- New Touring as entry point to the range.
- Top-selling GSX makes way for SP version.
- Single engine, AWD standard across the range.
It will be farewell to GLX and GSX, but welcome back to SP when the new 3rd-generation Mazda CX-5 arrives in New Zealand in spring this year.
Mazda NZ is still yet to reveal pricing, but it has now confirmed the four-tier specification lineup for the new model.
The entry GLX and mid-range GSX are no more, with a Touring model now the entry point for the CX-5. "Touring" was also used for the CX-60 PHEV at launch in 2023, although it's since been phased out.
The new CX-5 range then moves into an SP variant; formerly a sporty turbocharged version in the 2nd-generation range, but now the badge is back as the replacement for the GSX.
The Homura specification makes its way into the CX-5 for the first time, while Takami continues as the top model in the range.
While the Touring name will be unique to the new CX-5, SP, Homura and Takami align it with other models in the Mazda NZ lineup.
New Mazda CX-5 specification for NZ
The Touring is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and privacy glass. Inside, an eight-speaker stereo system is paired to a 12.9-inch touchscreen display Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's wireless mobile phone charging, dual-zone climate control and cloth-covered seats with heating for front occupants.
The SP’s exterior additions include 19in alloy wheels in a black and machined finish, gloss black roof rails and power tailgate.
The SP driver’s seat includes electric adjustment, and all seats are covered in a leatherette trim. The Active Driving Display (head up) projects key information onto the windscreen. A heated steering wheel and heated windscreen are also fitted.
CX-5 is denoted by the use of black gloss contrasting elements on the exterior. Its 19-inch wheels are in a black metallic finish, along with the bumper trims and wheelarch mouldings. For the first time in a CX-5, a large panoramic sunroof is fitted.
The CX-5 Homura features leather upholstery, the passenger seat is electrically adjustable, and the outer rear seats are heated. Audio is upgraded to a 12-speaker Bose system.
Homura includes a 360-degree camera system with "See-Through View". For the first time, themonitor continues to provide full vision even when the exterior mirrors are in a folded position, also providing a view of the road surface beneath the vehicle with a semi-transparent outline over the top.
Headlining the CX-5 range is the Takami. The standard 12.9in touch display is swapped for a larger 15.6in screen, and paddle shifters are provided for the transmission. The power tailgate gains a hands-free function.
The Takami has leather seating in a Sport Tan colour, with the front seats gaining a ventilation function. Driver Personalisation System, first seen on the CX-90, assists in automatically adjusting mirrors and seating position.
2026 Mazda CX-5 engine and power
Mazda currently offers three engines in the CX-5: a 2.0-litre (GLX FWD only), 2.5-litre naturally aspirated (GSX and Limited) and the same with turbo (Takami). The new 3rd-generation model moves to a single powertrain across the range.
All models will be powered by the SkyActiv-G 2.5 four-cylinder engine, with 132kW/242Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD). Familiar ingredients, but Mazda says the powertrain delivers improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions compared to its predecessor, with a "string of updates engineered to provide an even more intuitive interaction between driver inputs and vehicle response".
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Off-Road drive modes, which can adjust the performance of the transmission and AWD system.
Mazda is currently developing a new "Z-Hybrid" (full hybrid/HEV) powertrain for CX-5 based around a new 2.0-litre engine, but that won't be launched until later next year, with a likely 2028 release for NZ.
