Third-Gen Mazda CX-5 Set to Debut in Malaysia in Q3 2026 – CBU First, 2.5L Only

Bermaz Auto Berhad confirms plans to introduce the third-gen Mazda CX-5 next year as a fully imported offering from Japan.

Just over a week after making its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 (JMS 2025), the third-gen Mazda CX-5 is now bound for debut in Malaysia next year. This was confirmed by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, executive chairman of Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto), during the media Q&A session after the launch of the new Mazda BT-50 facelift and Mazda3 1.5G High Plus yesterday.

Bermaz Auto Berhad Executive Chairman Tan Sri Dato' Sri Ben Yeoh (left)

The chairman further elaborated that the new CX-5 will likely arrive as early as the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, where it will be offered in a fully imported (CBU) form from Japan. That said, Tan Sri Ben also added that “industrial activities” or local assembly (CKD) efforts for the new CX-5 might take place 12-16 months after the CBU model launches.

Third-gen Mazda CX-5 shown at the Japan Mobility Show 2025

As for the engine, Tan Sri Ben said that the new CX-5 is set to be offered with a 2.5-litre engine option in Malaysia, which we assume would be the same 2.5-litre 4-cyl e-Skyactiv G petrol mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain used in the European model.

Rated at 141 PS and 238 Nm by itself, said engine is mated to a 24-volt mild hybrid system and a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels (FWD). Besides the MHEV option, the new CX-5 will also be offered with the same 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre Skyactiv G petrol engines used on the current-gen CX-5, while the new Skyactiv-Z global hybrid powertrain is bound to come at a later stage.

With the new, third-gen CX-5 bound for the Malaysian market next year, the chairman said that the current-gen CX-5, which is being locally assembled here at the Inokom Kulim plant, will continue to be sold alongside its successor. That said, the current CX-5 CKD will only be offered with a 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine, and the 2.5-litre options might get discontinued from time to time.