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Review
2026 Mazda CX-5: price, specs and release date in Australia
Terry Martin
March 24, 2026
The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 medium SUV is bigger, roomier, higher tech and priced from less than $40,000 with a 2.5-litre engine and AWD. Here’s everything you need to know, including when the hybrid is coming.
Mazda has launched the new third-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 in Australia, boosting one of the nation’s top-selling SUVs.
It might look familiar, but the new Mazda CX-5 is bigger, roomier, more advanced and strikes a minimalist tone inside with its touchscreen-centric driver controls. It is now on sale ahead of first customer deliveries due by June or July 2026, priced from $39,990 before on-road costs but missing out on a hybrid powertrain until 2028.
Can the new CX-5 match the new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (and PHEV) that’s also now available, and has Mazda done enough to maintain its position in the fiercely competitive medium family SUV segment? Here’s a full guide, and answers to our questions from senior Mazda executives, to help you decide.
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When does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 go on sale in Australia?
Customers can now order the 2026 Mazda CX-5 online or through the brand’s 150-strong national dealer network as the first shipment of cars prepares to sail from Japan to Australia for deliveries starting in June or July 2026.
Mazda says it still has good supplies of the outgoing second-generation CX-5, which has proven popular with car buyers taking advantage of runout offers for the SUV that include a $37,990 drive-away deal for the entry Mazda CX-5 Maxx with a 2.0-litre engine.
This 2.0-litre G20 engine is not available in the new CX-5, nor is the flagship turbocharged 2.5-litre G25T powerplant. That leaves only the naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder G25 petrol engine at launch, paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
With just a single 2.5-litre engine with AWD available at launch, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a five-tiered model range defined by trim levels that open with the CX-5 Pure priced from $39,990 plus on-road costs.
Expected to be the most popular variant, the CX-5 Evolve starts $3000 higher at $42,990 plus ORCs, while the mid-range Touring kicks off from $47,490 plus ORCs. At the top end, the GT SP is priced from $51,990 and the flagship Akera from $54,990 (both before on-road costs and options are added).
See our section below for details on standard equipment and features, but the lack of a hybrid powertrain until 2028 puts Mazda at a disadvantage against key competitors including the new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (from $45,990 plus ORCs, PHEV from $58,840), Hyundai Tucson (petrol engine from $39,100, hybrid $42,850), Kia Sportage (from $38,490, hybrid $44,450), Mitsubishi Outlander (from $39,990, PHEV $57,290), Subaru Forester (from $43,490, hybrid $46,490) and Nissan X-Trail (from $38,140, hybrid $48,915).
Highly affordable and well-specified models from Chinese brands are also attracting buyers’ attention, including the GWM Haval H6 (from $35,990 drive-away, hybrid from $40,990), BYD Sealion 6 PHEV (from $42,990 plus ORCs), Chery Tiggo 7 (from $29,990 drive-away, PHEV $39,990) and MG HS (from $33,990 drive-away, hybrid $42,990).
Capped price servicing costs for the new CX-5 are still to be confirmed but considering the carryover engine and drivetrain they should not deviate much from the current 2.5-litre AWD that costs $2240 over the first five years or 75,000km (based on 12-month/15,000km service intervals). Mazda’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty also applies to the new CX-5.
A large 15.6-inch touchscreen display dominates the dashboard of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Akera.
2026 Mazda CX-5 standard equipment & features
Mazda Australia claims to have injected considerable value into the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 across the range, starting with the entry-level G25 Pure that represents an estimated $3000 saving over the outgoing G20 Maxx given the bigger engine, standard AWD, higher tech, improved safety and extra equipment.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has bigger proportions but a familiar silhouette.
New Gen 3 Mazda CX-5 (left) alongside the slightly smaller, but similar-looking, Gen 2 model.
The 'Mazda' name is now written across the tailgate of the CX-5.
A new headlight design features on the latest Mazda CX-5.
High-spec Mazda CX-5 variants come with 19-inch black alloy wheels.
