As Mazda launches a new generation CX-5 medium SUV, the lack of hybrid power range-wide has been eyebrow-raising. This is the Japanese brand’s best-selling model after all, and Australian buyers have shown when it comes to the family SUV, hybrid is king.
Best example is the runaway segment-leading Toyota RAV4, now hybrid only with an enticing 4.5L/100km economy in a conventional series-parallel format, and plug-in version imminent.
2026 Mazda CX-5
But Mazda’s key new-generation CX-5 rival is launching with a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and old-school six-speed torque converter transmission, with rated economy of 7.4L/100km.
Adding salt, the engine’s de-tuned over its previous iteration, now offering a rather tame 132kW and 242Nm.
Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi insisted the brand’s plan is to “offer all options,” and while there’s no electric CX-5, Mazda’s CX-6e EV – due in a matter of months here – covers the battery-powered medium SUV side. It’s built in China, through a joint venture between Mazda and Changan Automobile.
Mazda CX-5 engine
But for now, is the rather simple CX-5 powertrain going to play into Mazda’s hands? “I think it’s what people will value and say I’m comfortable with that technology and it meets their needs,” Bhindi said. “Whether it’s an advantage over the others or not (hybrid rivals), only time will tell.”
While electrification seems vital for many family SUV shoppers in times of volatile fuel prices, there’s a decent chunk of buyers eschewing anything deemed over-complex.
Hybrid battery life remains a concern for some, and some new car buyers insist that they don’t want their next car to have anything electrified: not EV, plug-in nor hybrid.
Then there’s pricing. A lack of hybrid also keeps costs down, noted with the CX-5 range starting from $39,990 for an Evolve grade. Cheapest Toyota RAV is $45,990 for the entry-level GX hybrid, which is only front-wheel drive.
All new CX-5s, meanwhile, are all-wheel-drive.
Even so, not offering a hybrid CX-5 ostracises a big chunk of buyers. And Aussies could be waiting until early 2028 to get one.
2026 Mazda CX-5 AWD
“In 2027, the (CX-5) hybrid will make its global debut, and the US market is first,” said Bhindi. “Thereafter it will be us.” Mazda, we’re told, wants to ensure its in-house developed hybrid system doesn’t dilute the brand’s “jinba ittai” engineering philosophy.
“From a market point of view, when we were asked what would you want the hybrid to do, is it all about just efficiency?” said Bhindi. “The answer is no. What we want the customer to get is the jinba ittai as priority one.”
Koichiro Yamaguchi, CX-5’s program manager, confirmed the Mazda hybrid would adopt the in-development “ultra efficient” Skyactiv-Z engine, and wouldn’t use a Toyota hybrid-like CVT transmission: music to the ears of driving enthusiasts.
2026 Mazda CX-5
While Yamaguchi-San wouldn’t elaborate on what would be offered, he said: “Our mission is to make sure we provide fun-to-drive to customers.”
Mazda Australia’s boss wouldn’t be drawn on economy goals for the CX-5 hybrid powertrain, nor if the plan was to get the figure down to Toyota RAV4 hybrid levels.
Bhindi said he didn’t expect a lack of hybrid in its best-selling CX-5 to impact sales. Even with the ongoing fuel crisis and global uncertainty causing disruption, he expects Mazda Australia’s overall sales to “be anywhere between 90,000 and 100,000,” this year.
2026 Mazda CX-5
In 2025 it sold 92,000 cars, down 4.2 per cent from the previous year’s 96,000 sales.
Mazda will have three vehicles in the medium SUV segment this year: our new generation CX-5, the box-fresh CX-6e EV, and CX-60 with mild-hybrid six-cylinder option.
As ever, we ask about another medium SUV from its portfolio: the rugged-looking CX-50 urban adventurer that would challenge Subaru’s Outback.
On sale in North America since 2022, Bhindi said there’s still no news on right-hand-drive production. It seems the UK and Japan aren’t as keen on it as we Aussies, holding back making it a more global vehicle.
“We’re in the front of the queue to take the right-hand drive,” said Bhindi, “but we’re not (yet) building one. It doesn’t stop me asking.”
