Ahead of the new Mazda CX-5’s official launch in SA, we’ve unearthed several details about the local line-up, including specifications and powertrain particulars…
- New CX-5 to arrive in South Africa in August 2026
- Local line-up to comprise 4 derivatives at launch
- Fresh Homura specification set to top the portfolio
- “Recalibrated” 2.5-litre petrol mill to make 132 kW
The new Mazda CX-5 is scheduled to launch in South Africa in August 2026, but Cars.co.za has managed to unearth details of the local line-up ahead of this 3rd-generation model’s official market introduction.
To refresh your memory, the KM-series CX-5 was revealed in July 2025, featuring evolved exterior styling, larger dimensions and extra cabin (and luggage) space. The new CX-5 furthermore gains a completely redesigned interior, including fresh touchscreen options.
So, what do we know about the local line-up? Well, according to our information, the new CX-5 portfolio in South Africa will comprise 4 derivatives at launch. The Japanese brand’s local division will offer its familiar Active, Dynamic and Individual grades, along with a new “Homura” flagship specification:
- CX-5 2.5 Active 6AT FWD
- CX-5 2.5 Dynamic 6AT FWD
- CX-5 2.5 Individual 6AT AWD
- CX-5 2.5 Homura 6AT AWD
All SA-spec variants will feature a “recalibrated” version of Mazda’s naturally aspirated 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which here generates peak outputs of 132 kW and 240 Nm. A 6-speed automatic transmission will ship standard, with Mazda Southern Africa offering both front- (Active and Dynamic) and all-wheel-drive (Individual and Homura) derivatives.
As a reminder, the outgoing KF-series CX-5 employs a likewise atmospheric 2.0-litre petrol engine offering 121 kW and 213 Nm. That 3-strong line-up (topped by the Carbon Edition) currently has pricing bookends of R570 500 and R688 400. Though Mazda Southern Africa has yet to announce pricing for the new CX-5, our information suggests the range will again start at under R600 000.
We expect the entry-level Active grade to include features like a reverse-view camera, automatic LED headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, an 8-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging, parking sensors (front and rear), tyre-pressure monitoring, black fabric upholstery, grey 17-inch alloy wheels and an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) package.
Meanwhile, the Dynamic specification will upgrade to faux-leather upholstery (in a black-and-white colour combination), 8-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat (including a memory function), a head-up display (projected onto the windscreen), a memory function for the side mirrors, a powered tailgate, roof rails and black-and-silver 19-inch alloys.
According to our information, the Individual grade will boast black 19-inch rims, black leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a 360-degree camera system, 6-way power adjustment for the front-passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlamps, an “off-road” driving mode, piano-black exterior trim and a few extra ADAS functions.
Finally, the range-topping Homura trim level will seemingly be set apart by tan-and-black leather upholstery (as pictured here), a 15.5-inch touchscreen system, a hands-free function for the powered tailgate, paddle-shifters, heated seats (front and rear), a heated steering wheel and what Mazda terms a “driver personalisation system”.
We expect the new Mazda CX-5 to be available in South Africa in a choice of 7 exterior paint colours, including the Japanese brand’s signature Soul Crystal Red Metallic. The colour palette will also feature Navy Blue Mica, Rhodium White Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Machine Grey Metallic, Polymetal Grey Metallic and Aerogrey Metallic.
As a reminder, the 2nd-gen CX-5 has been around since 2017 but remains Mazda Southern Africa’s best-selling model. In 2024, for instance, 1 218 units were registered in Mzansi, a figure that increased marginally to 1 242 units in 2025. A further 599 examples were sold locally in the first half of 2026.
Interestingly, the local CX-5 line-up was rationalised from 6 to 3 derivatives back in February 2024, with both the 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine (140 kW and 450 Nm) and the 2.5-litre petrol mill (which back then made 143 kW and 258 Nm) removed from the range, leaving only the aforementioned 2.0-litre petrol motor.
Find a used Mazda CX-5 on Cars.co.za!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When will the new 3rd-generation Mazda CX-5 launch in South Africa, and how many variants will be available?
A: The new 3rd-generation (KM-series) Mazda CX-5 is scheduled to launch in South Africa in August 2026. According to Cars.co.za, the local line-up will consist of 4 derivatives across four trim levels: Active (FWD), Dynamic (FWD), Individual (AWD) and a new flagship Homura grade (AWD).
Q: What engine and transmission power the new South African-spec Mazda CX-5?
A: All South African derivatives will feature a recalibrated naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 132 kW and 240 Nm of torque. This unit is paired with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.
Q: What key features distinguish the top-spec Homura grade from the rest of the CX-5 range?
A: According to Cars.co.za, the range-topping Homura model is set apart by exclusive tan-and-black leather upholstery, a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, hands-free power tailgate operation, steering wheel paddle shifters, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and Mazda’s driver personalisation system.
Related content
Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition (2026) Review
