The novelty

Mazda's first hybrid debuts with the third-generation CX-5 suv

The new series of the Hiroshima company's best seller marks a turning point with exclusively electrified engines. Size increases, technology improves with solutions based on Google operating systems and Gemini artificial intelligence

14 July 2025

3' min read

FRANKFURT (GERMANY)

A model that ignited the brand's new age that began with the 2011 breakaway from Ford and Mazda's undisputed best seller, the CX-5 SUV is now in its third generation, having garnered 4.8 million preferences around the world in its career. The new series, which is a significant departure from its predecessor, appears now but will be marketed from December with prices starting at 36,000 euros.

Mazda CX-5, le foto della nuova generazione
Photogallery13 foto

The gap between the new series and the old one, which is still on sale, more than for other factors, starts from the range of motorisations, because the 2026 edition of the model that brought Mazda suvs totally developed in-house, and not the result of rebadging operations, will focus only on electrified petrol-powered ones, among which there will also be from 2027 the first full-hybrid designed and produced by the Hiroshima brand. The new unit that will open the e-Skyactiv Z line will, in fact, be available in 2027. It is not known whether this is due to real refinement and industrialisation requirements or to keep attention focused on a very important model for Mazda.

What's more, according to reliable rumours, it is expected to continue its successful run by presenting itself in many parts of the world as an alternative to an SUV in a similar category also destined for the global market, but plug-in hybrid and full-electric, derived from the EZ 60 presented at the Shanghai show and developed with Chang'an.

Based on an architecture derived from that of the current generation, the new CX-5 that we met in Mazda's R&D Centre near Frankfurt at first glance seems to be wearing a familiar outfit.

Indeed, although they have evolved over time, the canons of the Kodo design that brought the first generation of the CX-5 into the limelight in 2012 define a line that does not detach itself decisively from that of the current model, even in terms of overall balance. Nonetheless, new styling cues stand out in the long front end, in the sides with their concave and convex surfaces, in the characteristic silhouette of the side windows with the original cut-out of the third light, in the recessed volume of the passenger compartment and in the sculptural rear end with a light signature that is as unprecedented as the front one, which runs alongside the large Mazda grille.

Mazda CX-5, a tu per tu con la nuova generazione

However, the appearance of the new CX-5 is immediately more imposing. In fact, it is 4.69 metres long, i.e. 11 centimetres longer than its predecessor and 5 centimetres shorter than the more robust CX-60, 1.86 metres wide, 1.69 metres high, i.e. 3 centimetres longer, and has a wheelbase 11 centimetres longer, i.e. 2.81 metres. The new measurements give the CX-5 an authoritative appearance and also generate a very spacious interior, in which a real stylistic revolution is concentrated.

In fact, the interior design is another point of clear departure from the modern-day CX-5 thanks to its linear, minimalist and hi-tech design, which is enhanced by clever colour combinations and the extensive use of quality upholstery.

The digital elements for infotainment and man-machine interface rely on the configurable 10.25" cockpit, to which a large head-up display can be added, and the 12.9" or 15.6" central display of the Google-integrated infotainment system that will also offer the Ai Gemini. It removes many physical controls from the dashboard and console but, wisely, leaves the climate controls in view.

The new SUV will be offered in front-wheel drive Fwd and all-wheel drive Awd versions, but will only be powered by hybrid engines. It will debut with the 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G unit with 141bhp and 238Nm mild hybrid with 24V technology, which is not widely used in the automotive industry, but is consistent with Mazda's multi-solution approach to sustainable mobility, which envisages the solution that offers the best cost/performance ratio for each model.