2026 Mazda CX-5: New SUV unveiled with more space and new tech

Mazda’s new CX-5 has broken cover. It's bigger, packing more tech, and – as always in Australia, where it's long been popular – aiming for the head of the sales race.

The initial offering is a pragmatic one, with the energetic turbo-petrol engine dropped in favour of a single, naturally-aspirated option.

Yep, Mazda's stalwart 132kW/242Nm 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four, matched again to a six-speed auto. An earlier version (as in, there are probably some design improvements by now) of this combo drove my old 2017 Mazda6 wagon, and as much as it was fine... fine was all it was.

Whether we'll see the wicked turbo petrol return to the range at some point, I don't know, but Mazda would prefer you focus on its upcoming headliner: a new in-house hybrid system designed to challenge the market-fave RAV4.

That one's confirmed for Australia, but details are still to come, and it won't reach market for another year or so.

UPDATE: As you'd hope, the hybrid "will have performance comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain", thanks to its electric motor for the double win of an extra kick and fuel efficiency too. ⌁ via Drive & CarBuzz

Here are the specs Mazda has released today

• Engine: 2.5-litre non-turbo 4-cylinder petrol
• Power / Torque: 132kW / 242Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic with all-wheel drive
• Length: 4690mm (+115mm)
• Wheelbase: 2815mm (+115mm)
  • NOTE: This matches the tougher lookin' CX-50 sold in America
• Boot Space: 567 litres (+61 litres)
• Rear Suspension: Multi-link independent
• Infotainment: 12.9-inch or 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in
• Driver Display: 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Key Features: Optional panoramic sunroof, centre airbag, driver monitoring camera

The significant increase in size and boot capacity addresses a key criticism of the outgoing model, putting the CX-5 on par with larger rivals.

If you're wondering, the new CX-5's larger dimensions haven't brought it much closer to the CX-60, which is built on Mazda's RWD-biased 'Large Platform'.

The CX-60 measures 4745mm long, 1890mm wide, 1680mm tall and rides on a 2870mm wheelbase.

For drivers who count themselves more attuned to the mechanical side of things, the most important detail here is the retention of the multi-link rear suspension.

Mazda, to its credit, remains committed to delivering a zoom-zoom driving experience compared to competitors who opt for simpler, cheaper designs. (That said, this is at odds with the dull engine and gearbox.)

The decision to launch without the hybrid powertrain is a gamble, giving the RAV4 a continued advantage, but development cycles and supply restraints could be to blame. (Besides, Mazda is tight with Toyota, so 🤷‍♂️)

The move to a screen-focused interior, while expected, also marks a departure from Mazda’s previously lauded driver-centric cockpits. The new CX-5 is, therefore, a more practical and modern family SUV, but one that asks performance-minded buyers to wait patiently for the full picture.

This CX-5 is likely going to be just as popular as the badge has ever been in Australia, especially when the hybrid arrives, but...

I do think it's a bloody big miss to have not simply brought the CX-50 to Australia and Europe as the CX-5 (or retire the CX-5 name, as popular as it is).

It's not engineered for or built in right-hand drive, but the work could've been done... and it looks awesome. I rest my case. 😂

HAT TIP: My thanks to Jordan at Drive for a great breakdown on how the new CX-5 compares to the outgoing model.