The Mazda CX-5 is awaiting its generational update and it has been reportedly confirmed that the popular family SUV will feature both hybrid and electric powertrains.
Based on an interaction between Mazda North America CEO, Tom Donelly, and U.S. News., the next-generation CX-5 will make its global debut in the coming months. Aligning with a previous media interaction featuring Donnelly in 2023 where it was reported that Mazda would launch a battery-electric car in the United States with an existing nameplate, there is good reason to believe that the popular CX-5 will be that EV. He did confirm in the recent reports that the new Mazda CX-5 will debut the carmaker’s new hybrid powertrain, dismissing concerns of the nameplate being retired soon. This move is seen as a response to growing competition from established hybrid and electric models, including the Toyota RAV4 and Tesla Model Y.
New CX-5 expected launch
The next-generation Mazda CX-5 will be the first significant update to the model in eight years and is expected to make its global debut between July and September 2025. Hybrid and petrol versions are projected to arrive in our showrooms in the first half of 2026, with the fully electric variant anticipated to follow thereafter.
While specific technical details of Mazda’s new hybrid system remain under wraps, the inclusion of a full hybrid system would allow the CX-5 to compete directly with hybrid offerings from Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Honda in the mid-size SUV segment. Presently, the CX-5 uses a hybrid system from Toyota, but this new one is built in-house and will allow Mazda to capitalise on the surge in demand for hybrid vehicles as part of its multi-solution approach.
Future of the Mazda CX-5
With this announcement, Mazda has confirmed the CX-5 nameplate will be retained, aligning with previous reports referencing a hybrid-equipped CX-5 in development. This confirmation puts to rest speculation that the new model might adopt a new naming convention, such as CX-40. According to Tom, the CX-5 is viewed as a premium and sophisticated offering while the CX-50 has a more outdoorsy appeal.
The upcoming electric CX-5 is expected to coexist with another electric mid-size SUV under development for specific markets. This China-built vehicle, previewed by the Mazda Arata concept at the 2024 Beijing Motor Show, is expected to adopt the EZ-60 nameplate in China and CX-6e in other markets.
Mazda and EVs
It remains unclear whether the electric CX-5 will share its platform with the combustion and hybrid models, which are anticipated to use Mazda’s ‘Small Platform’ underpinning the Mazda 3, CX-30, and CX-50. Alternatively, Mazda may debut its SkyActiv Scalable EV Architecture with the electric CX-5, though this platform is not expected to be ready until 2027.
Mazda’s previous attempt at an electric SUV, the MX-30, was discontinued in Australia and the US due to low demand, limited range, and high pricing. However, the future battery-electric CX-5 will mark Mazda’s return to the electric SUV segment, using a more established and popular model name.
Wait for the new Mazda CX-5?
If you’re in the market for a nice family SUV that’s not a Toyota, you might have been considering the current Mazda CX-5 itself. It is available in Australia is offered with a range of petrol and hybrid engines, including:
- A 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW and 200Nm, paired with front-wheel drive.
- A 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 140kW and 252Nm, available with all-wheel drive.
- A 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 170kW and 420Nm, available with all-wheel drive on higher grades.
Pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-5 ranges from approximately $36,000 to around $55,000 before on-road costs, depending on the variant and optional features selected. The introduction of the hybrid powertrain will certainly make it competitive against the market-leading Toyota RAV4 but that technology usually attracts a premium. If you’re in the market for a CX-5 to begin with, you can wait for the new one or if you simply want a practical and fuel efficient family SUV, you can explore options like the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage or Mitsubishi Outlander.
While the current CX-5 does offer mild-hybrid technology in some overseas markets, this option is not available in Australia at present. Further details about the 2026 Mazda CX-5 are expected when the global debut takes place in the coming months.
Comments
New Comment