Mazda has confirmed that South Africa will received the next-gen CX-5 in the second half of 2026.
The Japanese carmaker recently unveiled the third iteration of the CX-5, its most popular vehicle around the world.
Mazda Southern Africa’s Head of Marketing and Communications has since announced that the SUV will appear on our shores next year, and that it will likely include a variety of powertrains.
“The next-generation CX-5 marks a significant milestone for Mazda globally,” said the company.
What to expect
In South Africa, the CX-5 will initially be made available with a single 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine.
This block produces 132kW and 242Nm, and connects to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.
In markets such as Europe, the SUV is also available with Mazda’s “M Hybrid” (mild hybrid) system, but this will not available in South Africa at launch.
The M Hybrid is not off the cards, however, as Mazda’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Deolinda Da Costa, stated that these units will “potentially be introduced to South Africa later than the initial launch.”
The automaker explained that it chose the 2.5-litre mill because it best aligns with local driving preferences and conditions, possibly in reference to the fact that South Africa has notoriously low-quality fuel that causes problems for newer engines.
Should we eventually get our hands on the hybrid, we can expect the combustion engine to receive 48V mild hybrid tech.
This version of the powertrain develops 104kW and 238Nm, meaning it’s actually less powerful than the regular models, though this will presumably be made up for with its better fuel consumption.
The overall size of the vehicle is slightly larger than what we have now, measuring 4,690mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,695mm tall.
The body retains its familiar shape, but that’s not to say that Mazda’s styling team have done little to innovate on the car’s design.
The CX-5’s proportions are bulkier than before, and it has an updated grille flanked by new LED headlights and daytime running lights.
Mazda will only confirm the official specifications closer to the car’s launch window next year, but a few of the features showcased thus far include two-tone leather upholstery, a large multifunction steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display, depending on the trim level.
It also comes with an infotainment screen measuring up to 15.6 inches, which supports smartphone pairing, and has built-in Google Maps and Google Gemini (an AI assistant).
The carmaker additionally confirmed that it is equipped with the brand’s latest advanced driver assistance systems, likely including functions like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.
2026 Mazda CX-5
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