Mazda Australia has explained why the new-generation CX-5’s sole petrol engine at launch is down on power and torque compared to the outgoing model.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is due to launch mid-year with just one powertrain initially – a version of the venerable ‘G25’ 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine making 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque.
It’s down 8kW and 10Nm on the outgoing model’s G25 motor, and Mazda’s executive team confirmed it’s due to Australia mandating emissions systems that are aligned with the Euro 6d standard, which came into effect late last year for new models.
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While hybrid options are proliferating in the mid-size SUV segment, a CX-5 featuring the all-new Mazda Hybrid System isn’t due to launch until sometime in 2027.
However, there is an electrified CX-5 already on sale elsewhere in the world, with the European market getting another version of the 2.5-litre petrol engine teamed with a 24V mild-hybrid system, dubbed ‘e-Skyactiv G’.
This version makes even less power and torque – quoted at 104kW/238Nm – though the mild-hybrid system claims to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions particularly when driving in urban and city areas.
Asked what was behind the decision to use the non-electrified version of the carryover engine at launch, managing director for Mazda Australia, Vinesh Bhindi, said the local division felt the ‘M Hybrid’ version was “compromised” for Australian customer needs.
“For Mazda, the first thing that’s critical to us is that our customers get the ‘jinba ittai’, ‘zoom zoom’ experience first and foremost, over economy and efficiency,” Mr Bhindi said.
“When we look at [new] CX-5, there are only two options available globally – a mild-hybrid version that has gone to Europe [and the engine confirmed for Australia]. But for [Europe], their strategy is different because their legislation is a little bit different to [NVES] when it comes to CO2.
“But when we looked at the numbers that powertrain delivers, we thought it was compromised from a point of what an Australian driver and consumer would look at. We are more aligned to performance numbers to ensure there’s appropriate towing opportunity, load carrying opportunity etc,” Mr Bhindi continued.
“So that was the decision – it wasn’t as if [the MHEV] wasn’t available to us, but we chose the [G25] that we are getting [for those reasons].”
Full Australian pricing and specifications for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 range will be announced tomorrow, so stay tuned to CarExpert for the latest.