The current generation Mazda CX-5 will be the last CX-5 to compete against the traditional SUV stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail, or even the Volkswagen Tiguan, and to a certain extent, the Proton X70 too. It will also be the last reasonably affordable family SUV from Mazda.

Come 2023, the Mazda CX-5 will be replaced by a new generation model, with its sights set on the Mercedes-Benz GLC, reports Japan’s Best Car Web.

Like the upcoming next generation 2022 Mazda 6, the all-new CX-5 will ride on an all-new rear-wheel drive platform, powered by a new straight-six engine.

Together with the all-new Mazda 6, the 2023 Mazda CX-5 is designed to lure buyers away from traditional German premium brands.

Judging by what Mazda has achieved with the latest Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-30, both of which have an interior that’s better many lower-end Mercedes-Benz and BMW models, hopes are high are for the next CX-5, just don’t expect to pay Honda CR-V level prices for it.

The straight-six engine is likely to remain naturally aspirated, with an engine capacity of up to 3-litre (2.5-litre is also possible), suggesting that the current generation CX-5’s 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder will be dropped.

By 2023, Japan would have moved on to the next phase of its CO2 emissions reduction target and the current 2.5-litre turbo will have to be retired. To comply with the latest targets, the straight six engines will feature 48V mild hybrid electrification.

The current generation Mazda CX-5 made its global debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show, before going on sale in December 2016. The model was launched in Malaysia in October 2017, as a locally-assembled model, at the Mazda Malaysia plant in Kulim.

Prices range from RM 132k for the base 2.0G model to RM 175k for the all-wheel drive 2.5G Turbo.