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New Mazda CX-5 exterior design
Clearly mindful of the success brought with the second-generation Mazda CX-5, which was designed more than a decade ago under the long-serving Kodo ‘Soul of Motion’ theme, the Japanese brand has not tampered too much with the formula when sculpting this new third iteration.
Indeed, chief designer Takanori Tsubaki told RACV through an interpreter that he was pleased to hear our impressions that the new CX-5 looked similar to the old one. “This is actually a good thing for me, I’m happy to hear that,” he said. “The outside is similar but if you get inside the new model I think you will be surprised at how much wider [bigger] it is. We maintained the beautiful styling but increased the volume [inside] the vehicle.”
Kodo was introduced with the first CX-5 in 2012 and is still the guiding design ethos at Mazda, which sees the 2026 version retain its familiar sleek and elegant silhouette while working with bigger proportions. See our table below that shows key dimensions for the new CX-5, including extra length, width, height and a longer wheelbase – all of which translates to more interior room.
The CX-5 now stands close in size to the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail, both of which are available with a third row. The CX-5 remains a five-seater only. Despite the growth spurt, the new CX-5 is also slightly smaller than the other medium SUV in its own stable, the premium Mazda CX-60.
Mazda says the CX-5’s front end has a more chiselled and wider-set appearance that incorporates its signature ‘wing’ grille between more angular headlights. On areas where steel body panels meet plastic trim, such as the front fenders, Tsubaki-san and his team took inspiration from traditional Japanese carpentry that uses intricate interlocking joints rather than nails or screws. This idea creates a clean, architectural look and aims to create the impression of a strong and durable structure.
At the rear, the CX-5 has a more angular tail-light treatment in keeping with other Mazda SUVs such as the CX-70 and CX-90, while ‘MAZDA’ lettering is prominent across the tailgate.
The CX-5 exterior colour palette comprises five metallic options – Rhodium White, Aero Grey, Soul Red Crystal, Polymetal Grey and Machine Grey – and two mica finishes: Navy Blue (new) and Jet Black.
The new Mazda CX-5 imparts a classy and high-tech feel in top-spec Akera guise.
The big new touchscreen on Mazda CX-5 Akera incorporates the climate controls.
All new Mazda CX-5 variants feature a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.
There is more rear seat room in the new Mazda CX-5, shown here with optional tan leather trim on Akera.
Extra boot space and higher levels of versatility are found at the back of the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
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What is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 like inside?
The exterior look of the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 might be a deliberate attempt to win over current owners and other core constituents, but radical changes are found inside the cabin. Most notably, there is an uncluttered, minimalist approach to the driver controls and dashboard that will delight some occupants and might displease others, such as drivers who favour tactile switchgear on the dash stack and centre console.
In the new CX-5, most of these traditional buttons are gone, including the current rotary dial in between the front seats that controls the dash-mounted infotainment screen. Instead, the carmaker has developed a new centre touchscreen, which in the top-spec Akera model is a 15.6-inch unit that calls for a different mindset, especially when drilling into menus to operate vehicle functions. Lower grades use a new 12.9-inch central display.
Mazda insists it makes for a “calm, yet functional interior” but it could present challenges for some drivers. It certainly reinforces the sense of space on offer in the roomier new CX-5, helped further with the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof on Akera and by the attention to detail seen in areas such as surface treatments, ambient interior lighting (GT SP and Akera) and new interior trim colour combinations.
Black trim is standard-fit – cloth for Pure and Evolve, Maztex artificial leather for Touring and genuine leather for GT SP and Akera – but can be optioned with white and black Maztex (Touring) or tan leather upholstery (GT SP and Akera) for an extra $1000.
As well as extra space in all directions across the front and rear compartments, Mazda points to other practical elements such as larger door openings that improve ingress and egress, plus a bigger and more accessible luggage area – now at 466 litres with the rear seats in place (+28L). The cargo floor is 18mm lower to allow for easier loading, while the rear seats have a 40/20/40 split-fold. A space-saver spare wheel is found under the boot floor.
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The 2026 Mazda CX-5 relies on a 2.5-litre petrol engine at launch, but a hybrid powertrain is coming.
