Third generation CX-5 will have its world debut before year-end and go on-sale in South Africa in early-2026.
Having made its spy shot appearance for the first time last week, a series of clearer images and details have emerged of the incoming all-new third generation Mazda CX-5.
Styling by siblings
Set to become a reality reportedly between September and November before the commencing of sales in early 2026, the replacement for the almost decade-old current KF CX-5 will seemingly remain the only original CX-model to undergo a generation change as the futures of the CX-3 and CX-30 are both unknown.
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Spotted for first time in a blurry single depiction last week as mentioned, the latest spy images, taken in Los Angeles, shows the still heavily camouflaged example feature a silhouette still similar to the KF, but with a front facia seemingly derived from the CX-60.
Posted by carscoops.com, who stated that the depicted model appeared closer to production-spec than a prototype, the just visible CX-60 inspired touches include an apparent similar headlight design and the same taillights equally derived from the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90.
2026 Mazda CX-5: After 9 Years, A New Model Is Coming With Big Changes In Tow #car #auto #cars https://t.co/t2UIqvroVw pic.twitter.com/mmGRqgdHHB
— Carscoops (@Carscoop) January 20, 2025
While the interior images could be obtained, the publication reports that the CX-5’s inside will likely be modelled on that of siblings, though to what degree remains to be seen.
Hybrid only?
Up front, and in accordance with previous speculative reports, the CX-5 will adopt a hybrid powertrain for the first time, which could potentially be the sole option as no details about a conventional petrol engine has so far been made.
In a reversal of the plug-in hybrid units propelling the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 though, the CX-5’s electrified petrol will be a conventional self-charging system developed in-house by Mazda with no input from alliance Toyota that supplies the electric hardware for the North America-only CX-50.
Likely to be positioned either below or above the CX-50 when it goes on-sale, the CX-5, which has remained Mazda’s most popular global SUV despite its age, will seemingly transition to its entry-level offering elsewhere based on the uncertainty of a next generation CX-3 or CX-30.
“We are staying”
More certain is the CX-5’s future in South Africa following an official statement from Mazda South Africa last week confirming its availability, and by a supplementary announcement from company CEO Craig Roberts.
“[Mazda] is not exisiting South Africa. From a Mazda perspective, we have seen a shift in where we position our vehicles in the South African market,” Roberts told Moneyweb in a podcast.
Adding that its restructuring now focuses on larger SUVs as well as electrified drivetrains ranging from hybrids to full electric vehicles, Roberts said this, together with a rising slump in mainstream sales, had resulted in rumours of Hiroshima existing South Africa when in fact, “we are excited about bringing new products to the South African market”.
Signalling the CX-5 out as the biggest highlight and also most important, Roberts said, “that new CX-5 will debut in the third quarter of this year and probably hit our shores in early 2026. It is first product we are really really excited about”.
ALSO READ: Report: Next generation Mazda CX-5 becoming a reality in 2026
