2026 Mazda CX-5: Next generation of brand's best-seller leaked

The next-generation Mazda CX-5 is just around the corner, and what appears to be the first official image of the new Toyota RAV4 rival has now been leaked.

Published on the Coche Spias forum and attributed to Car Design News on Instagram, the image shows the new mid-size SUV in what appears to be a studio.

The new CX-5 is set to be revealed between July and September this year, per previous reports. That points to a local launch no earlier than late this year, but more likely in 2026.

It maintains a similar silhouette to the current model, and retains certain design elements like the steeply raked rear-quarter window.

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There continues to be a wide grille with chrome detailing at its base, but there also appears to be black plastic trim connecting the headlights, which spill more into the grille area more than before.

Previous spy photos have shown the CX-5 will feature a more angular tailgate with tail-lights inspired by the larger CX-60.

According to industry sources, the CX-5 could grow by as much as 110mm in length over the current model – something which would put it even closer to the larger and more premium CX-60.

The current CX-5 in Australian showrooms measures up to 4575mm long, while the CX-60 is 4740mm long.

But while the new CX-5 is expected to get closer to the CX-60 in size, the two SUVs will continue to be differentiated mechanically.

The CX-60 rides a rear/all-wheel drive architecture and offers turbocharged six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines plus a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, while the CX-5 is expected to continue to be based on front/all-wheel drive underpinnings and powered only by four-cylinder engines.

Joining the powertrain lineup, however, will be a new hybrid system developed in-house, which will be mated with Mazda’s new Skyactiv-Z 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

This new engine, which will share components with the brand’s existing 2.5-litre, will offer greater performance and fuel economy than before, while also meeting strict Euro 7 emissions regulations in Europe, and both LEV4 and Tier 4 regulations in North America.

Mazda claims the Skyactiv-Z engine achieves lower emissions without any drops in output, as opposed to conventional engines which it says would result in a 30 per cent output drop.

We can therefore expect naturally aspirated and hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder powertrains in the new CX-5, though it’s unclear at this stage if a turbocharged version will continue to be offered.

The current CX-5 is also still available in Japan with a 2.2-litre twin-turbo diesel, though this was retired in Australia for model year 2024.

The existing CX-5 (pictured below) is a crucial vehicle for Mazda in Australia, where it has been the brand’s best-seller since 2019.

Last year the Mazda CX-5 was the eighth best-selling new vehicle in Australia, placing third in the high-volume mid-size SUV segment which it once dominated, behind the RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander.

The mid-size SUV, which entered production back in 2016 but featuring underpinnings dating back to 2012, is holding onto the bronze medal thus far this year.

To the end of May, Mazda has delivered 9409 examples – below the RAV4 (21,613) and Outlander (10,203), but keeping the fresher Hyundai Tucson (7940), Kia Sportage (8723) and Nissan X-Trail (7209) at bay.

It has managed to maintain its strong sales volumes despite the absence of hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains like those seen in its aforementioned rivals; Mazda doesn’t even offer a mild-hybrid system in the CX-5 locally, though a 24V system is offered overseas.

Mazda does currently offer a mid-size hybrid SUV – the CX-50, featuring hybrid tech from Toyota – but this is only offered in a handful of markets including China and the US.

MORE: Everything Mazda CX-5