2025 Mazda CX-5 replacement could have hybrid rotary engine: Next-gen Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander rival takes shapes with cues from Arata electric car concept

We know the next-gen Mazda CX-5 is coming. What it will be called, its powertrain offering and underpinnings remain a mystery, though. 

Previously, CarsGuide commissioned a render based on the existing CX-5 combined with cues from the premium range. However, a new Kodo design language emerged at this year’s Beijing Motor Show. 

Here, we’ve imagined the new CX-5 with elements from the Arata concept – ‘Arata’ meaning ‘new’ or ‘fresh’ in Japanese – rather than the brand’s existing models such as the CX-60 and CX-90. 

Think of this look as more of a step change than evolution, one that could really set the CX-5 apart from rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. 

The Arata is confirmed as a production model as a joint venture with Changan Mazda, just like the EZ-6 sedan. An EZ-60 trademark was filed in China, potentially confirming the name, and it won’t be sold in global markets.

Still, some of the unique design elements such as the thin ‘cross-wing’ tail light design and aero-focused ‘tunnels’ beneath the bumper and through the D-pillar would make the Arata-based CX-5 stand out among its competitors. 

But Mazda won’t want to be too daring with the CX-5 as it is a critical model in its largest export markets, including the United States and here in Australia. 

What we do know is that the new CX-5 will feature a hybrid powertrain, and it’ll be a "Mazda-made hybrid", according to BestCar. The new car is also unlikely to use a Toyota hybrid as the CX-50 will in the US and China.  

Expect more than a mild-hybrid but different to the 2.5-litre based plug-in hybrid in the CX-60. In fact, BestCar goes as far as suggesting the medium SUV will launch a rotary-based plug-in hybrid powertrain by 2026. Now that would be a point of difference.

The CX-5’s replacement was officially confirmed to CarsGuide in June 2023, with Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi saying: “There will be another CX-5.”

When pressed on the name, he replied: “Let’s not worry about the nameplate, but a replacement for CX-5 is confirmed. What it is, when it is, is not something that can be shared today.”

It could be simply CX-5, but equally the CX-40 would suit global markets. We know it won’t be called the CX-50, though, as that rugged model will be staying on for some time in the US and China. Launch timing is not entirely clear but rest assured, there will be news by 2025. 

The CX-5 is crucial for Mazda as the mid-size SUV continues to be popular in Australia even at seven years old, though the last few years have seen its market share start to slip next to the Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sportage.