2026 Mazda CX-5: All-New Third Generation From $39,990 With Standard AWD

Image credit: Mazda Australia

The CX-5 is Mazda's bread and butter in Australia, and the third generation is a ground-up redesign. Over 325,000 have been sold here since 2012, making it one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. The new model keeps the 2.5-litre petrol engine but makes AWD standard across the entire range, adds a much larger infotainment screen, and brings Mazda Connected Services for the first time. Prices start at $39,990 before on-roads for the Pure.

It's due in showrooms mid-2026. All five variants are now in the CarSorted database.

Pricing: All AWD, Prices Up Slightly

Prices are up $1,000-2,750 across the range, but the old base model was FWD. AWD is now standard everywhere, which justifies most of the increase. The sweet spot looks like the Touring at $47,490, which adds 19-inch alloys, power driver's seat with memory, heated steering wheel, power tailgate, roof rails, and an active driving display over the Evolve.

Powertrain

Every new CX-5 runs the same 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder making 132kW at 6,000rpm and 242Nm at 4,000rpm. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic and i-stop. Combined fuel consumption is 7.4L/100km with CO2 at 173g/km. That's competitive for the segment but notably above the 2026 NVES target of ~110g/km, which is likely why Mazda has flagged a hybrid joining the range in 2027.

All variants get G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) and drive mode selection (Normal, Sport, Off Road).

Interior and Technology

Image credit: Mazda Australia

The cabin is where the biggest changes happen. A 12.9-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard from Pure (the Akera steps up to 15.6 inches). There's also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster across the range.

Mazda Connected Services debuts as standard, giving you vehicle status monitoring, remote locking, location tracking, and emergency assistance through a phone app. The Evolve adds wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, and smart keyless entry. The Touring brings a head-up display, powered driver's seat with memory, heated steering wheel, and power tailgate.

The GT SP adds Bose 12-speaker audio, leather trim, adaptive LED headlights, 360-degree camera, and ambient lighting. At the top, the Akera gets the 15.6-inch screen, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats.

Safety

Standard across every grade: AEB (forward and reverse) with night-time pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise with stop and go, driver attention alert, high beam control, front and rear parking sensors, and TPMS. That's a strong baseline. The ANCAP rating for the new generation hasn't been published yet.

Image credit: Mazda Australia

How It Compares

The CX-5 competes directly with the Toyota RAV4 (from $39,990), Hyundai Tucson (from $38,900), and Kia Sportage (from $38,490). The CX-5 is the only one offering AWD as standard on every variant. It also has the largest standard screen (12.9 inches vs the RAV4's 10.5) and arguably the best interior quality in the segment. The trade-off is no hybrid option yet, while the RAV4 and Tucson both offer one.

Our Take

The CX-5 has been one of the best mid-size SUVs in Australia for over a decade, and the third generation looks like it'll keep that reputation. Standard AWD across the range is a smart move. The interior upgrade with the big screen and connected services brings it up to date. Prices are up slightly, but the value proposition is still strong.

The missing piece is a hybrid. At 7.4L/100km and 173g/km CO2, the petrol-only CX-5 is going to feel the NVES squeeze. Mazda knows this, which is why a hybrid is flagged for 2027. For now, if you want a premium-feeling mid-size SUV that drives better than most of its rivals, the CX-5 is still the one to beat.

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