2026 Mazda CX-5 Launched in Malaysia – 2.5G High CBU Variant, RM169,900

Following its first public debut at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2026), the third-gen (KM) Mazda CX-5 has finally made its Malaysian market debut, arriving in a fully imported (CBU) model from Japan with a single 2.5G High variant priced at RM169,900.

Like any other Mazda model in Malaysia, the new CX-5 comes standard with a 5-year or 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and free service package, which includes parts, lubricants, and labour.

With the new CX-5 arriving in its CBU form, Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto) will be continuing to sell the second-gen (KF), locally-assembled (CKD) CX-5 along with this new model, with local assembly works for the latest version set to commence in the near future.

No MHEV for Malaysia

Contrary to our previous reporting, it appears that the Malaysian market is getting the non-mild hybrid version of the new CX-5, which uses Mazda’s tried-and-trusted 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Skyactiv-G petrol engine.

In its latest form, however, this mill only outputs 185 hp and 257 Nm, making it less powerful than what you used to get on the KF-gen CX-5 2.5G 2WD High, which was rated higher at 192 hp and 258 Nm.

Regardless of power output, this engine is still mated to the same 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission that drives the front wheels (FWD) of this sporty SUV. But despite the lower power output, Mazda claims this powertrain setup is good enough for up to 187 km/h of V-max.

One key mechanical change for the KM-gen CX-5 is the new brake-by-wire system that works along with Mazda’s proprietary G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) advanced vehicle dynamics system, plus some chassis and suspension tweaks for better handling and ride comfort.

New Kodo SUV

The new CX-5 also marks an evolution in Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy, featuring some new and fresh changes along with an overall larger footprint for this popular nameplate.

It gets an entirely new front fascia featuring a larger front grille that is flanked by a pair of dual-stack LED headlights with dual J-shaped DRLs, plus a gloss black-hued lower bumper.

From the side, you can see that the new CX-5 retains the sporty Kodo side profile design with an elongated front hood and a sporty rear end while riding on new 19-inch alloy wheels finished in metallic black.

The rear part has also changed massively, now sporting slim LED taillights a la CX-60, while the infamous Mazda badge has now been replaced by more minimalist Mazda lettering. Not to forget, Malaysian customers can choose from four colour options, including Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, and Jet Black.

Another key change for the new CX-5 is in its footprint, where the SUV has grown larger than its predecessor. Spanning 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,695 mm tall, the new CX-5 is 115 mm longer, 15 mm wider, and 15 mm taller over the outgoing model, while its wheelbase is now stretched by 115 mm to 2,815 mm—one of the longest in its segment.

Most Elevated CX-5 Cabin

The growth spurt is directly reflected on the new CX-5’s interior, where it is now more spacious and practical than ever while being laced with more premium touches and amenities.

Firstly, the larger footprint allows the CX-5 to boast a larger and wider rear door aperture, making egressing and regressing from this SUV much easier than the previous model. This also translates to a roomier rear cabin space, plus a larger boot space of 583 litres—more than 100 litres larger compared to its predecessor.

Moving to the premiums, the exact model displayed here rocks a fancy sport-tan leather upholstery that wraps the entire cabin. Notably, the front dash layout has also been redesigned to accommodate its larger central touchscreen and other new gizmos, at the expense of physical buttons and controls.