- Much-anticipated mid-size contender allegedly leaked ahead of its global reveal.
- The CX-5 nameplate will continue alongside the CX-50.
- The leaked image shows a car which follows largely the same design cues as the current model.
Images have spread on the internet which appear to be leaked shots of the incoming, new-generation Mazda CX-5.
The next-gen car has been openly discussed by the brand for some time, with the Mazda's North American boss most recently announcing the CX-5 nameplate will continue alongside the CX-50 even in markets where the mid-size alternative is sold.
On top of that, Mazda in Japan recently announced as part of its “multi-solution briefing” the new CX-5 will launch with the latest hybridized engine line it calls 'SkyActiv-Z'.
The leaked image, which car spy forum Cochespias alleges was originally sourced from an Instagram post on the Car Design News page, shows a car which follows largely the same design cues as the current model.
Overall shape and size looks very similar, and seemingly proportionally identical. While CarsGuide cannot confirm the origins of the image, it seems to closely mirror spy shots of the new CX-5 which have been circulating for some time.
Other highlights include a new front light profile, which flanks a tweaked grille which has a similar look to the more blanked-out grille on the Chinese-market EZ-60. It is certainly closer in its design to the current vehicle than the US-market CX-50 which shares the bulkier look of the CX-60 and CX-90 and at one stage was thought to be the CX-5’s replacement.
The trio of CX-5, EZ-60, and CX-50 gives Mazda a diverse set of mid-size SUVs to choose from for the local market, although thus far suggestions of adding the (so far) left-hand drive CX-50 or the electric and range-extender EZ-60 to the local line-up have been shot down.
While a reveal could be imminent for the next-generation CX-5, Mazda has said the SkyActiv-Z powertrain is only due “before the end of 2027.” This extended timeline suggests the incoming CX-5 could also launch with non-hybrid powertrains. SkyActiv-Z will include a range of even more efficient engines which combine the knowledge from the brand’s current SkyActiv-G and previous SkyActiv-X powertrains with a new in-house hybrid drive system.
Whether the new in-house hybrid system will be closer to Toyota’s ‘e-CVT’ hybrid transaxle, or the single-clutch based system used in the CX-60 and up is yet to be seen.
Also set to launch in 2027 from Mazda is a new in-house dedicated electric platform for future products designed to be assembled on the same lines as combustion vehicles for efficiency reasons.
This new platform is distinct from the Changan platform which the brand uses to underpin the EZ-6 and EZ-60 pair for the Chinese market, and is said to support a full range of EVs to launch between 2028 and 2030.
The new CX-5 will enter one of the most competitive market segments in 2026, which is increasingly populated by both plug-less and plug-in hybrid options.
These range from traditional rivals like the incoming new-generation RAV4 and Subaru Forester, as well as new options like the Tiggo 7 PHEV (which is now the most affordable plug-in in New Zealand), BYD Sealion 6 and Haval H6 HEV.
- Tom White, deputy news editor.