Mazda’s most important car, the CX-5 mid-size SUV, will get all-new Kodo styling and a hybrid powertrain as a third-generation version seeks to topple Toyota’s RAV4 in 2026.
The new 2026 CX-5 will be unveiled in the third quarter of this year, Mazda South Africa managing director Craig Roberts told local outlet Moneyweb. It is expected to go on-sale in Australia late 2025, or early 2026.
The new CX-5 is of crucial importance to Mazda Australia. Despite being launched in Australia in March 2017 – eight years ago – the evergreen second-generation KF CX-5 continues to be a best-seller.
In 2024, Mazda Australia sold 22,835 CX-5s, making it not just the number one selling vehicle in its range, but the eighth best-selling vehicle in Australia. The CX-5 is also Mazda’s best-selling car globally.
As a new generation 2026 CX-5 takes shape, here’s everything we know so far.
2026 CX-5 to introduce latest Mazda ‘Kodo’ design
Camouflaged prototypes are now on the roads in the United States as Mazda fine-tunes the CX-5’s final calibration.
In these exclusive computer-generated images, Chasing Cars pulls the covers off the new CX-5 which could debut a brand new design for Mazda.
Mazda CX-5 2026 rear render
Mazda’s 2024 Arata electric SUV concept previews the next generation of the Japanese brand’s Kodo design language. Arata translates to fresh, new or novel in Japanese. Expect to see plenty of Arata influence in the new CX-5.
In our renders, the CX-5 maintains a similar profile to the existing model but gains a new headlight and front grille design and slim tail-lights, making for more of an evolution from the current vehicle – than anything radical.
The CX-5 could grow in length by more than 100 millimetres making it one of the longest vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment.
‘In-house developed’ hybrid powertrain confirmed
Mazda has already confirmed the next CX-5 will get a hybrid powertrain – developed in-house – which is expected to grant more power and greater fuel efficiency.
That will be music to the ears of Mazda Australia as it continues to shape its local line-up for the implementation of the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) from July 1, 2025.
Mazda confirmed the new CX-5 would be hybrid in its May 10, 2024, “Financial Results for March 2024” document which described a “plan to equip [the] next CX-5 with a Mazda-developed hybrid engine”.
The document also revealed Mazda’s intention to launch a new global battery electric vehicle on a dedicated EV platform in 2027.
Mazda and Toyota are partnering on electric vehicle development and in the US, the CX-50 crossover, sold alongside the CX-5 SUV, uses the same 2.5-litre Toyota hybrid powertrain from the RAV4 Hybrid. (Mazda has confirmed to Chasing Cars no plan to introduce the CX-50 into Australia.)
Japanese outlet Best Car reported in January that Mazda had patented its own four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
In Australia, Mazda offers its CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 SUVs with mild-hybrid powertrains and some are also available with the plug-in variety.
The CX-60’s 2.5-litre PHEV powertrain claims up to 76km of EV range from a 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery and can be recharged in 2.5 hours using a 7.2kWh AC charger. It also offers ‘mild hybrid’ versions of its 3.3-litre turbo petrol and turbo diesel inline-six.
The current CX-5 range offers three engine choices – a 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 140kW/252Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder, and a turbocharged 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder. All are paired with a six-speed automatic and come in either front-drive or all-wheel-drive depending on the grade.
Efficiency ranges from between 6.9L/100km (claimed combined, ADR 81/02) to 8.2L/100km for the turbo models – far off that of the current best-selling mid-size SUV, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
More upmarket interior and higher prices?
While no spy photographers have captured images of its interior, Chasing Cars expects Mazda to push the next CX-5 towards prestige territory with a more upmarket interior – justifying higher prices.
The additional length should expand occupant space and boot capacity making for a roomier cabin.
Depending on the grade, Mazda could replace the 7-inch TFT instrument cluster with a full digital display. The current CX-5 uses a large 10.25-inch central infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, and the new CX-5 could receive Mazda’s bigger 12.3-inch display.
Mazda CX-5 GT SP Turbo 2023 interior
In order to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the new CX-5 would need a front centre airbag and other safety equipment like driver attention monitoring.
The additional equipment and safety upgrades are expected to push up prices. There are currently eight variants in the Australian CX-5 range, from the $36,590 base G20 Maxx to the range-topping $55,000 G35 Akera.
Prices of the BT-50 ute rose from between $550 to $3510 as part of the recent 2025 mid-life facelift.
Keep an eye on Chasing Cars as we report new details on the 2026 Mazda CX-5 as they come to light.