Almost a year following its global debut, the third-generation Mazda CX-5 makes its official debut in Malaysia at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) and early estimations of pricing check in at RM170,000 with bookings opening on 12 June 2026.
The striking SUV will initially arrive in CBU form when it is launched in Q3 2026, before local assembly commences in the next year or so.
Power will be from what should be the new e-Skyactiv G mill. It is a naturally aspirated, inline-four unit with 24 V mild hybrid assistance giving it 141 PS and 238 Nm of torque. Mazda’s six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic will link it to the front wheels.
Among the upgrades with the new CX-5 includes a new brake-by-wire system and improvements in the chassis as well as suspension to refine handling and comfort.
Cosmetically, it looks very much like its predecessor but with sharper Kodo design looks. Nonetheless, the new model is considerably larger in every aspect.
Renowned for its splendid interiors, Mazda has gone down the controversial minimalism route by integrating almost all vehicle functions into the infotainment touchscreen.
While final specifications are yet to be confirmed, there are two sizes available for the screen, either 12.9- or 15.6-inch, though the finalised local unit should get the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Governing the infotainment is a new Android Automotive OS-based system, bringing a host of Google functions and apps for convenience.
Current prices for the second-generation CX-5 start at RM135k and top out at RM165k with a mix of the 2.0- and 2.5-litre mills. That would be quite an increment for the third-gen, should the estimated pricing not budge much.
However, the current model could continue to be sold alongside the new model with the smaller displacement engine serving as a steppingstone into the segment.
