The next iteration of Mazda’s top seller has been teased – with sharper styling and some form of hybrid assistance – ahead of its global debut next Thursday.
The next-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 is due to be revealed next Thursday, July 10, ahead of an expected Australian arrival at the end of this year, or early next year.
Mazda has released the first official images of the new CX-5 family SUV, which is tipped to be larger than today’s model, and introduce Toyota-like ‘full hybrid’ power for the first time.
It seems there may be a wait for that hybrid technology, however, as teaser images released by Mazda show an ‘e-SkyActiv-G’ badge on the tailgate that indicates it will launch in Europe with a lesser mild-hybrid system.
Unlike a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – or the full CX-5 hybrid due by 2027 – the technology cannot drive the wheels on electric power alone, and in the current CX-5, only delivers a minor fuel saving on paper.
MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5: Price, engines, release date and everything we know so far
It is unclear if this technology will come to Australia – and if other engines in the current range, including the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol, will continue into the new model.
The CX-5 will be the first Mazda with the company’s in-house hybrid system, expected to combine an electric motor with its next-generation ‘SkyActiv-Z’ petrol engine for greater fuel savings and lower emissions.
The teaser images show little of the CX-5’s styling that wasn’t already known from spy photos of prototypes testing overseas – and a recent leaked image – with fresh styling inspired by Mazda’s larger SUV range, spanning the CX-60 to CX-90.
‘MAZDA’ script replaces the brand’s logo on the tailgate, while the vehicle shown appears to be a near-top-of-the-range variant akin to today’s SP, with black exterior trim.
MORE: 2025 Mazda CX-5 updated months before new-model debut
A media release published by Mazda promises a “sharper design” and “more spacious, uncluttered cabin”, in line with reports of a growth spurt for the new model.
It says the new vehicle will also offer “advanced, human-centric technology,” expected to entail a new interior with larger screens and additional convenience features.
More details of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 are due closer to its global reveal at 6:00pm AEST next Thursday, July 10.
The post 2026 Mazda CX-5 teased in first official look, full reveal next week appeared first on Drive.