The Mazda CX-5 has been an ever-present force near the top of Australia’s new car sales charts for well over a decade now. On the world stage, over five million have been sold since its 2012 introduction.
But in 2026, that kind of provenance doesn’t mean as much as it once did when it comes to the ultra-competitive Australian market that’s flooded with new entrants, particularly in that mid-sized SUV segment.
Now up to its third-generation model, launched earlier this year, the CX-5 is still the 11th-best-selling new vehicle in the country. That puts it neck-and-neck with its legacy rivals – the Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage.
To see whether the CX-5 really does still have the edge, we’re taking a look at one of the most popular variants in the range, the entry-level Pure variant, which is priced at $39,990 before on-road costs.
For the majority of buyers, the CX-5 Pure looks like all the SUV you’d need. The standard equipment list is lengthy, with tech including a new 12.9-inch infotainment display, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and dual-zone climate control.
Automatic LED headlights with high beam control kick off a list of safety tech that includes radar cruise control with ‘Stop & Go’ functionality, blind spot warning with turn monitoring, and both front and rear parking sensors.
That all sounds pretty good, until you look just one rung up in the range at the new Evolve variant. For an extra $3000 you get heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (you’ll still need a cable in the Pure), and a wireless phone charger.
That variant also gets keyless entry, rear air vents, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and power-folding heated side mirrors. All of those are things that really should be standard even on an entry-level grade – especially when you compare it to say the Geely Starray.
Still, the CX-5 has a nice cabin design, even in Pure spec. Impressive ergonomics, crisp screen resolution, and good fit and finish are all highlights. The only bit that stands out as a bad choice are the touch capacitive buttons on the steering wheel.
Although this third-generation rides on a wheelbase that’s 75mm longer than its predecessor, it’s not an entirely new clean-sheet design, but rather a very substantial upgrade of the chassis that underpinned the previous CX-5.
While this helps separate it from the rear-drive models such as the CX-60, it does mean there is a similar story beneath the redesigned exterior. Right now, only one engine option is available in Australia, with diesel and turbo petrol choices ditched.
There’s also no hybrid down under until early 2028. All we get for now is the ‘G25’ 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder which delivers 132kW and 242Nm. Those outputs are down on the previous version, although Mazda claims using 95RON fuel changes that.
It will boost it to 138kW and 257Nm. A six-speed automatic transmission remains, while all variants are fitted with all-wheel drive as standard. Although a highly dependable engine that underpins many Mazda models, the ‘G25’ is starting to show its age.
It’s quiet at a cruise, but put your foot down and it can make quite a racket. The gearing of the six-speed auto is really nicely spaced, but an extra two ratios – like you’d find in a CX-60 G25 – would help bring more out of this engine.
It might help with economy, too; 9.2-litres/100km was the best we could manage after 640km against a claim of 7.4-litres/100km. Still, the heavily revised platform does make the CX-5 a nice steer.
It feels very stable through the corners, and that’s no coincidence. At its launch earlier this year, Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi noted that it “is of course infused with the superb Jinba-Ittai driving dynamics Mazda is famous for”.
We reckon that’s not simply marketing spin. Combine the longer wheelbase with reasonably hefty steering, and it feels nicely planted on the road. It’s unlikely most buyers plan on driving these kinds of cars particularly hard, but it is engaging on the right twisty road.
As a daily driver, it feels relaxed and well-asserted. All told, the CX-5 remains one of the class leaders in terms of handling and ride quality. As with all new Mazda models, it’s offered with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
That does lag behind some rivals who offer 7-years with no mileage cap, or up to 10-years with a kilometre limit. While its immense brand cache will keep the CX-5 in good standing for now, the new wave of hybrid rivals mean the Mazda faces an uphill battle.
It’s a shame, because if we were to wind the clock back a few years, the CX-5 was the obvious pick – one this journo has recommended many times to people, who are now very happy owners.
It’s still well worth consideration, especially if you value the well-established reliability of the old 2.5-litre CX-5. If you’re looking to cut down the fuel bill and want more glitz and glam, however, you’ll find new rivals offering more.
You can find out more on the Mazda Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a good deal on this vehicle, chat to the team at MotorScout. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Mazda Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