What powers the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 launches with a revised version of the current 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine that’s less powerful at 132kW (-8kW) and has less torque at 242Nm (-10Nm).
As is the case now, the engine is paired with a conventional six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, but only a single driveline option – i-Activ all-wheel drive – is available.
Mazda claims this latest iteration of the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine has been recalibrated for greater flexibility, “with an emphasis on offering both sharper response and also a more relaxed, quiet demeanour, based on how the vehicle is driven”. The changes are primarily due to the engine now meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Based on a kerb weight of 1749kg at the entry level – which is 90kg heavier than the current G25 AWD model – the new CX-5 has a claimed 7.4L/100km fuel consumption figure based on the official combined cycle and running on 91RON regular unleaded petrol. That is identical to the current model, so no gains have been made in this area.
In Europe, Japan and other markets, the 2.5-litre engine includes a mild hybrid system for improved fuel economy and other benefits (albeit with lower outputs of 104kW/238Nm), but there are no moves to adopt this M Hybrid feature in Australia. These overseas markets also include a front-wheel drive option, which has also been ruled out for our market.
The current entry-level 115kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine and flagship 170kW/420Nm 2.5-litre turbo-petrol powerplant are not available in the new CX-5.
There are no plans at Mazda Motor Corporation to offer dedicated off-road or high-performance variants of the new CX-5 – the company points to six-cylinder options in the slightly larger Mazda CX-60, and EV coming soon in the new Mazda CX-6e – which leaves all eyes on the forthcoming SkyActiv-Z hybrid powertrain.
Other engineering changes with the new CX-5, which is based on an evolution of the previous platform, include revised suspension tuning with softer springs and more responsive dampers that Mazda claims improves both handling and ride comfort. The front MacPherson strut and rear multilink suspension design carries over.
When will the Mazda CX-5 Hybrid go on sale?
The new SkyActiv-Z hybrid powertrain in the third-generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to go on sale in Australia in 2028.
Senior Mazda Motor Corporation executives have confirmed to RACV that the CX-5 hybrid will be launched first in North America in 2027 once development work is completed. Australia and other countries are due to follow in 2028.
Developed in-house, SkyActiv-Z is a self-charging full ‘parallel’ hybrid system that sees a version of the CX-5’s 2.5-litre petrol engine work in conjunction with an electric motor and battery to drive the wheels, boosting performance and reducing consumption. In other Mazda vehicles, the hybrid system will be applied to a range of combustion engines, including six-cylinder petrol and diesel. There are no moves to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the new CX-5, as found in the Mazda CX-60 PHEV.
The CX-5 hybrid option will be important as Mazda aims to maintain its strong position in the fiercely competitive medium SUV segment, where affordable hybrids have fast become a favoured choice among Australian buyers.
The new Mazda CX-5 has an emergency call button to use in the event of a crash.
What safety and technology features on the new Mazda CX-5?
The new third-generation Mazda CX-5 was originally expected to be underpinned by the carmaker’s new large vehicle architecture, as found in the Mazda CX-60 and larger new SUVs, but the vehicle has emerged with an evolution of the current front-wheel drive/AWD platform.
Other safety technologies fitted standard include:
Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse)
Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
Blind spot monitoring with turn warning
The new Mazda CX-5 has received a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, based on testing under 2025 protocols, which bodes well for an equivalent overall rating from ANCAP (with a 2025 date stamp).
The CX-5 was developed with an all-new human-machine interface (HMI) headlined by the touchscreen display and Mazda’s latest operating system. However, Australia has not adopted one of the big-ticket features – Google built-in – which rules out integration with key Google apps and services including Google Maps, Google Play Store and the Gemini AI assistant. Local Mazda executives said this was done to keep the vehicle purchase price as low as possible and that research found that Google built-in would not be a deciding factor for Aussie car buyers.
The new central touchscreen is complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while device charging is supported by USB-C connections up front (and the rear in GT SP and Akera grades only), as well as a wireless charging pad in all variants except the entry CX-5 Pure.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
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