The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is all-new for Australia, bringing the SUV into its 3rd generation with a larger body, more interior space, updated technology and a simpler variant range.
Unlike the outgoing CX-5, the new Australian model is offered with just one engine and one drivetrain combination. All five variants use 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Active all-wheel drive system.
The range starts at $39,990 before on-road costs for the CX-5 Pure and extends to $54,990 before on-roads for the flagship Akera. The five grades are Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Akera.
So, which CX-5 should you buy? Here’s what you get with each variant and where your money goes as you move up the range.
2026 Mazda CX-5 variants and prices
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Price (before on-road costs) |
| CX-5 Pure | 2.5L petrol | AWD | $39,990 |
| CX-5 Evolve | 2.5L petrol | AWD | $42,990 |
| CX-5 Touring | 2.5L petrol | AWD | $47,990 |
| CX-5 GT SP | 2.5L petrol | AWD | $51,990 |
| CX-5 Akera | 2.5L petrol | AWD | $54,990 |
Mazda’s listed prices are manufacturer list prices and exclude on-road costs.
What is common across every 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The biggest thing to understand about the new CX-5 is that moving up the range doesn’t give you a more powerful engine or a different drivetrain.
Every Australian variant uses the same revised 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 132kW and 242Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Active AWD. Mazda quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km using 91 RON petrol.
The CX-5 also gets a 1,800kg braked towing capacity when fitted with Mazda Genuine towing equipment.
Safety equipment is also generous across the range. The 2026 CX-5 has a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, applying to all variants, with autonomous emergency braking, lane-support systems and speed-assistance technology standard.
The new CX-5 is also bigger than before. It is 4,690mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,695mm tall, with a 2,815mm wheelbase. The wheelbase has grown by 115mm, helping free up more space for rear passengers.
2026 Mazda CX-5 variant-wise features
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 range is made up of Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Akera. All five variants use the same 2.5-litre petrol engine, six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD system.
| Feature | Pure | Evolve | Touring | GT SP | Akera |
| 17-inch alloys | ✔ | ✔ | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ |
| 19-inch alloys | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated front seats | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless smartphone connectivity | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart keyless entry | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Powered driver’s seat | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated steering wheel | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Powered tailgate | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Head-up display | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather upholstery | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bose 12-speaker audio | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 360-degree camera | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ventilated front seats | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ |
| Panoramic sunroof | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ |
| 15.6-inch centre display | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ╳ | ✔ |
Higher grades build on the equipment of the grades below them. Feature availability is based on Mazda Australia’s 2026 CX-5 specifications and brochure information.
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Mazda CX-5 Pure
The CX-5 Pure starts at $39,990 before on-road costs and is the most affordable way into the new-generation CX-5. It isn’t a stripped-back model. The cabin uses black cloth trim and an 8-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. It is also equipped with Mazda’s connected services, allowing functions such as vehicle status checks, remote locking, vehicle location and other connected features through MyMazda app.
The Pure is the entry point, but it still gets a fairly comprehensive standard equipment list:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Black cloth upholstery
- 8-way manual driver’s seat
- Dual-zone climate control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- LED headlights
- Cruise control with stop & go
- Blind spot monitoring
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- High beam control
The Pure also gets the same 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, AWD and 6-speed automatic found throughout the range.
Should you buy the Pure?
Buy it if: you want the new CX-5 at the lowest possible price and don’t need premium convenience features.
Consider upgrading if: wireless smartphone connectivity, heated seats and keyless entry are important to you.
Mazda CX-5 Evolve
The Evolve costs $42,990 which is $3,000 more than the Pure. This grade focuses mainly on comfort and convenience features, making it a more comfortable choice for regular commuting and family use. These additions make the Evolve a more appealing option if you spend a lot of time in the car. Wireless connectivity and keyless entry are particularly useful for everyday driving, while heated seats add comfort during colder mornings.
Additional features over Pure:
- Heated front seats
- Smart keyless entry
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Heated and auto-folding exterior-mirrors
- Auto-dimming frameless rear-view mirror
- Rear air vents
The Evolve retains the Pure’s 17-inch alloy wheels and cloth upholstery.
Should you buy the Evolve?
Buy it if: you want the Pure’s fundamentals but value everyday convenience.
Consider upgrading if: you want a powered driver’s seat, head-up display and powered tailgate.
Mazda CX-5 Touring
The Touring costs $47,490 before on-road costs and is the biggest step up in standard equipment so far. It moves to 19-inch machined alloy wheels and gets black Maztex trim with synthetic suede inserts. The driver’s seat becomes a 10-way powered unit with memory.
Roof rails and exterior mirror memory are also standard. This is the variant that makes the most sense for buyers who want a more premium family SUV without paying more than $50,000 before on-road costs.
Additional features over Evolve:
- Black Maztex with black cloth inserts
- 10-way powered driver’s seat with memory
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated windscreen
- Powered tailgate
- Active Driving Display
- Roof rails
- Exterior mirror memory function
Buyers can also choose Pure White Maztex upholstery with black cloth inserts as an option.
Should you buy the Touring?
