2025 Mazda CX-5 revealed

This best-selling family SUV takes on an eye-catching new form in 2026.

Mazda has played it safe with the next-generation CX-5, unveiling a model that represents evolution, rather than revolution.

The brand’s rival to popular cars such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail will start a new chapter in Australia next year.

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2026 Mazda CX-5. Picture: Supplied

Unlike those rivals, it will not be available with hybrid power – at least initially.

Instead, Mazda is making do with a detuned version of the ageing 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine found in the current model.

Reworked to reduce power – and fuel consumption – the motor sends 132kW and 242Nm to a six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel-drive as standard, and all-wheel-drive on the options list.

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2026 Mazda CX-5. Picture: Supplied

That’s disappointing news for consumers increasingly drawn to the low fuel cost and effortless performance of hybrid powertrains.

Mazda will introduce a hybrid version of the car later down the track.

There’s better news in the cabin, where a longer wheelbase should translate to more legroom than before.

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2026 Mazda CX-5. Picture: Supplied

Wider than its predecessor, the new CX-5 has a premium look inspired by Mazda’s high-end SUVs that can cost $100,000 or more.

The most significant change is the addition of a 15.6-inch central display and the deletion of a rotary controller used to navigate menus in the existing model.

Instead, customers must use the touchscreen to access the car’s various systems – including its air conditioning or climate control.

2026 Mazda CX-5. Picture: Supplied

A new steering wheel deletes Mazda’s traditional M-shaped logo in favour of the brand’s name displayed in bright letters.

The same goes for the back of the car, where “Mazda” is emblazoned across a tailgate missing the brand’s traditional badge.

2026 Mazda CX-5. Picture: Supplied

New headlights at the front and rear lend sharper looks that help it stand out from existing models, but once again, the car appears to be a careful evolution of the previous-generation model.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The CX-5 has found more than 315,000 homes in Australia and more than 4.5 million around the world, making it one of the most popular models on sale.