Mazda has spent years building a reputation on something simple: buy one, look after it, and it will usually look after you back. That dependability is why the CX-5 sits near the top of Australia’s medium-SUV charts year after year and why used listings often sell before the ad has even gone cold.

That’s what makes the arrival of an all-new CX-5 generation and an electric sedan called the 6e a bigger moment than the usual model update. Mazda is asking loyal buyers to embrace far more screens and software, and, in the 6e’s case, a completely different way of fueling up.

Here’s what it means for you, whether you’re buying new now or eyeing one on the used market in a few years.

The third-generation CX-5 plays it safe, then surprises you.

The next-generation Mazda CX-5 keeps the familiar shape that made it a favourite with Australian families, but Mazda has made meaningful changes where it counts day to day. It’s longer and wider than before, with a longer wheelbase, more rear passenger space, larger door openings, and a more usable cargo area. Mazda says the design evolution is intended to retain the CX-5's recognisable look while making it more practical for modern family life.

Inside, the CX-5 takes a clear step towards a more digital cabin. The range adds a new centre display, with the Akera receiving a 15.6-inch screen, plus upgraded connected features and driver assistance technology. Mazda Australia has also confirmed a 2.5-litre petrol engine, six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive across the range. Learn more in Mazda Australia’s Next Gen Mazda CX 5 specifications and pricing announcement.

Pricing starts at $39,990 before on-road costs for the Pure, climbing through Evolve, Touring, and GT SP to the flagship Akera at $54,990. Every version gets the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive as standard.

Inside, Mazda has gone minimalist. The rotary controller between the front seats is gone. In its place sits a 12.9-inch touchscreen on most grades and a 15.6-inch unit in the Akera, the largest screen Mazda has ever fitted to a production car.

The bit that could cost Mazda sales

The key question for fuel-conscious buyers is hybrid availability. Mazda has confirmed that a hybrid powertrain is planned for the CX-5, although final timing for Australia has not yet been announced. For buyers who want a new CX-5 now, the launch range is petrol only, so it is worth weighing up your expected kilometres, fuel budget, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Mazda’s official CX-5 global reveal confirms a hybrid powertrain will be announced for Australia at a later date.

Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Nissan X-Trail e-Power are sitting in showrooms right now, offering fuel figures the CX-5 simply can’t match.

For families juggling school runs and weekend trips, that difference shows up on the fuel receipt every week. It’s the one genuine weakness in an otherwise strong package.

The Mazda 6e is a different kind of Mazda.

The Mazda 6e is Mazda Australia’s first mainstream electric vehicle, offering a new kind of choice for the brand’s line-up. It’s a five-door electric hatchback with a rear-wheel-drive motor, a 78 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, and a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 560 km. Mazda says it can charge from 30 to 80 per cent in as little as 15 minutes under suitable fast-charging conditions.

The 6e is the result of Mazda’s long-running collaboration with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. For Australian buyers, the more relevant question is how the car will fit into real-world ownership. That means considering charging access, battery warranty, servicing support, and likely resale demand before signing on the dotted line. See Mazda Australia’s Mazda 6e launch announcement, pricing, and specifications.

Whether the Mazda name alone is enough to carry a China-built EV into the hearts of traditional Mazda buyers is the big question for the next few years.

Now the part nobody in a showroom wants to discuss

Depreciation.

The CX-5 has historically been one of the safer bets in the medium SUV class for holding value. Strong demand, a reputation for reliability, and a shortage of used stock have all helped. There’s a good case that the new generation continues that pattern, especially since the mechanical package is largely carried over—and therefore well understood by mechanics.

Electric sedans are a different story. EVs in Australia have generally depreciated faster than petrol equivalents, and a sharp launch price means used values start from a lower base. Add battery health into the equation, and the 6e becomes much harder to value confidently in three or four years.

None of this makes the 6e a bad buy. It makes it a car you buy with your eyes open.

What this means is if you are shopping used

This is where things get interesting for anyone browsing car sales listings in 2028 or 2029.

You’ll be weighing two very different used propositions wearing the same badge. A third-generation CX-5 with a familiar petrol engine and a solid service history is a fairly readable purchase. A used 6e is different: the single most expensive component, the battery, can’t be assessed by eye.

In both cases, the paperwork tells you more than the paint. Before you hand over a deposit on any Mazda, new to you or otherwise, check the car’s available history carefully. An official PPSR search can help identify recorded security interests, stolen status, and written-off status. It is also wise to compare the odometer with service records, registration documents, and any available inspection history.

That’s the whole reason carsDNA.com exists. A vehicle history report takes minutes and costs a fraction of what a hidden problem will cost you later. Know a car's past before you make it yours.

Mazda specifications, pricing, availability, and claimed driving range can change. Before making a purchase decision, check the latest information directly with Mazda Australia’s Next Gen CX 5 page and the Mazda 6e page. For any used vehicle purchase, an official PPSR vehicle search can help identify whether a vehicle is recorded as having a security interest or may be recorded as stolen or written off.

The verdict so far

Mazda is trying to do two things at once, and they pull in opposite directions.

The CX-5 is the safe, sensible, proven choice that many Australian families will keep buying without much drama, held back only by the missing hybrid. The 6e is the risk, the pivot, the attempt to stay relevant in a market where affordable EVs are arriving from every direction.

If your priority is a car that will still be worth something and still be easy to fix in eight years, the CX-5 remains the more conservative pick. If you want the tech, the running cost savings, and the quiet drive, the 6e is genuinely well priced for what it offers, provided you accept the value curve might be steeper.

Either way, do your homework on the individual car in front of you. A great model with a bad history is still a bad buy.

Interested in the full picture on any Mazda you are considering? Run a vehicle history check at carsDNA.com before you commit.

Sources

• Mazda Australia: Next Generation Mazda CX-5
• Mazda Australia: Next Generation Mazda CX 5 specifications and pricing
• Mazda Australia: All-New Mazda CX 5 Global Reveal
• Mazda Australia: All-Electric Mazda 6e

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is new about the next generation Mazda CX-5?

The next-generation Mazda CX-5 is larger, roomier, and more advanced than the outgoing model. It offers improved rear seat space, a bigger boot, updated safety technology, and a more modern interior with a large central touchscreen. At launch, Australian models are expected to use a 2.5-litre petrol engine with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

2. Will the new Mazda CX-5 be available as a hybrid?

Yes. Mazda is developing a hybrid powertrain for the new CX-5, but it is not expected to arrive in Australia immediately. Buyers looking for better fuel economy may need to wait; current alternatives include hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Nissan X Trail.

3. What is the Mazda 6e?

The Mazda 6e is a fully electric sedan designed for drivers who want lower running costs, quiet performance, and the convenience of home charging. It represents a major shift for Mazda, combining the brand’s familiar design approach with an EV platform developed through its partnership with Changan.

4. Is the Mazda 6e a reliable choice for Australian buyers?

It’s too early to judge the long-term reliability of the Mazda 6e with complete confidence, as it’s a new model for the Australian market. Buyers should look closely at the warranty and battery coverage, servicing requirements, and the availability of local dealer support. A vehicle history check will also be important once used examples begin appearing on the market.

5. Which Mazda is likely to hold its value better, the CX-5 or the 6e?

The CX-5 is likely the safer choice if you’re concerned about depreciation, thanks to its established reputation, strong demand, and familiar petrol powertrain. The Mazda 6e may offer lower running costs, but EVs can be harder to value on the used market. Before buying either model, check its history, ownership records, accident history, and odometer details with carsDNA.com.