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New names, tech plus familiar powertrain for CX-5
Richard Bosselman
March 5, 2026
Mazda NZ has today shared some detail about the product plan for its sales leader.
DETAIL about what versions of the long-awaited next generation of Mazda’s CX-5 will come here in late 2026 has shared today, but pricing information is still unknown.
Also again enforced is that the nameplate’s third generation will rely on an existing engine, the SkyActiv-G 2.5 four-cylinder petrol, producing 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque, married to a six-speed automatic.
There is no fresh comment on when the hybrid powerplant created by Hiroshima will transfer to NZ supply.
The historic sales leader is ultimately set to be the first with a new SkyActiv-Z powertrain that would rival the self-involved hybrid in the category-dominating Toyota RAV4. Mazda Japan has previously suggested that won’t happen until at least the end of 2027.
The 2.5-litre has fallen behind other choices in the sector in respect to its efficiency, but Mazda here has promised the fresh application will deliver improved economy and CO2 emissions. No figures are provided.
According to a media share from Mazda New Zealand product and communications manager Paul Sherley today: “The proven powertrain receives a string of updates engineered to provide an even more intuitive interaction between driver inputs and vehicle response.”
The new car unveiled last year and will replace a line that has been here since 2016, in front and all-wheel-drive forms, starting at $44,290 and topping at $67,890 according to today’s website listing.
While maintaining a highly familiar styling, CX-5 has become a larger car; at 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1695mm tall, it’s bigger in every key metric, to point it almost apes the CX-60, which is up to 4745mm long, 1890mm wide and no more than 1685mm tall.
As well as being more spacious for passengers, the new CX-5 can carry more luggage. At 583 litres up to the load cover, the boot has grown by 61 litres. The rear seatbacks split and fold in a 40/20/40 arrangement.
It stacks in more technology, including the controversial feature of a touch screen with activation previously enabled by a rotary dial and buttons.This Google-based infotainment system mounts high on the dash, with 12.9 inch or 15.6 inch screens.
The system drops the easy-to-use physical rotary controller you’ll find in the current car, plus the CX-60 and CX-90. All functions, including for the ventilation, are now engaged as haptic prompts. It’s likely to be a controversial step; many other brands - Volkswagen being a classic example - have tried, and regressed from, this approach because drivers found it too distracting.
As much as it stands a new a new generation, it continues with a re-engineered edition of the current platform and retains multi-link independent rear suspension.
The region is a latecomer to the type, because Mazda’s schedule this time prioritised Europe and North America.
Mazda claims the car to be quieter than its predecessor, and says the new tech suite - bundled under the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) mantle - provides “a simple, streamlined experience.”
A key component of that experience for many customers, it cites, is the technology suite, which is comprised of features like a large driver's display, an available head-up display projected on the windshield and either a 12.9-inch or 15.6-inch centre infotainment display, depending on grade.
“This latest iteration of the Mazda Connect system features an intuitive smartphone-like user interface which allows the driver to remain firmly focused on the road ahead with reduced distraction.”
The introduction brings a revised product grade and nomenclature, in line with other recent models from Mazda.
Now the range kicks off with a Touring, then climbs through SP, Homura and Takami grades.
The first fits 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, has privacy glass and delivers an eight-speaker stereo system paired to the 12.9-inch touchscreen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Qi wireless mobile phone charging, dual-zone climate control and cloth-covered seats.
Replacing the current GSX, the SP the cheapest chance to achieve 19-inch alloys and an electrically-operated tailgate. The wheels are in a black and machined finish. It also secures gloss black roof rails. The driver’s seat includes electric adjustment, seats have leatherette trim.
It is the cheapest choice with the full colour Active Driving Display system that projects the most important information onto the windscreen. A heated steering wheel and heated windscreen are two further highlights.
The Homura takes black bumper trims and wheelarch mouldings, a panoramic sunroof and leather. The passenger seat is now electrically adjustable. The outer rear seats are heated. The audio steps up to a 12-speaker Bose system. It also has a 360 View Monitor with ‘see-through view’, providing full vision even when the exterior mirrors are in a folded position.
The Takami has a hands-free function for the tailgate, upgrades to the 15.6-inch display, has paddle shifters, it’s leather is in an ‘exclusive’ Sport Tan colour, with the front seats gaining a ventilation function. Driver Personalisation System, first seen on the flagship CX-90, assists the driver in automatically adjusting their mirrors and seating position, an innovative feature to support the driver to achieve an optimum position for comfort and control over the vehicle.
Mazda NZ advises delivery will begin in Spring.
