2026 Mazda CX-5: NZ pricing announced for new-gen of brand’s best-seller

Mazda New Zealand has confirmed pricing for the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5, ahead of the third-generation mid-size SUV arriving in local showrooms this August.

The next-generation CX-5 lineup starts at $46,490 before on-road costs and tops out at $61,990 for the flagship Takami, with Mazda simplifying the range and dropping front-wheel drive variants in favour of all-wheel drivetrains standard across the range.

The new CX-5 range consists of Touring, SP, Homura and Takami grades, with the Homura badge joining the local lineup for the first time.

Visually, the new SUV adopts a styling direction closer to larger Mazda models such as the CX-80 and CX-90, while the cabin also grows in practicality thanks to a 115mm wheelbase increase over the outgoing model, creating more rear-seat space.

Power across the entire lineup comes from an updated 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol engine producing 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive system.

Compared with the previous 2.5-litre engine fitted to current AWD variants, outputs are down slightly due to changes required for stricter emissions compliance. Mazda says the updated engine also benefits from revised internals, including a new balancer shaft to reduce vibrations.

Fuel economy has improved despite the standardised AWD setup, with Mazda claiming consumption of 7.9 litres per 100km on the WLTP cycle and CO2 emissions of 179g/km. The new CX-5 retains an 1800kg braked towing capacity across all grades.

The entry-level Touring replaces the outgoing GLX and comes standard with heated cloth front seats, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker sound system, wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, privacy glass, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Stepping up to the SP – expected to remain a volume seller for Mazda – brings 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black roof rails, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, leatherette trim, a head-up display, heated steering wheel, windscreen de-icer, and a power tailgate.  The new SP has also dropped in price, compared to the outgoing $50,290 GSX it replaces.

The Homura introduces more aggressive black exterior detailing and becomes the first CX-5 offered with a panoramic sunroof. Inside, buyers gain leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, heated outer rear seats, and a new surround-view camera system with a see-through function.

At the top of the range, the Takami receives exclusive Sport Tan leather trim, ventilated front seats, steering wheel paddle shifters, a larger 15.6-inch infotainment display, a hands-free power tailgate, and Mazda's Driver Personalisation System, first seen on the larger CX-90.

Like other new Mazda vehicles sold locally, the new CX-5 will be covered under the brand's Mazdacare program, which includes a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, roadside assistance, and five years or 100,000km of scheduled servicing.

The first examples of the third-generation Mazda CX-5 are due to arrive in New Zealand from August, with order books now open.

The new CX-5's arrival will be followed by the launch of two new Mazda models before the end of 2026, the full-electric 6e liftback and CX-6e SUV.