2025 Mazda CX-5: What we know, and why it might not be called ‘CX-5’

February 12: Next-gen Mazda CX-5 imagined

As the world waits to see what Mazda will name its CX-5 successor – given it already offers a CX-50 in North America – we've got a compelling look at how it might be styled.

No surprises, of course, that our mate Theottle has rendered the next CX-5 with styling cues borrowed from the bigger new CX-60 and CX-90 and... well, the other dozen-or-so SUVs Mazda is offering this year.

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2025 Mazda CX-5 imagined by Theottle

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2025 Mazda CX-5 imagined by Theottle

What do you think of the look? Tell us in the comments, and watch Theo's rendering come to life in the video below.

February 1: The next CX-5 might not be a CX-5...

The third-generation Mazda CX-5 midsize SUV is expected to debut sometime in 2025.

Asked if there was any update to share about the third-generation CX-5, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi told Wheels there was “[nothing further] apart from the fact that Mazda executives have confirmed it".

So, without further ado: Here’s everything we know about the next version of Mazda’s most popular vehicle – which might not even be called 'CX-5'.

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“What they're going to call it, look, that's going to be a totally different debate and I don't think even Mazda has made a decision on it," added Bhindi.

"But in terms of size, packaging, and value, there is going to be a direct replacement of [the CX-5 midsize SUV] in the future."

One potential name thrown into the mix is the Mazda CX-40, which would allow the new midsizer to slip between the CX-30 and the not-for-Australia CX-50.

Another possibility is a globalised version of the Mazda CX-50 built in Japan for markets such as Europe, Asia and Australia, or simply retaining the well-established Mazda CX-5 name for the new model.

Bhindi said the brand isn’t concerned about potential confusion from existing CX-5 owners looking to upgrade if the new model has a different name – likewise for the three-row CX-80 and CX-90, which are the spiritual successor to the CX-8 and CX-9, respectively.

“Look, they'll be the easier of the challenges. We don't have any issue. I mean we've launched so many products with new nameplates,” he said.

“You know, consumers are well advanced in their knowledge when they're looking for a car or engaging with the brand. Usually, they'll either see the whole portfolio and narrow down their choices from there or they'll have a choice already made because their needs are very specific, like a three-row or I want a sedan or I want an SUV and whichever entry point in that consumer journey.

“We don't have any issues – I think technology helps. The number of consumers that come to our website, and I'm sure it's for other [brands] as well, is huge.”

With the new model set to retain the CX-5’s “size, packaging and value”, expect a similar footprint to today's model, which competes with other midsize SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage.

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However, we’d expect the new CX-5 replacement to grow slightly in every dimension for more occupant room and additional luggage capacity.

The current CX-5 measures 4550mm long, 1840mm wide, and 1675mm tall with a 2700mm wheelbase. It has a 438-litre boot.

For context, a Toyota RAV4 measures up to 4615mm long, 1856mm wide and 1690mm tall with a 2690mm wheelbase.

The off-road-focused Mazda CX-50 – which is definitively “not a possibility” for Australia due to its left-hand-drive production in the United States and China only – measures 4719mm long, 1920mm wide and 1613-1623mm tall with a 2814mm wheelbase.

If the new CX-5 were to slot evenly between the current CX-30 and CX-50, it would measure around 4557mm long and 1856mm wide with a 2735mm wheelbase – though we expect it to be positioned closer to the CX-50.

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Under the skin, the new CX-5 would logically adopt the front- or all-wheel-drive Small Platform architecture from the latest Mazda 3 hatch/sedan, CX-30 and CX-50.

This would improve ride comfort, noise, vibration and harshness suppression, but it could see Mazda ditch the current CX-5’s multi-link independent rear suspension for a simpler torsion beam setup (including on AWD models as on the CX-30 and CX-50).

While the current 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol and 2.5-litre turbo-petrol should remain – potentially with minor revisions – the CX-5's replacement is likely to offer a full-hybrid 2.5-litre petrol-electric setup that could be derived from the Toyota RAV4.

Plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions have not been ruled out, either.

Inside, the new model will have a redesigned look with technologies likely to be borrowed from the more recent CX-60 and CX-90, such as a larger infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster. Expect more soft-touch materials, too.

The next-generation Mazda CX-5, which could instead be called the Mazda CX-40 or Mazda CX-50, is expected in showrooms in 2025, pending any delays.

It will sit alongside the five-seat CX-60 and CX-70, which are more-premium vehicles based on the rear-biased Large Platform with plug-in hybrid or inline-six petrol and diesel powertrains, and prices starting from around $60,000 to $70,000 before on-road costs.

The current Mazda CX-5 launched in Australia in mid-2017, though it has received several revisions throughout its lifecycle including a turbocharged petrol in 2018, a mid-life facelift in 2022, and minor tech updates almost every year.