This is our first look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5 which is the Japanese brand's new-generation Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage family SUV rival

Mazda has officially teased the new, third-generation version of its popular CX-5 mid-size SUV for the first time ahead of it being unveiled on the 10th of July.

It has published a series of dark exterior shots that show off the evolved design. The overall silhouette looks similar to the current model, but there are different front and rear fascias and lighting signatures that are reminiscent of the electric EZ-60.

The CX-5 pictured is finished in a red exterior paint colour, which has been a Mazda signature for years now.

It’s worth noting this isn’t the first time we’ve seen the new CX-5. Low-resolution photos of the exterior without the dramatic shadows leaked online last month.

We’re yet to see any imagery of the new CX-5’s interior.

As previously reported, Mazda recently announced that as part of its “multi-solution briefing” the new CX-5 will launch with the latest hybridised engine line it calls ‘SkyActiv-Z’.

This powertrain isn’t set to launch “before the end of 2027”, suggesting the new CX-5 will also be offered with non-hybrid engines.

Details about the ‘SkyActiv-Z’ engine are few and far between for now. It’s unclear if the new in-house hybrid engine will be closer to Toyota’s 'e-CVT' hybrid transaxle, or the single-clutch-based system used in the CX-60 and up.

Also set to launch in 2027 is a new Mazda-developed dedicated electric platform for future products designed to be assembled on the same lines as internal-combustion vehicles.

This new platform is distinct from the Changan platform which underpins the EZ-6 and EZ-60, and is said to support a full range of EVs to launch between 2028 and 2030.

At this stage it’s unclear when the new Mazda CX-5 will launch locally, but the mid-size SUV segment is picking up more hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options.

This includes segment stalwarts like the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, as well as newer rivals like the BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H6, among others.