Toyota RAV4 toppler: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid takes shape but does the Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage and GWM Haval H6 rival have what it takes to be Australia's best-selling SUV?

With its continued success on the sales charts as a noble Toyota RAV4 Hybrid challenger, the Mazda CX-5 has managed to mask its age well.

In its current form, the second-generation model has been on sale in Australia since March 2017, making it the second oldest model in the hotly contested medium SUV segment behind the Renault Koleos.

So, as you’d expect, rumours about what its prospective successor will look like, and whether or not it will be up to the task of dethroning the RAV4 as Australia’s best-selling SUV, have been swirling.

The latest of those rumours come by way of Japanese automotive publication BestCar, who has given us the latest idea yet at how the third-generation CX-5 could take shape.

To the likely disappointment of many, the CX-5’s predicted design isn’t as radical of a departure from the current car as some might have hoped, with it embodying much of the design language established by the first-generation model.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, however. The CX-5’s design has been tried and tested to much success, so it makes sense for Mazda not to alter the formula too much.

As such, the CX-5 has been envisioned with new, slimmer headlights, running lights and a new front grille and bumper configuration. At the rear, there will be a LED light bar, while the Mazda logo will be swapped for M-A-Z-D-A lettering, as is the case on the new 6e electric sedan.

Of course, there will be new rim designs, as envisioned here, while BestCar has predicted the CX-5 will adopt a two-tone roof design, which is an increasingly common trend on modern city cars.

More important than the design upgrades, though, is confirmation that the CX-5 will boast its own in-house developed hybrid technology.

Mazda’s hybrid patent leaks, obtained by BestCar, suggest that the CX-5 will utilise a four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with an electric generator motor and electric drive motor, as well as a high-voltage battery.

The images show the engine control module will be housed on top of the e-motor, meaning a smaller, lighter setup.

Advancements will be crucial as Toyota is already working on the next version of its ever-popular RAV4; competition from the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage isn't letting up and new Chinese entrants such as the GWM Haval H6 are proving a real headache.

We don’t know any further details yet, which includes pricing, but Mazda Australia’s local boss, Vinesh Bhindi, has said to CarsGuide previously that the new CX-5's pricing will remain in reach for most Australians.

No release date has been officially confirmed yet, but it is poised to land in Australia in early 2026 following a global reveal date at the end of this year.