2026 Mazda CX-5 starts below $40,000 despite price increase, but hybrid delay gives RAV4 a free kick

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Mazda Australia has kept CX-5 pricing below $40,000 for its bigger, third-generation SUV due mid year.

The latest iteration of the Japanese brand’s most popular vehicle will start from $39,990 before on-road costs, an increase of $2750 over the previous entry-level model.

CX-5 buyers will be compensated with notable upgrades including larger exterior dimensions, improved dash technology, and all-wheel drive across the range with front-drive models dropped.

Only one engine will be offered initially, as previously reported by Chasing Cars, with a crucial new, inhouse hybrid powertrain remaining delayed until at least 2027. 

This leaves Mazda without a direct rival to the forthcoming circa-$40,000 Nissan X-Trail e-Power FWD, recently updated $49,900 drive-away Honda CR-V e:HEV, and $45,990 before on-road costs new-generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The CX-5 will instead face its rivals with a revised version of Mazda’s 2.5-litre Skyactiv G four-cylinder petrol engine, now producing a reduced 132kW/242Nm to drop combined fuel consumption from 7.5L/100km to 7.4L/100km. Previous outputs were 140kW/252Nm. A six-speed auto continues.

The new G unit will be an upgrade over the current base CX-5’s 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol, but a downgrade for higher-spec models currently powered by a 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo petrol. 

All grades increase in size, too, with the third-generation CX-5 measuring some 120mm longer than its predecessor, now 4690mm long. Width increases to 1860mm (up 15mm), and height rises slightly, now 1695mm (up 10mm). The wheelbase lengthens by a relatively big amount, by 115mm to 2815mm.

Mazda CX-5 2026: Grade-by-grade

Pure

The new $39,990 before on-road costs entry point to CX-5 may be higher, though the Pure offers a wealth of features over the equivalent outgoing Maxx. Prominently, the Pure gains standard all-wheel drive, a larger 12.9-inch infotainment screen (up from 10.25 inches), larger, all-digital 10.25-inch driver instrument cluster screen (up from part-digital 7.0 inches), and an eight-speaker stereo system (previously six).

There’s also the addition of rain sensing wipers, cruising and traffic support, and front cross traffic brake.

Carry-over features from the previous generation include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate controls, 360-view camera, radar cruise control, black cloth interior, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Evolve

A new CX-5 Evolve becomes Mazda’s middle-grade opener. Priced from $42,990, it succeeds the $40,960 Maxx Sport, again boasting all-wheel drive, larger digital screens, eight speakers, and a ream of safety features over its outgoing counterpart.

The Evolve carries over heated, auto-folding wing mirrors, heated front seats, keyless entry, wireless device charger, second-row air vents, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ from its predecessor.

Touring

The CX-5 Touring is up $1000 over its predecessor, now starting from $47,490. It includes the above features, as well as carry-over features including heated and powered front seats, 19-inch alloys, powered tail-gate, heated side mirrors, head-up display, heated steering wheel, and a windscreen de-icer.

GT

Nearing the top of the model range is a tweaked GT variant, priced from $51,990 (up $1030 over its predecessor). In addition to new equipment on the Touring, the GT adds roof rails, 19-inch gloss black alloys, 12-speaker stereo, heated rear seats, and rear USB-C.

Akera

Topping the third-generation CX-5 range is a new Akera, priced from $54,990 (up $1840). All new equipment – in addition to that found on the new GT – includes a huge 15.6-inch infotainment screen, paddle shifters, vented front seats, panoramic sunroof, and a new ‘personalise system’.

All Mazda CX-5 models are covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Mazda expects the CX-5 Evolve to be the best-selling grade, followed by the Pure and Touring.

Mazda CX-5 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• Pure: $39,990 (+$2750)
• Evolve: $42,990 (+$2030)
• Touring: $47,490 (+$1000)
• GT: $51,990 (+$1030)
• Akera: $54,990 (+$1840)