Mazda CX-5 hybrid to upset the RAV4 applecart?

Mazda is now talking about its incoming third-generation CX-5 Hybrid.

The firm has confirmed it will remain an affordable, mainstream player. Meantime, the company’s large SUVs with double-digit names are behind the company’s premium push.

The new model with its hybrid powertrain is set to disrobe soon, with a late 2025 or early 2026 launch likely.

The news comes from Mazda’s North American office. CEO Tom Donnelly said the model will slot in below the more premium CX-50 which is not sold here.

“We did over 100,000 units on CX-5 last year, and it just keeps on keeping on.” 

It’s perhaps the first time any Mazda executive has discussed the new model and called it CX-5 by name.

He said it will debut globally soon, and feature the company’s new hybrid tech. Donnelly also said that a fully electric CX-5 was coming down the line thereafter. 

Mazda Australia CEO, Vinesh Bhindi, confirmed that its most popular SUV, even as a hybrid, will remain family affordable. He did say, however, that the RAV4 rival’s official name hasn’t yet been confirmed. “But for now, I think let’s just call it CX-5.” 

Whatever the name, it will represent a new generation of the vehicle.

The company is also working on a separate electric mid-size SUV for some markets. It was previewed by the Mazda Arata concept and will be known as EZ-60 in China. CX-6e is the title for other markets. 

It is not yet clear which platform the EV will use but most likely the dedicated EV architecture. 

Meanwhile, the arrival of a hybrid powertrain developed internally will finally give Mazda a rival to the Toyota RAV4. It will also compete with other midsized Korean hybrid models.

We asked Mazda New Zealand to comment and they said that last year mention was made in Japan of a hybrid CX-5 under development.