A South African Mazda executive has revealed the new-generation CX-5 SUV will debut in the third quarter.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 looks set to arrive earlier than anticipated, with an international executive confirming a third quarter (July to September) reveal for a launch early next year.
Initially, it appeared as if the third-generation CX-5 would be revealed in the fourth quarter – possibly at this year’s LA Motor Show – but Mazda South Africa’s Managing Director Craig Roberts has let slip we will see the crucial new model earlier than anticipated.
Speaking to Moneyweb, Roberts said Mazda’s Toyota RAV4 rival is due to hit the South African market early next year.
“From a product perspective, the biggest one we are really excited about is the all-new CX-5,” Roberts said in the interview.
“CX-5 is probably our biggest volume seller over the last 10 years.
MORE: 2026 Mazda CX-5 spied ahead of reveal expected later this year
“And that new CX-5 will debut in the third quarter of this year, and will probably hit our shores in the first quarter of 2026.
“That is the first product that we are really, really excited about, that all new CX-5.”
The CX-5 was spotted testing for the first time in the US last week, heavily disguised by a camouflage wrap, indicating work is well underway on the brand’s top-selling model.
It has already been confirmed the third-gen CX-5 will score a full hybrid powertrain to better compete against the hot-selling Toyota RAV4, as well as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage that how feature the petrol-electric fuel-saving technology.
Overseas reports also indicate mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems in the mix – both already available on Large Architecture products such as the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90.
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