2026 Mazda CX-5 Review Australia: Bigger, Smarter, But Is It Worth the Wait?

The Bottom Line

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the kind of car that makes you wonder why anyone would spend $20,000 more on a European SUV. The interior quality, the way it drives, and the attention to detail in everything from the stitching on the dashboard to the damping over rough roads — it all punches well above its $39,990 starting price.

But there is a problem, and it is not a small one. In 2026, the Toyota RAV4 is hybrid-only. The Hyundai Tucson leads with hybrid. The Kia Sportage offers hybrid. The Mitsubishi Outlander has a plug-in hybrid. And the Mazda CX-5? It launches with a single 2.5-litre petrol engine and no electrification whatsoever. Mazda says a hybrid is coming in 2027 or 2028, but right now, the CX-5 is the only major player in the medium SUV segment running exclusively on petrol.

That matters because fuel costs are real, and Australian buyers have made their preference clear — hybrid SUVs are outselling their petrol equivalents at record rates. So the question is whether the CX-5 does enough in every other area to justify the fuel penalty. After spending time with the car, the answer is a qualified yes — but only if you value driving quality over running costs.

What Is New for 2026

This is not a facelift. The 2026 CX-5 is a completely new car built on an updated platform. It is the third generation of a nameplate that has been one of Australia's top-selling SUVs since 2012.

The dimensions have grown meaningfully. It is longer, wider, and sits on a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, which translates directly to more cabin space — particularly in the back seat and the boot. In fact, the new CX-5 now sits closer in size to the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail than to the smaller SUVs it once competed with.

Every single variant now comes with all-wheel drive as standard, which is a significant shift. The old CX-5 offered front-wheel drive on base models, but Mazda has decided that AWD is a core part of the CX-5 identity. Combined with the standard 2.5-litre engine, this means there is only one powertrain across the entire range.

The interior has been completely redesigned around a large 15.6-inch touchscreen display that dominates the centre console. Mazda has moved away from the old rotary controller in favour of a touchscreen-first approach, which is a controversial decision for long-time Mazda fans who appreciated the old system's eyes-on-the-road philosophy.

Pricing and Variants

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 range opens with the G25 Pure at $39,990 before on-road costs. Mazda positions this as an estimated $3,000 saving over the outgoing G20 Maxx, arguing that the bigger engine, standard AWD, and higher equipment levels justify the new pricing.

Here is the full lineup:

• G25 Pure — $39,990 (before on-road costs)
• G25 Evolve — approximately $43,900
• G25 Touring — approximately $46,100
• G25 GT SP — approximately $53,300
• G25 Akera — approximately $54,900

The sweet spot for most buyers will be the Touring or GT SP. The Touring adds the larger 15.6-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, and upgraded interior materials. The GT SP adds sportier styling with 19-inch black alloy wheels and a more aggressive look.

For context, the 2026 Toyota RAV4 GX Hybrid starts at $45,990 before on-road costs, making the CX-5 Pure about $6,000 cheaper at entry level. However, the RAV4 includes hybrid fuel savings that will narrow that gap over time.

How It Drives

This is where the CX-5 earns its money. Mazda has always prioritised driving dynamics over raw specification numbers, and the 2026 model continues that tradition with a level of polish that genuinely surprises.

The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces 138kW of power and 252Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. On paper, these numbers are unremarkable. In practice, the powertrain is smooth, responsive, and well-matched to the car's character.

The six-speed auto deserves particular praise. In an era where every competitor uses CVTs (Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi) or dual-clutch transmissions (Hyundai, Kia, Chery), the CX-5's traditional torque converter automatic feels refreshingly natural. Shifts are smooth and well-timed, and the gearbox never hunts for ratios the way CVTs sometimes do.

Steering feel is a genuine highlight. There is a weight and precision to the CX-5's steering that most rivals simply cannot match. Turn into a corner and the car responds with a directness and composure that feels more European than Japanese. The chassis is well balanced, body roll is controlled without being harsh, and there is an overall sense of connection between driver and car that makes every trip — even a mundane commute — slightly more enjoyable.

Ride quality on Australian roads is excellent. The suspension soaks up the broken surfaces, speed bumps, and uneven bitumen that characterise many suburban streets without crashing or jarring. On highways, the CX-5 cruises with a quietness and stability that make long drives effortless.

The all-wheel-drive system is a full-time setup that biases torque to the rear wheels under acceleration for more natural driving dynamics. It is not designed for serious off-roading, but it provides confident grip on wet roads and gravel tracks.

