The next generation of Mazda’s best-selling CX-5 is expected to pack fuel-saving hybrid technology developed by the Japanese carmaker, but not before launching as soon as next year with petrol power.
A member of a Mazda CX-5 owner’s forum in Germany claims their dealer was shown plans and a clay model of the new SUV, which will reportedly have a sharper exterior design and be 11cm longer than the current-generation SUV.
Under the bonnet, it’ll allegedly be powered first by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – likely with 24-volt mild-hybrid assistance, as is currently offered on European CX-5s – from September to November 2025, before hybrid and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) join at a later date.
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Current Mazda CX-5
European buyers of the CX-5 are currently offered two 24-volt mild-hybrid drivetrains, which feature in 2.0- and 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines.
The e-Skyactiv G 2.0 produces 121kW and 213Nm (up 6kW/13Nm on Australian examples) which is sent to the front wheels, while the e-Skyactiv G 2.5 outputs 143kW and 263Nm (up 3kW/11Nm) to all four wheels.
According to the forum member, the new-gen CX-5 will debut with a 140hp (104kW) version of the 2.5-litre engine, which made its debut in the Mazda 3 and CX-3 overseas this year.
It’s not the first time we’ve heard the Mazda CX-5 is getting hybrid tech to rival the likes of the Toyota RAV4, as the company made the announcement in May, saying the SUV would feature a “Mazda-developed hybrid engine”.
This is unlike the North American and Chinese-market Mazda CX-50, which shares its hybrid powertrain with the Toyota RAV4.
Mazda CX-60
It’s understood the new-gen CX-5 will form a part of Mazda’s push to introduce hybrid vehicles developed by itself, rather than leaning on the technology of other brands, according to Automotive News.
Despite currently offering mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains, Mazda is yet to launch its own ‘full’ hybrid technology.
According to the publication, Mazda executive officer of R&D strategy Naohito Saga said the brand’s first hybrid will launch before 2030, a timeline which the new CX-5 seems well and truly on track to meet.
Mazda CX-50
While Mazda Australia has previously ruled out bringing the mild-hybrid CX-5 to local showrooms – with similar versions of other models proving to be unpopular here – several factors may change its tune come the debut of the new-gen model.
This includes potentially fewer non-hybrid powertrains being made available to Mazda Australia, as well as the incoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which will effectively punish carmakers for not meeting specific emissions targets.
With no electric vehicles or traditional hybrids in its Australian lineup, Mazda is at risk of falling on the wrong side of the emissions regulations, with more fuel-efficient models such as the new-generation electrified CX-5 potentially being key to avoiding penalties.
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