New Touring as entry point to the range.
Top-selling GSX makes way for SP version.
Single engine, AWD standard across the range.
It will be farewell to GLX and GSX, but welcome back to SP when the new 3rd-generation Mazda CX-5 arrives in New Zealand in spring this year.
More focus on digital technology for the 3rd-gen model.
Mazda NZ is still yet to reveal pricing, but it has now confirmed the four-tier specification lineup for the new model.
The entry GLX and mid-range GSX are no more, with a Touring model now the entry point for the CX-5. “Touring” was also used for the CX-60 PHEV at launch in 2023, although it’s since been phased out.
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The new CX-5 range then moves into an SP variant; formerly a sporty turbocharged version in the 2nd-generation range, but now the badge is back as the replacement for the GSX.
Powertrains consolidated to single 2.5-litre/AWD for the new model.
The Homura specification makes its way into the CX-5 for the first time, while Takami continues as the top model in the range.
While the Touring name will be unique to the new CX-5, SP, Homura and Takami align it with other models in the Mazda NZ lineup.
New Mazda CX-5 specification for NZ
The Touring is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and privacy glass. Inside, an eight-speaker stereo system is paired to a 12.9-inch touchscreen display Mazda Connect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s wireless mobile phone charging, dual-zone climate control and cloth-covered seats with heating for front occupants.
The SP’s exterior additions include 19in alloy wheels in a black and machined finish, gloss black roof rails and power tailgate.
The SP driver’s seat includes electric adjustment, and all seats are covered in a leatherette trim. The Active Driving Display (head up) projects key information onto the windscreen. A heated steering wheel and heated windscreen are also fitted.
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CX-5 is denoted by the use of black gloss contrasting elements on the exterior. Its 19-inch wheels are in a black metallic finish, along with the bumper trims and wheelarch mouldings. For the first time in a CX-5, a large panoramic sunroof is fitted.
The CX-5 Homura features leather upholstery, the passenger seat is electrically adjustable, and the outer rear seats are heated. Audio is upgraded to a 12-speaker Bose system.
Homura includes a 360-degree camera system with “See-Through View”. For the first time, themonitor continues to provide full vision even when the exterior mirrors are in a folded position, also providing a view of the road surface beneath the vehicle with a semi-transparent outline over the top.
Headlining the CX-5 range is the Takami. The standard 12.9in touch display is swapped for a larger 15.6in screen, and paddle shifters are provided for the transmission. The power tailgate gains a hands-free function.
The Takami has leather seating in a Sport Tan colour, with the front seats gaining a ventilation function. Driver Personalisation System, first seen on the CX-90, assists in automatically adjusting mirrors and seating position.
2026 Mazda CX-5 engine and power
Mazda currently offers three engines in the CX-5: a 2.0-litre (GLX FWD only), 2.5-litre naturally aspirated (GSX and Limited) and the same with turbo (Takami). The new 3rd-generation model moves to a single powertrain across the range.
All models will be powered by the SkyActiv-G 2.5 four-cylinder engine, with 132kW/242Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD). Familiar ingredients, but Mazda says the powertrain delivers improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions compared to its predecessor, with a “string of updates engineered to provide an even more intuitive interaction between driver inputs and vehicle response”.
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Off-Road drive modes, which can adjust the performance of the transmission and AWD system.
Mazda is currently developing a new “Z-Hybrid” (full hybrid/HEV) powertrain for CX-5 based around a new 2.0-litre engine, but that won’t be launched until later next year, with a likely 2028 release for NZ.