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Thanks to a carryover engine and platform, the new-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 could be priced close to the outgoing model.
Mazda has released pricing for its third-generation CX-5 family SUV in the US, giving Australia an indication on what to expect from the crucial new model launching later this year.
Five variants will be available Stateside – S, Select, S Preferred, S Premium, and S Premium Plus – ranging in price from $US29,990 to $US38,990, which directly translates to $AU44,850 to $AU58,300.
However, overseas pricing is rarely applicable to the Australian market, instead a percentage increase over the old CX-5 could give a clue to where the local-market car will be positioned.
The outgoing, second-generation CX-5 started from $US29,050, meaning prices are up just $940 – or 3.2 per cent.
The equivalent, outgoing S Premium Plus has moved up $3310 with the new-generation model, or 9.3 per cent.
At the conservative end of the spectrum, a 3.2 per cent price increase would mean the point of entry to the new CX-5 range would creep up to around $41,750 before on-road costs when using the most affordable outgoing 2.5-litre version as a basis.
At the top end though, an increase of 9.3 per cent would see the flagship CX-5 wear a sticker price of around $57,550.
Of note, all previous versions of the CX-5 were offered with all-wheel-drive (AWD) grip in the US, whereas in Australia, the 2.5-litre engine was also available in front-drive-only form.
However, the third-generation CX-5 is moving to exclusively to AWD – at least for its initial launch line-up – which could propel prices for lower grades up further in Australia.
What these calculations also do not take into consideration however, is how Mazda Australia will position the third-gen CX-5 against the CX-60, which is now available in 2.5-litre four-cylinder form from $44,240 in Pure form and $49,240 in Evolve trim.
All versions of the 2026 CX-5 at launch will be equipped with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 139kW/252Nm in the US.
In Australia however, the carryover engine is detuned to 132kW/242Nm (an 8kW/10Nm decrease from the current CX-5 and CX-60) due to Euro 6 emissions compliance.
As expected of a Mazda, a full suite of advanced safety systems comes standard in the new CX-5 – at least in the US – including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, driver attention warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera.
US specification indicates the base S trim will come with 17-inch wheels, a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, manually adjustable front seats, cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Stepping up to the S Select ($US31,990) adds rear privacy glass, leatherette seat inserts, a wireless smartphone charger, frameless rear view mirror, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and second-row air vents.
The S Preferred ($US34,250) features 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a powered tailgate, head-up display, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
As for the penultimate Premium grade ($US36,900), buyers are treated to metallic black exterior touches on the 19-inch wheels, wheel arch cladding and body kit, as well as a panoramic sunroof, leather interior, cooled front seats, power-adjustable front passenger seat, interior ambient lighting, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.
As for the top-spec S Premium Plus, additional equipment includes a larger 15.6-inch infotainment system, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and extended advanced safety features.
The new CX-5 is expected to launch in Australia towards the middle of 2026, with local pricing and specification to be locked in closer to release.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
