First Mazda went upmarket, and now it is going… downmarket?
That actually appears to be the case with the third-generation CX-5, which marks a strategic departure from the premium push led by Mazda’s large-platform SUVs – the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90.
Where the quartet tried – and have arguably failed up to now – to justify elevated worth tags with high-end inside supplies, superior digital shows, and lusty rear-biased inline-six powertrains, the brand new CX-5 takes a extra grounded strategy: it’s cheaper than its closest opponents, and makes no pretence of being a luxurious product.
In principle, it ought to due to this fact attraction strongly to unpretentious households going through the cost-of-living pressures synonymous with Australian life in 2026.
But what’s been misplaced in Mazda’s mission to re-engage the mainstream? We’re about to seek out out, as CarExpert’s Melbourne storage has welcomed a Navy Blue Mica CX-5 Evolve for 3 months of rigorous testing.
How a lot does the Mazda CX-5 value?
As defined above, the brand new CX-5 seems to supply sturdy worth in opposition to its Japanese and Korean rivals, notably in one-up-from-base Evolve trim.

| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Mazda CX-5 G25 Pure AWD | $39,990 |
| 2027 Mazda CX-5 G25 Evolve AWD | $42,990 |
| 2027 Mazda CX-5 G25 Touring AWD | $47,490 |
| 2027 Mazda CX-5 G25 GT SP AWD | $51,990 |
| 2027 Mazda CX-5 G25 Akera AWD | $54,990 |
Because, at $42,990 earlier than on-road prices, it undercuts even the bottom Toyota RAV4, in addition to all-wheel drive variations of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
That stated, Chinese options – specifically the Chery Tiggo 7, BYD Sealion 6, Geely Starray EM-i, GWM Haval H6 and MG HS – nonetheless promise extra for much less.
To see how the Mazda CX-5 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
There’s no penalty for buying a lower-end CX-5 variant within the engine division, because the Evolve is powered by the identical 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol mill used proper throughout the vary.

| Specifications | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl petrol |
| Power | 132kW |
| Torque | 242Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1720kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | N/A |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 7.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 58L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 173g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1800kg |
Due to tighter emissions requirements globally, the ability and torque outputs listed above are down 8kW and 10Nm on the previous-generation CX-5’s G25 engine, however Mazda says 95-octane premium unleaded will enhance outputs to 138kW and 257Nm.
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To see how the Mazda CX-5 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
What do you get?
The Evolve is positioned close to the underside of the CX-5 vary, though it nonetheless comes with niceties together with heated entrance seats and a wi-fi telephone charger. I haven’t got a lot time for the usual 17-inch wheels, although.
2027 Mazda CX-5 Pure tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/65R17 tyres
- Automatic LED headlights with auto high-beam
- 10.25-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster
- 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wired
- Mazda Connected Services
- Black fabric seat upholstery
- 8-way guide driver’s seat adjustment
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
CX-5 Evolve provides:
- Frameless, auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Side mirrors – auto-folding, heated
- Heated entrance seats
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – wi-fi
- Wireless smartphone charger
- Smart keyless entry
- Rear air vents
CX-5 Touring provides:
- 19-inch machined alloy wheels with 225/55R19 tyres
- Black Maztex leatherette seat upholstery
-
- incl. artificial suede inserts
- 10-way energy driver seat incl. reminiscence perform
- Heated steering wheel
- Remote energy tailgate
- Head-up show
- Roof rails
- Heated windscreen
- Exterior mirrors incl. reminiscence perform
CX-5 GT SP provides:
- 19-inch black alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Gloss-black wheel-arch mouldings
- Gloss-black entrance, rear bumper end
- 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
- Signature LED illumination – headlights, tail-lights
- Ambient inside lighting
- 8-way powered passenger seat adjustment
- Black leather-based upholstery
- Heated outboard rear seats
- USB-C retailers – rear
- 360-degree cameras incl. see-through view
CX-5 Akera provides:
- Ventilated entrance seats
- 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Hands-free tailgate perform
- Steering wheel paddle shifters
- Personalise system incl. Easy Entry, driving place information
To see how the Mazda CX-5 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
Is the Mazda CX-5 secure?
Yes, very a lot so. It achieved a full five-star ANCAP security score in July, together with a standout 93 per cent rating for weak street consumer safety – the best recorded underneath the 2023-25 ANCAP evaluation regime.

| Category | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 90 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 91 per cent |
| Vulnerable street consumer safety | 93 per cent |
| Safety help | 87 per cent |
ANCAP stated the household SUV mixed sturdy crash safety for grownup and youngster occupants with extremely efficient collision avoidance expertise, and a front-end design aimed toward decreasing accidents to pedestrians and cyclists.
“The CX-5 has long been a popular model for families, and buyers of this latest model can be assured that Mazda has considered the safety and protection of occupants and those outside the car,” stated ANCAP chief govt officer Carla Hoorweg.
Standard security options embrace:
- Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
- Smart City Brake Support – AEB
-
- Forward, reverse, flip throughout visitors
- Blind-spot monitoring with Vehicle Exit Warning
- Front/rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Front and rear parking sensors
- LED headlights with auto on/off
- Driver consideration monitor/warning
- High Beam Control
- Reversing digital camera
GT SP provides:
To see how the Mazda CX-5 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
How a lot does the Mazda CX-5 value to run?
The CX-5 is backed by Mazda’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee with free roadside help.

| Servicing and Warranty | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Lifetime |
| Average annual service value (5 years) | $441 |
| Total capped-price service value (5 years) | $2203 |
Mazda caps service pricing for the lifetime of the automobile, with an in depth breakdown of upkeep necessities accessible on the model’s native web site.
For comparability’s sake, a five-year complete of $2203 renders the CX-5 costlier to service than direct rivals such because the CR-V ($995), Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid ($1595), Sealion 6 Essential ($1593), and RAV4 HEV ($1625).
I’m additionally anticipating common journeys to the servo, given the CX-5 consumes a claimed 7.4L/100km – way over any of the hybrid SUVs listed above.
To see how the Mazda CX-5 strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability software
CarExpert’s Take on the Mazda CX-5 G25 Evolve AWD
Our first impressions of the CX-5 Evolve aren’t overwhelmingly optimistic, to be sincere.

From the skin, it seems to be slightly awkward in contrast with the previous-generation mannequin, buying and selling compact proportions and cohesive curves for a bloated stance, gaping wheel-arches – at the least with the 17-inch alloys – and generic tailgate lettering.
Slipping into the driving force’s seat, extra causes for apprehension emerge. The absence of bodily controls is jarring, whereas materials high quality is a blended bag even by section requirements, not to mention the loftier benchmark Mazda has set for itself over latest years.
We do, nonetheless, respect the considerable cabin storage on supply. The driving ergonomics are additionally spot-on.


And whereas it hasn’t seen any use but, there’s sufficient proof to recommend the enlarged second row and boot are effectively outfitted to cope with no matter we throw at them.
The engine? Not a lot. Even at this early stage, it is clear the non-turbo four-pot is each underpowered and inefficient by trendy requirements, so we’re making ready to apply persistence on the street and selective ignorance on the gasoline pump.
All else stays to be seen, however we encourage you to go away any questions or requests within the feedback beneath as we try to unpack the place this comparatively primary model of the overhauled CX-5 suits throughout the overpopulated mid-size SUV panorama.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Mazda CX-5. Click right here to get a fantastic deal.
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MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-5 showroom
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