Pricing for the new medium SUV segment-dominating Mazda CX-5 has been revealed for 2026, with point of entry squeaking in at under $40,000 before on-road costs.
So far in 2026, the CX-5 has been the best-selling medium SUV in Australia (according to VFACTS), commanding 12.6 per cent market share – not bad for an SUV on the cusp of generational change. Understandable, then, that Mazda has played it safe with the new model’s refreshed styling.
To the uninitiated, the 2026 model looks like a conservative evolution of the outgoing model, but it’s actually bigger in every dimension, with a length of 4690mm, width of 1860mm, 1695mm height and a 75mm longer wheelbase at 2775mm.
Five variants are going on sale, every one uses Mazda’s naturally aspirated G25 2.5-litre four-cylinder (132kW/242Nm on 91RON) engine, paired with the six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic, with AWD as standard.
Combined fuel use is quoted at 7.4L/100km, with CO2 emissions at 173g/km under ADR 81/02 testing. While we will miss the turbo model, the hybrid with Skyactiv-Z technology (currently under development) will debut in 12-18 months, set to offer record-breaking thermal efficiency and innovation.
The range spans Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Akera. At the entry end the Pure brings a 12.9-inch central touch-screen, 10.25-inch driver display, dual-zone climate, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
Touring steps up to 19-inch wheels and adds wireless smartphone connectivity and charging. GT SP adds the darker exterior touches plus a 12-speaker Bose sound system, adaptive LED headlamps and a 360-degree camera. Akera tops the range with front seat ventilation, panoramic sunroof and a larger 15.6-inch infotainment screen.
Mazda Connected Services are standard on all, with app-based functions including remote locking, vehicle locator, vehicle status and checks, and SOS support.
A new Navy Blue Mica joins Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Rhodium White Metallic, Aero Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic and Jet Black Mica. Touring buyers can option black/white Maztex trim for $1000, while GT SP and Akera offer a $1000 tan leather option.
It’ll stay right in the thick of the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage segment once deliveries kick off, scheduled for mid-2026. See below for the starting prices (excluding on-road costs):
2026 Mazda CX-5 Pure G25 2.5L AWD: $39,990
2026 Mazda CX-5 Evolve G25 2.5L AWD: $42,990
2026 Mazda CX-5 Touring G25 2.5L AWD: $47,490
2026 Mazda CX-5 GT SP G25 2.5L AWD: $51,990
2026 Mazda CX-5 Akera G25 2.5L AWD: $54,990
