Mazda has revealed a brand new CX-5 SUV, the third generation of its best-seller since 2012 and a step up in both size and cabin-tech.
The launch programme is Europe-led this time. That region will be the first to see the production model, late this year. Other markets, including Japan and New Zealand, will follow in 2026; expect to see it here early in the third quarter of the year.
It’s a styling evolution rather than wholesale change, with some detail touches that echo the larger CX-60, but it’s mainly a continuation of familiar CX-5 themes. The biggest change in proportion is a 115mm increase in wheelbase, taking the CX-5 to 4690mm overall; this allows for not only extra legroom, but also a much wider door opening for rear-seat occupants.
Front and rear overhangs remain the same, but the track is 15mm wider.
Note the change from the company logo on the tailgate to a “M A Z D A” wordmark, which is repeated on the steering wheel. As is the fashion.
New CX-5, the inside story
In fact, the biggest changes are on the inside, where the CX-5 leapfrogs even the new-gen CX-60, CX-80 and CX-90 (Large Product Group, or LPG) models in design and tech.
There’s more focus on touch-operation and voice control. There’s no longer a physical controller for the infotainment system, which is running on a new operating system and features extensive customisation ability.
The screen is much taller in aspect ratio than the widescreen displays fitted to the LPG models. It’s the largest fitted to any Mazda, up to 15.6in.
The roofline is 15mm higher, giving the impression of more space and allowing the fitment of a panoramic roof on high-end models - a first for CX-5.
The boot is 52 litres larger than the current model in beltline volume (490l), but Mazda says the practical gains are actually much bigger thanks to a change in shape and the extra roof height. Load length to the front seats has increased by 365mm and maximum capacity with the 2nd row folded is up by 560l, to 1900l.
CX-5 Skactiv-Z hybrid is coming… but we have to wait
The new CX-5 is being launched with a single powertrain globally: a development of the current 2.5-litre petrol 4-cylinder, which sticks with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Mazda's i-Activ AWD system will also be standard - no FWD variants for now.
While some technical details for the European-tune engine have been announced, Kiwi-specific numbers are still to come.
The current CX-5 is sold in NZ with 3 engine options, in 3 model grades. The new model will move to the single powertrain, but expect a multi-level specification similar to the existing car for the new version when it launches next year.
There’s already a 24-volt mild hybrid engine ("M Hybrid") for CX-5 in Europe that will continue in the new model, but that's not available for NZ.
It’s well-known that Mazda is working on a full hybrid system for the CX-5, dubbed Skyactiv-Z, based around a new 2.0-litre engine. That is indeed headed for NZ, but like the rest of the world we’ll have to wait: it’s down for a late-2027 launch globally, likely making it a 2028 model for us.
“There are people who want the hybrid, understandably,” says Mazda NZ product and communications manager Paul Sherley.
“But to counter that, CX-5 is still selling very, very well for us in its current guise, even after 7-8 years. The timing is what it is, we can’t change it, and we do have CX-60 3.3 [a mild hybrid], basically at the top of where CX-5 is today.
“We have plug-in hybrids, and we’re interested and still having discussions with Japan about the EZ-60 [aka CX-6e, a Chinese-collaboration electric SUV and sister to the EZ-6 sedan]; if that becomes available to other markets, we’d be putting our hands up. We have lots of other options.”
The CX-5 remains Mazda’s most important car globally and in NZ, where it’s accounted for 40-45% of the brand’s local sales for the past 5 years. It’s been the brand’s biggest Kiwi-seller for over a decade.