel
• Remote operated power tailgate (open/close)
• Active driving display
• Roof rails
• Heated windscreen
• Exterior mirror memory function.

CX-5 GT SP adds:

• 19-inch black alloys
• Premium Bose audio system with 12 speakers
• Headlamp and taillamp signature illumination
• Ambient lighting
• Eight-way powered passenger seat
• Black leather seat trim
• Heated outer rear seats
• Rear USB-C ports
• Adaptive LED headlamps
• 360-degree view monitor with see-through view
• Gloss black wheel arch mouldings
• Gloss black front and rear bumper finish.

CX-5 Akera adds:

• Front seat ventilation
• 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen
• Panoramic sunroof
• Remote operated power tailgate with hands-free function (open/close)
• Steering wheel paddle shifters
• Personalise system with Easy Entry & driving position guide.
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