What's next for the CX-5?

[Antoine]

Shout-out to @hoodlum for inspiring this thread as a continuation of the 2025 one. Let's discuss the 2026 model year and beyond as it appears the CX-5 may see major updates for 2026. Is it consensus that the biggest change will be a proprietary hybrid system? How about dimensions and styling? What would you like to see in a next gen CX-5? Thoughts on a model name update as well (with the SUV lineup utilizing double digits now)?

 

[ceric]

What I read ... (non-English site)
1. new and proprietary hybrid from Mazda. (as said)
2. ICE used will be Skyactiv-X for better efficiency
3. big body/structure change to accommodate the hybrid system.
Not just front/back refreshing like what we saw for 2017.
4. interior will be more like CX-60/70/80/90.

 

[jakeuten]

I think there are two possibilities. One is a complete refresh on the new small Skyactiv platform with the torsion beam rear axle on the 2019 Mazda3 platform similar to the CX-50. They could either design a new transmission or use Toyota's eCVT (Unlikely, seeing as Mazda stated the CX-5's hybrid system would be an in-house design).

The other possibility is just calling the CX-60 the CX-5 because names don't matter at Mazda. CX-70 is what that should've been... Wild that the CX-60 and CX-80 are two entirely different vehicles offered in many of the same markets, but Mazda doesn't see a spot for a 185" premium crossover in the US.

 

[Antoine]

The other possibility is just calling the CX-60 the CX-5

Oooh...Interesting point...Hmmm...

 

[Muggs1]

Mazda has a huge gap in their lineup for a crossover with a length of 19x". I dare to say that this is exactly what absolutely everybody wants. So why not take the CX5, which is still the best seller, and transform it into a CX60 and you will absolutely have another best seller. You already have the CX50, FWD architecture with 186" long, there is no need to double down on that.

But again, we are talking about Mazda, in their lifetime they made a lot of questionable decisions.

 

[hoodlum]

I am interesting in seeing what Mazda does for the rear suspension (torsion vs multi-link) and the transmission. I hope they keep the Multi-link and go to 8 speed transmission.

For the sizing of the CX-5, a lot will depend on how they also want to position the CX-30. If the CX-30 gets larger then that allows for the CX-5 to increase in length.

 

[N7turbo]

Mazda has a huge gap in their lineup for a crossover with a length of 19x". I dare to say that this is exactly what absolutely everybody wants. So why not take the CX5, which is still the best seller, and transform it into a CX60 and you will absolutely have another best seller. You already have the CX50, FWD architecture with 186" long, there is no need to double down on that.

But again, we are talking about Mazda, in their lifetime they made a lot of questionable decisions.

That will guarantee that I never upgrade because I do not want a larger CX-5. The reason I got one in the first place is because it's big enough for my needs but it's not a huge vehicle overall.

 

[Antoine]

Based on what has been mentioned here...What if the CX-5 becomes the CX-60 and the CX-30 increases in size (power etc) to roughly match the current CX-5...Therefore maintaining a model that satisfies the market for that size/price/capability while expanding and enriching the lineup (and margins)..?

In this scenario, would we see the introduction of a new model...The CX-20?

Seems it's not the CX-5 model type that is in danger of being discontinued, it's the name.

 

[N7turbo]

Get rid of the CX-30, keep the 5 as is, and bring the CX-60.

 

[Antoine]

Get rid of the CX-30, keep the 5 as is, and bring the CX-60.

Very unlikely the CX-30 is going anywhere, it's still a strong seller.

Turning the CX-30 into a CX-5 replacement may be unfathomable but it would bring the lineup up to date...CX-20 (incoming?), CX-30, CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-90.

I get it, I love the CX-5 and don't want to see it go but I'm trying to prepare for the possibility we will...At least the model name...Mazda axed the CX-7 and now CX-9 (in North America).

 

[N7turbo]

You can tell I don't care much for the 30 and I don't see what it does that the 3 hatch and CX-5 can't.

 

[Chas]

Very unlikely the CX-30 is going anywhere, it's still a strong seller.

Turning the CX-30 into a CX-5 replacement may be unfathomable but it would bring the lineup up to date...CX-20 (incoming?), CX-30, CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-90.

I get it, I love the CX-5 and don't want to see it go but I'm trying to prepare for the possibility we will...At least the model name...Mazda axed the CX-7 and now CX-9 (in North America).

I’m pretty sure since the rest of the world has CX-60, there are legal and logistical reasons not to have two entirely different models with the same name.

If they want to stick with the new double digit convention it will become a CX-5x (e.g., CX-55) or more confusingly, maybe a CX-5 Mk III dubbed CX-5.3 because Mazda follows it own tune.

 

[Antoine]

I’m pretty sure since the rest of the world has CX-60, there are legal and logistical reasons not to have two entirely different models with the same name.

If they want to stick with the new double digit convention it will become a CX-5x or more confusingly, maybe a CX-5 Mk III dubbed CX-5.3 because Mazda follows it own tune.

Oh not suggesting different models, I’m wondering if the CX-60 is brought to NA (and the CX-5 name retired) and the CX-30 is upgraded a bit to capture buyers not going for the CX-60 (or CX-50).

Then again, as you say Mazda follows its own tune so it seems anything is possible lol

It’s possible the CX-5 remains and receives a major overhaul…Mazda so good at remaining mysterious!

 

[ceric]

I think CX5 is at perfect marketing position... don't mess with it.
CX-30 is doing well, so is CX-50.

Mazda should bring CX-60 to NA to replace CX-70, which is not selling well. (20% of CX90)
If one does not need the 3rd row seat, just remove it. Why pay the same or more?

Mazda saved money by not needing to certify CX-70 since it is structure-wise the same as CX-90.
Once Mazda sees the potential of CX-60 sales, they might bring it to NA. I hope.

 

[RedBaron]

replace CX-70, which is not selling well. (20% of CX90)
If one does not need the 3rd row seat, just remove it. Why pay the same or more?

I thought you must be mistaken, But I checked the new car prices on Edmunds (MSRP) and for every comparable trim, the CX-90 is just $500 more than the CX-70, which, I guess, is about the cost of the added third seat!

 

[ceric]

It is hard to compare fairly, that is not good for CX-70 if many have that impression.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2025-mazda-cx-70-price-msrp-trim-levels/

 

[hoodlum]

It looks like dealers were provided an update in Frankfurt this week. The CX-5 is expected next August and would be available initially with the 2.5L NA, with the Hybrid and Plug-in models to arrive a bit later. The only other additional detail provided was that the length would increase by 11cm (4.3”)

CX-5 2025....

Mein Händler hat den CX80 schon auf dem Hof stehen, habe ihn mir schon angeschaut ist halt Länger als der CX60 klar wegen der 3. Sitzreihe Ansonsten gibt es zum CX60 kleine Änderungen im Innenraum kann aber sein das der CX60 die auch bald bekommt. Denke das auch der neue CX5 (oder wie er heißen...

www.cx5-forum.de

 

[151614]

The talk here in Aus (Mazda sales people I talked to when buying our new Akera recently) is that CX60 will eventually replace CX5…..

 

[ADS-B]

They could either design a new transmission or use Toyota's eCVT ...

If Mazda chooses CVT, I'll say bye bye. That would be a reason for me to ditch the car.

 

[jadmt]

If Mazda chooses CVT, I'll say bye bye. That would be a reason for me to ditch the car.

ditto, the only reason to put up with this ugly thing is the transmission actually feels fun to drive. put in a CVT and may as well get something that looks better. just took a nice road trip and from inside the car things are great....looking at it from the outside not so much....