Mazda will replace its best-selling CX-5 mid-size SUV, but it won’t happen overnight.
The new mainstream family SUV is likely to debut at next year’s Japan Mobility Show in October before going on sale in early 2026. That’s the latest from Japan’s BestCar, a publication known for insider sources.
The CX-5 is Mazda’s most popular nameplate, accounting for 30 per cent of sales globally and 24 per cent of Australian Mazda deliveries. Until the Toyota RAV4 came along, the CX-5 wore the best-selling SUV crown in Australia for seven years running.
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Next-gen Mazda CX-5 locked in for Australia to fight the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.
Released in 2017, the current generation is facing tougher competition than ever, with an increasing number of fuel efficient hybrid powertrains popping up in rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, GWM Haval H6 and more.
At seven years old, the CX-5 is due for replacement in typical Mazda product cycles. The first-gen CX-5 only lived for five years, however with the marque turning its attention to more premium models, the Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda CX-3 and CX-5’s lifespans have extended.
Key to the third-generation CX-5’s success will be Mazda’s in-house hybrid powertrain expected to feature. The brand’s new-gen ‘Skyactiv-Z’ engine technology will form a part of this push, but it’s not yet clear how the hybrid system will work.
Mazda has learned from the best, having used a Toyota hybrid in the rugged-looking US-market CX-50.
“We have been using Toyota’s hybrid system, and that’s an excellent system,” admitted Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro in the marque’s second quarter earnings call.
“So to have a unique difference is the basic concept that we have. In our case, in the engine and the electric motor balance, we will mainly focus on a high-efficiency engine,” added Moro-san.
The new CX-5 is expected to look at the latest crop of premium Mazda products for proportions, as seen here in BestCar’s speculative renderings.
The new CX-5’s underpinnings remain a mystery, too, though we’re pretty certain it will not adopt the Large Product rear-drive platform of the CX-60. Instead, the new CX-5 is likely to keep an East-West engine layout with drive sent to the front wheels first.
The CX-50 currently uses a version of the CX-30’s front-drive platform. Further refinements could see this suit a new CX-5 but it does not support multi-link rear suspension, compromising performance of future AWD models.
Price will be a big factor in the new CX-5’s popularity. A mix of four-cylinder petrol and hybrid powertrains should see it slide in below the CX-60, but don’t expect a mid-$30K base model like CX-5s of old.
"The next CX5, whatever it may be called, it'll be a step up," Mazda Australia CEO Vinesh Bhindi told Carsguide, though confirmed it will remain attainable for Australian families.
Recently, the popular Japanese brand took a step back from its premium position with a lower-trim ‘Pure’ entry grade for its new seven-seat CX-80 under $60,000. The CX-60 is expected to pick up a similar variant next year.
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