Same look, less power, more money: But here's why Mazda thinks the 2026 CX-5 will still win despite the new Toyota RAV4 and its cheaper Chinese rivals

Mazda said its new CX-5 has done enough to maintain its status as one of Australia's best-selling vehicles – and to hold back the tide against the waves of newcomer Chinese brands – despite a lack of radical changes or updates, at least at launch.

In fact, Mazda said the new model's familiarity against its predecessor is a strength, rather than a weakness, and came at the request of Mazda in Australia.

"This is a very important model for Mazda globally, but in particular for Mazda Australia. The CX-5 has been a very strong seller for us. In fact, I'd say it has been a hit from day one," Mazda Australia MD, Vinesh Bhindi, told us.

"Everything about this car is very very important for Mazda Australia, and we are excited about what they have produced based on our feedback."

That feedback was to largely leave the exterior alone, update the cabin tech, create more cabin room, and deliver a hybrid. On that last point, an electrified powertrain is someway off – circa 2027 – leaving Mazda to preserve with its 2.5-litre petrol engine for the time being.

"The strength of this car has been its design from day one, so we did absolutely go out of our way to ensure that the design and the appeal of the design remains a key part of this program. From our point of view where there was opportunity was more on the interior in terms of materials, craftsmanship, updates in the technology, you can see the large screen, but also cabin room," Mr Bhindi says.

"We know this is a car for not just for couples but also for families with smaller kids, and therefore taking around luggage – whether it be prams or bags – was critical, so comfort in the rear and also rear cargo space were critical.

"But we didn't want it to be too much bigger that it became a direct alternative to our CX-60, which has got its own space. So that was our feedback."

But losing the option of a cheaper 2.0-litre FWD entry-level engine option will see prices for the new model increase. Or, at least, that's "a fair assumption", says Mr Bhindi.

But the brand is confident the new model will remain a podium player in Australia, and hold off its Chinese rivals.

"This car has remained in the top tier in terms of volume of sales from 2012 for most years. Sometimes it's top, sometimes it gets a podium position, but generally speaking, the top three to top five is where it's been, and we expect to hold that position with this car and the value package we'll offer," Mr Bhindi says.

"It's got the legacy, and I think when you look at the new car...I think it is bringing to the table, with this updated new generation CX-5, all the things that are, we believe, critical to its success.

"The technology, the hybrid technology, the usability, the refinement – all of those things are very important to consumers.

"In the end, consumers have a lot more choice, and therefore it actually pushes us to be at the top of the game to ensure we we would capture that customer when we can."