Mazda Australia Explains the Power and Torque Reduction in the 2026 CX-5
Mazda Australia has provided an explanation for the reduction in power and torque of the new-generation CX-5’s sole petrol engine at launch, compared to its predecessor. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is set to be released mid-year, and it will initially feature only one powertrain option – a version of the well-known ‘G25’ 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. This engine produces 132kW of power and 242Nm of torque.
This represents a decrease of 8kW and 10Nm compared to the outgoing model’s G25 motor. According to Mazda’s executive team, this change is due to Australia’s requirement for emissions systems that align with the Euro 6d standard, which came into effect late last year for new models.
While hybrid options are becoming increasingly common in the mid-size SUV segment, a CX-5 equipped with the all-new Mazda Hybrid System is not expected to launch until sometime in 2027. However, there is already an electrified version of the CX-5 available in other parts of the world. In Europe, a version of the 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with a 24V mild-hybrid system called ‘e-Skyactiv G’. This variant produces slightly less power and torque, with figures of 104kW/238Nm. Despite this, the mild-hybrid system claims to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, especially during urban and city driving.
When asked about the decision to use the non-electrified version of the carryover engine at launch, Vinesh Bhindi, Managing Director for Mazda Australia, explained that the local division felt the ‘M Hybrid’ version was “compromised” for Australian customer needs. He emphasized that for Mazda, the priority is ensuring customers experience the brand’s core values of performance and driving enjoyment.
“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.
He continued by explaining that while there are only two global options for the new CX-5 – the mild-hybrid version that has been introduced in Europe and the engine confirmed for Australia – the European market has a different regulatory approach when it comes to CO2 emissions.
“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 added.
“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 for the latest updates.
