Customers who want extra spicy performance in the new-generation CX-5 will have to wait until the hybrid in 2027 or opt for a six-cylinder CX-60, according to Mazda.
Mazda Australia’s third-generation CX-5 is due to launch in the second half of next year sans the current car’s potent 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, but local customers will still be given options for a punchier SUV, according to the brand.
Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said the Japanese brand is aware of the strong customer following of the 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder CX-5, which produces 170kW/420Nm.
“The turbo is something that we would have liked, but the global direction when it comes to CO2 – in Australia, we also have the NVES – it doesn't make sense into the future that that powertrain would be able to comply with the standards,” Bhindi said.
“The CO2 standards in the US and in Europe, in particular, but also Australia.
“But this is a landscape that keeps changing, so some countries and regions appear to be relaxing, or have a desire to relax or slow down, while others are staying put and others accelerating.
“As manufacturers, we have to – and our engineers have to – consider all of that and provide a package that's appropriate.”
Instead, the 2026 CX-5 will launch with a carryover 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine, detuned to 132kW/242Nm from 140kW/252Nm in today's model due to inbound Euro 6 emissions regulations.
The outgoing 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 170kW/420Nm – making it one of the most potent non-electrified mainstream family SUVs available in Australia, falling short of the Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI’s 195kW output, but ahead 20Nm in torque.
Mazda is also debuting its new in-house hybrid system with the new CX-5, which an overseas executive has promised will have “comparable” performance to the turbo-petrol engine.
However, the SkyActiv-X-based powertrain is not expected to enter the local market until 2027, wherein Bhindi conceded that petrol-electric powertrain will only partially succeed at winning turbo buyers over.
“We are excited that the Mazda Hybrid system will come into play and will offer, I suppose, the ‘Jinba-ittai’, the ‘zoom-zoom’ driving dynamics,” Bhindi said.
“[Turbo buyers might move to hybrid], but also they've got options with the inline six that we offer in CX-60 in particular, and so there is choice.
“On the day when the cars are available, the consumer will have alternatives.”
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.
