2026 Mazda CX-5 : Australia has been a crucial testing ground for Mazda’s most popular SUV, with over 316,000 CX-5s sold locally since 2012, making it the number one SUV across all segments for seven consecutive years between 2013 to 2019. Now, this extensive Australian experience has directly shaped the revolutionary third-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5, which addresses the most pressing concerns of family buyers through a comprehensive space overhaul.
The Australian Success Story That Shaped Global Design
A Proven Track Record Down Under
The Mazda CX-5 has maintained a consistent podium position in the medium SUV segment from 2012 right through to 2025 year-to-date in Australia, making it one of the most trusted SUVs in the challenging Australian market. This success provided Mazda with invaluable real-world feedback from families navigating everything from city commutes to outback adventures.
Australian customers consistently highlighted specific pain points that became the foundation for the 2026 model’s redesign. Mazda critically listened to customer feedback and put in the work to rectify the most obvious pain points—namely, space in the cabin, and how easy it was to get in and out of the thing.
Customer-Driven Design Philosophy
The feedback from Australian families was clear: they needed more space for growing families, easier access for child seats, and better cargo capacity for the active Australian lifestyle. One major concern raised by customers was that “the car just was not designed with thought of a child seat in mind as the front passenger has to have their knee just about touching the dashboard to ensure the baby/child seat fits correctly”.
The Space Revolution: Dimensional Breakthroughs
Dramatic Size Increases
The all-new CX-5 is bigger than the outgoing generation, measuring a full 4.5 inches longer than before, and half an inch wider. This isn’t just about external appearance – these dimensional changes translate directly into the interior space that Australian families demanded.
The wheelbase has grown by about three inches, with Mazda claiming the 2026 CX-5 will have class-leading knee and legroom in the second row. This addresses one of the most common complaints from Australian customers about the previous generation’s tight rear-seat accommodation.
Enhanced Cargo Capacity
The cargo area is larger, with the rear area measuring almost two inches longer and over an inch higher, all with a lower lift-in height that drops over half an inch from its predecessor. For Australian families who regularly transport sports equipment, camping gear, or large shopping loads, this represents a significant practical improvement.
The all-new CX-5 now has an additional 61 litres of cargo capacity, wider-opening rear doors and a 40:20:40 split-folding bench for extra versatility.
Accessibility Improvements: Answering Family Needs
Better Door Access
Mazda says the CX-5’s second-row door openings have been enlarged to make it easier to get in and out and also to help parents buckling little ones into child seats. This directly addresses the frustrations expressed by Australian parents who struggled with child seat installation in the previous generation.
Easier Loading Solutions
Mazda has sought to offer a more comfortable SUV that’s easier to live with every day, with the company eager to highlight the larger door openings. Ingress and egress weren’t the easiest on the old model, and that was a key factor to rectify for what is fundamentally a practical family vehicle.
Technology Integration: The Digital Space Revolution
Massive Touchscreen Upgrade
The all-new Mazda CX-5 features a new available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen display, the largest ever offered on a Mazda vehicle. This smartphone-like interface represents a quantum leap from the previous generation’s more modest display.
The new CX-5’s key tech upgrade includes inbuilt Google technology that can be customised and used like a smartphone, access Google features such as an intuitive voice assistant to control important interior features such as climate control and media as well as download apps through the Google Play store.
Streamlined Interior Design
The technology integration extends beyond the screen size. New ambient lighting on the front door trims add to the feeling of comfort, with a colour palette that creates a calming environment. This subtle lighting enhances the sense of a private, high-quality space for passengers without distracting the driver at night.
Powertrain Strategy: Bridging Present and Future
Initial Launch Engine
The all-new CX-5 will launch with a 2.5-litre SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine which produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD.
Hybrid Future
In 2027, Mazda will introduce the SkyActiv-Z, which will feature Mazda Hybrid System technology to offer a higher level of performance and fuel efficiency along with the engaging drive that customers expect. This timing positions Mazda to compete directly with hybrid-dominant competitors in the Australian market.
Design Philosophy: “Wearable Gear” Concept
Versatile Australian Lifestyle
The design approach behind the all-new CX-5 was developed around the “Wearable Gear” concept, which is inspired by functional yet stylish clothing that has the right look and fit in a variety of situations. This philosophy directly reflects the diverse Australian driving environment, from urban Melbourne to rural Queensland.
Kodo Design Evolution
The 2026 CX-5 showcases the latest evolution of Kodo design, which works off a familiar silhouette that clearly communicates that this is a CX-5, while also optimising proportions to create a more spacious cabin and exterior look that telegraphs the vehicles’ capabilities and sense of stability.
Market Positioning: Competing in a Hybrid World
Strategic Timing
Electrified models are becoming increasingly important in the SUV and crossover sectors. As an indicator, a full 50% of Toyota RAV4 sales in 2024 were hybrid or PHEV models. The 2026 CX-5’s space improvements position it competitively until the hybrid arrives in 2027.
Australian Market Implications
The Australian SUV market is increasingly competitive, with buyers expecting both space and efficiency. In 2024, Mazda Australia sold 22,835 CX-5s, making it not just the number one selling vehicle in its range, but the eighth best-selling vehicle in Australia.
A Customer-Driven Evolution
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 represents more than just a model refresh – it’s a comprehensive response to years of Australian customer feedback about space, accessibility, and practicality. By addressing the core concerns of family buyers while maintaining Mazda’s signature driving dynamics, the new CX-5 sets the stage for continued success in one of the world’s most demanding automotive markets.
Mazda will be hoping the all-new 2026 model will see the CX-5 surge back into strong six-figure sales as customers respond to the crossover that’s bigger and better than before. With Australian families having played such a crucial role in shaping this space revolution, the 2026 CX-5 stands as a testament to the power of customer-driven design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the 2026 Mazda CX-5 be available in Australia? A: The new CX-5 is expected to launch in Australia in late 2025 or early 2026, with hybrid versions following in 2027.
Q: How much larger is the 2026 CX-5 compared to the current model? A: The new model is 4.5 inches longer, half an inch wider, with a 3-inch longer wheelbase and 61 litres additional cargo capacity.
Q: Will the 2026 CX-5 have a hybrid option at launch? A: No, the initial launch will feature only the 2.5-litre petrol engine, with the hybrid SkyActiv-Z system arriving in 2027.