2026 Mazda CX-5 focuses on value, hybrid models planned

When it’s a winning formula, don’t change it. That appears to be Mazda’s approach with the new-generation CX-5 – the Japanese brand’s top-selling SUV model and second most popular model after the Mazda3. The company understands what made the CX-5 rhyme with mid-size SUV buyers and it’s the combination of good value proposition, attractive packaging and proven reliability. With the 2026 Mazda CX-5, it has stuck with the same principles.

Like before, the new CX-5 line-up consists of 5 grades, with the range-opening Pure model starting at just under $40k. The Akera model remains the top dog priced at $55k. Across the range, there has been a slight increase in price of between $1k to $3k depending on variant, but all-wheel drive is now standard across the entire line-up.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Australian pricing and specification

CX-5 Model Grade	Engine	Drivetrain	MLP
Pure	G25 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol	AWD	$39,990
Evolve	G25 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol	AWD	$42,990
Touring	G25 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol	AWD	$47,490
GT SP	G25 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol	AWD	$51,990
Akera	G25 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol	AWD	$54,990

Option	Price
Black and white Maztex trim (Touring Only)	$1,000
Tan leather trim (GT SP and Akera only)	$1,000

The CX-5 Pure opens the range and includes a high level of equipment as standard, featuring:

• 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 8-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)

Moving to the Evolve – a debutant grade for the CX-5 nameplate – adds:

• The CX-5 Touring returns as a high-equipped mid-range option, and features:
• 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
• 8-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

The CX-5 Akera returns as the range leader and includes:

• 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

For now, the new CX-5 is exclusively powered by the 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder Skyactiv G engine. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with power channeled to all four wheels.

Carried over from the previous CX-5, the 2.5L petrol engine develops 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque. Pundits will be quick to point out that the engine output is 8kW and 10Nm less than the outgoing engine’s 140kW / 252Nm output. That’s because it’s been detuned and repositioned for emissions, efficiency, and lineup strategy rather than outright performance.

With the new CX-5, Mazda has shifted focus from performance to efficiency and refinement. The Skyactiv G has been recalibrated for a different feel – improved smoothness and quietness, combined with better fuel economy and real-world drivability. Mazda says the new tune focuses on a “more relaxed, quiet demeanour”. In other words, it feels nicer to drive day-to-day, with little performance degradation.

Unfortunately, the previous 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is now no longer offered as it’s unable to meet ever tighter emission standards. Instead, Mazda points performance-focused customers to the slightly larger CX-60 which is available with a range of turbo in-line 6-cylinder engines.

Further down the track, a new SkyActiv-Z hybrid powertrain will be made available in the new CX-5. So, the current 2.5L engine is basically a stopgap engine prioritising compliance and reliability until the arrival of the hybrid variants.

Compared to the previous CX-5, the new model is larger is every dimension – length 4690mm (+115mm), width 1860mm (+15mm), height 1695mm (+30mm), wheelbase 2815mm (+115mm). This results in a roomier cabin with increased space for the rear passengers and bigger boot – 466L new vs 438L old. This is significant as packaging hasn’t been a strong point for the previous CX-5. These improvements bring the new CX-5 more in line with rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail in terms of cabin space.

The cabin of the new CX-5 has also been completely revamped. While the previous cabin was already a pretty nice place to be spending time in, the new interior takes a leap forward with improved materials throughout, a fully digital instrumentation panel, a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen (Akera model) and a host of new technology.

The new CX-5 goes on sale in Australia in mid-2026, with customer deliveries commencing shortly after.