A leaked image has confirmed the sleeker, more contemporary look destined for the new Mazda CX-5, which may reach Australia at the end of this year or early next year.
This is your first look at the next-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 family SUV without any camouflage ahead of its global reveal due in the coming months.
Spotted and re-shared online via Car Design News on Instagram, and the Cochespias forum, the image confirms independent illustrations created from spy photos of Mazda's new top seller, with modernised styling akin to the larger CX-60.
The first new-generation CX-5 in eight years is poised to make its global debut between July and September 2025, reports indicate, and the photo studio-like background of the image suggests official details may be imminent.
It is estimated to reach Mazda showrooms in Australia at the end of 2025, or in early 2026, though precise timing is yet to be confirmed.
A growth spurt is expected for the new CX-5 – which is now one of the smaller vehicles in its category – through new bodywork on upgraded underpinnings.
Headlining the next CX-5 will be the introduction of Mazda's in-house hybrid system, set to help it better compete with the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
It is yet to be confirmed if the hybrid will arrive at launch in 2026 – or follow later – but Mazda may hold petrol-electric power until the CX-5 gains new-generation, more fuel-efficient 'SkyActiv-Z' petrol engines sometime before the end of 2027.
The future of the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is unclear, as is the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel offered in overseas markets and, until recently, Australia. An electric option has been mooted.
Mazda's new six-cylinder engines – a 3.3-litre turbo-petrol and 3.3-litre turbo-diesel – are not likely to reach the CX-5, however, given it is set to retain a front-wheel-drive-biased, not rear-drive-biased platform.
A more advanced interior – with larger screens and plusher materials, akin to the CX-60 – is expected, as well as a longer list of convenience and safety features.
More details of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 are due closer to its global debut in the coming months.
Below: Current Mazda CX-5 sold since 2017
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
