Remember the next-gen 2026 Mazda CX-5 that was previewed at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS 2026) earlier this year? It turns out now we have got an official launch date for this sleek SUV, which will take place on Oct 8, 2026—one month from now.
Revealed via Mazda Malaysia’s official social media page, this third-gen C-segment SUV was long touted to make its local market debut, following its global unveiling more than a year ago.
2.5L MHEV Variant Only
Already available for booking, the new 2026 CX-5 will be introduced in a single powertrain variant for our market, featuring a familiar 2.5-litre 4-cyl naturally-aspirated Skyactiv-G petrol engine that can also be found on many other Mazda models, such as the CX-60.
What’s special about the new CX-5 is that this 2.5G engine is now paired to a 24-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system, and depending on the market, the total output for this MHEV system varies widely.
In markets outside of Europe, this MHEV setup is rated at up to 181 PS and 242 Nm, while those living in the Old Continent are restricted to only 141 PS and 238 Nm of torque.
Regardless of power outputs, this powertrain setup is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and can be opted for with either an FWD or an AWD drivetrain configuration, with the model displayed at KLIMS earlier this year sporting the latter.
CBU First, CKD Later
Another key feature for the local-spec 2026 CX-5 is that the first few batches will be fully imported (CBU) from Japan, with the locally assembled (CKD) version set to arrive sometime later. The CBU units will be sold concurrently with the current second-gen model, at least until the CKD plans for the new model start in the near future.
This also means that the outgoing model could possibly lose the 2.5-litre engine option and will only be offered with the 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G powertrain instead. For reference, the current second-gen CX-5 is also available in a more potent 2.5-litre turbocharged Skyactiv-G version, while the 2.2-liter Skyactiv-D diesel version was already discontinued.
As mentioned earlier, bookings for the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 have been opened since its public debut at KLIMS, and this sleek Kodo design SUV comes with an estimated price tag of RM170,000. Excited?