Buy it if: you want the best balance of price, comfort and equipment.
Consider upgrading if: you specifically want leather seats, Bose audio or a 360-degree camera.
Mazda CX-5 GT SP
The GT SP sits at $51,990 and changes the character of the CX-5 with sportier styling and more premium equipment. It gets 19-inch black alloy wheels and gloss-black exterior finishes.
Inside, the GT SP adds black leather seats, an 8-way powered front passenger seat, heated outer rear seats, rear USB-C ports and ambient lighting. It also gets the 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and a 360-degree view monitor with see-through view, which can be particularly useful when parking in tight spaces.
Additional features over Touring:
- Adaptive LED headlamps
- Headlight and taillight signature illumination
- 360-degree view monitor with see-through view
- Black leather upholstery
- Heated outer rear seats
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Front door ambient lighting
- Rear USB-C ports
- Gloss-black wheel arch mouldings
- Gloss-black lower bumper and door moulding finishes
A tan leather interior is available for an additional $1,000.
Should you buy the GT SP?
Buy it if: you want the sportier appearance and premium cabin equipment..
Skip it if: you’re mainly looking for value, because the powertrain remains identical to the cheaper Touring grade.
Mazda CX-5 Akera
At $54,990, the Akera is the most expensive CX-5 in the 2026 Australian range. It carries the GT SP’s equipment and adds the most premium features in the lineup, including ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, hands-free power tailgate and steering-wheel paddle shifters.
The Akera is also the only variant available with Mazda’s 15.6-inch centre touchscreen. The display uses a customisable home-screen layout designed to work more like a smartphone interface.
Additional features over GT SP:
- 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Remote-operated power tailgate
- Steering-wheel paddle shifters
- Personalisation system with Easy Entry and Driving Position Guide
Sport Tan leather upholstery is also available as an option for additional $1,000.
Should you buy the Akera?
Buy it if: you want the most luxurious CX-5 and value the panoramic roof, ventilated seats and additional technology.
Skip it if: you’re looking for the best value. Mechanically, it is no different from the Pure grade which is worth $39,990.
Pure vs Evolve vs Touring vs GT SP vs Akera: Which one should you buy?
Best for keeping the price down: CX-5 Pure
At $39,990, the Pure gives buyers the same engine, automatic transmission and AWD system as the rest of the range. It also has a strong standard safety and technology package.
Best everyday upgrade: CX-5 Evolve
The Evolve’s $3,000 premium over the Pure gets you heated front seats, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging and keyless entry. These are features you’re likely to appreciate everyday.
Best overall value: CX-5 Touring
The Touring is our pick for most buyers. The powered driver’s seat, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, head-up display and larger wheels make it feel substantially more premium without crossing the $50,000 mark.
Best sporty/ premium choice: CX-5 GT SP
The GT SP is for buyers who care about the appearance and premium cabin experience. Bose audio, leather, adaptive LEDs and the 360-degree camera make the extra spend easier to justify.
Best fully equipped: CX-5 Akera
The Akera is the obvious choice if you want everything Mazda offers in the new CX-5, including ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof and the larger 15.6-inch screen.
FAQs
Q1. Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 hybrid?
No, not at launch in Australia. The 2026 CX-5 is currently petrol-only, with every variant using the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and AWD. The lack of a hybrid is one of the biggest differences between the CX-5 and several newer rivals in Australia’s medium SUV market. Mazda has indicated electrification is coming, with Australian reports pointing to a hybrid CX-5 for 2027, but buyers shopping the current 2026 range only have the petrol powertrain.
Q2. Does every 2026 Mazda CX-5 have AWD?
Yes, AWD is standard across all five Australian variants including Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Akera. There is no front-wheel-drive version in the new Australian range.
Q3. Is the new Mazda CX-5 bigger than the old model?
Yes, the new CX-5 is 115mm longer and has a 115mm longer wheelbase, while its width has increased by 15mm compared with the previous model. Mazda says these changes help provide more rear-seat headroom, knee room and legroom, along with a larger and more useful cargo area.
Q4. Which Mazda CX-5 has a panoramic sunroof?
The Akera is the only 2026 CX-5 variant with a panoramic sunroof. It is one of the features that separate the flagship from the GT SP.
Q5. Is the Mazda CX-5 GT SP worth the extra money?
The GT SP makes more sense if you specifically want premium features rather than more performance. Its 2.5-litre engine and AWD drivetrain system are identical to the Touring variant. The extra money gets you leather, Bose audio, heated rear outer seats, adaptive LED headlights, ambient lighting and a 360-degree camera.
Q6. How much can the 2026 Mazda CX-5 tow?
The 2026 CX-5 has a 1,800kg braked towing capacity when fitted with Mazda genuine towing equipment. State and territory requirements apply.
Q7. Is the Mazda CX-5 Akera worth buying?
The Akera is worth considering if you want the most complete CX-5 rather than the best-value CX-5. Its biggest advantages are the panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, hands-free tailgate and 15.6-inch touchscreen. If those features aren’t important to you, the Touring or GT SP will offer better value.
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