Interior and Technology

Step inside the 2026 CX-5 and you might forget you are sitting in a car that starts under $40,000. The material quality, fit, and finish are genuinely premium. Soft-touch surfaces cover most areas you are likely to touch, the switchgear has a satisfying weight and precision, and the overall design language is clean and uncluttered.

Mazda's new 15.6-inch touchscreen is available from the Touring grade upward and represents a significant departure from the brand's previous approach. The screen is sharp, responsive, and runs Mazda's latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower grades get a smaller screen but still receive the same core functionality.

Behind the steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the old analogue gauges across the entire range. The display is clear and configurable, showing navigation directions, driver assistance information, and vehicle data in a layout that is easy to read at a glance.

Rear seat space has improved noticeably thanks to the longer wheelbase. Adults will find adequate legroom and headroom, and the rear seat base is long enough to provide proper thigh support. Two ISOFIX points and three top-tether anchors make child seat installation straightforward.

Boot space has grown as well, though Mazda has not released official figures at the time of writing. Based on the increased dimensions, expect capacity somewhere in the 520 to 560-litre range with the rear seats upright.

Safety

The 2026 CX-5 has not yet been rated by ANCAP at the time of this review, but Mazda has equipped it with a comprehensive suite of active safety technology across the entire range.

Standard safety features on every CX-5 include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a reversing camera. Higher grades add a 360-degree camera system, front cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display.

Mazda has an excellent track record with ANCAP, and we expect the 2026 CX-5 to receive a five-star rating when tested.

Running Costs — The Elephant in the Room

Here is where the CX-5's lack of hybridisation hurts. The 2.5-litre petrol engine with AWD has a claimed combined fuel consumption of around 7.5 litres per 100km. In real-world driving, expect closer to 8.5 to 9.0 litres per 100km in mixed conditions.

Compare that to the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at a claimed 4.8 litres per 100km (real-world around 5.5), and you are looking at roughly $800 to $1,200 more in annual fuel costs depending on how much you drive. Over a typical five-year ownership period, the RAV4's hybrid system could save you $4,000 to $6,000 in fuel — which more than offsets its higher purchase price.

Servicing costs for the CX-5 are competitive, with Mazda offering capped-price servicing for the first five years. The 2.5-litre engine is a proven unit with a strong reliability record, and the six-speed automatic is one of the most durable transmissions in the market.

Insurance costs should be moderate, sitting in group 15 to 20 depending on the variant, which is typical for this segment.

Resale value for the CX-5 has historically been strong, though the introduction of the new model may cause some short-term softening as the market adjusts. Mazda generally holds its value well in Australia, sitting behind Toyota and ahead of most other mainstream brands.

How It Compares

vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid ($45,990+): The RAV4 costs more upfront but saves significantly on fuel. The RAV4 also offers better resale value and Toyota's legendary reliability reputation. The CX-5 drives better and has a nicer interior, but the RAV4 is the more rational purchase for most buyers.

vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid ($44,990+): The Tucson matches the CX-5's interior quality and adds a hybrid powertrain. It also has bolder styling that will appeal to some buyers. The CX-5 drives with more refinement and feels more premium, but the Tucson is better value overall.

vs Kia Sportage Hybrid ($44,490+): Similar to the Tucson comparison, but the Sportage adds a seven-year warranty versus Mazda's five. The Sportage's hybrid is efficient and well-integrated, making it a strong alternative.

vs Subaru Forester Hybrid ($39,990+): The Forester matches the CX-5 on price and includes hybrid power plus permanent AWD. However, the Forester's mild hybrid system offers minimal fuel savings, and its interior quality trails the CX-5 significantly.

Who Should Buy the 2026 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is for buyers who prioritise driving pleasure and interior quality over fuel efficiency and electrification. If you enjoy driving, appreciate premium materials, and want a car that feels special every time you get behind the wheel, the CX-5 delivers in a way that most rivals simply do not.

It is also a strong choice for buyers who distrust new hybrid or electric technology and prefer the simplicity and proven reliability of a conventional petrol engine and automatic transmission.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If fuel costs are a primary concern, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Hyundai Tucson Hybrid will save you thousands over the ownership period. If you want electrification — whether hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or full electric — the CX-5 cannot accommodate you until at least 2028.

Families who need seven seats should also look elsewhere. The CX-5 remains a five-seater only, unlike the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail which offer optional third-row seating.

RealGuide Verdict: 8.2 out of 10

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a genuinely excellent car that happens to have launched at exactly the wrong time for its powertrain strategy. Everything about it — the driving dynamics, the interior quality, the refinement, the standard AWD — is class-leading or close to it. But the absence of any form of electrification in a market that has moved decisively toward hybrid power is a real handicap.

Buy one if you love driving. Wait for the hybrid if you love your wallet.