Quick Read
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gets a full redesign with a larger frame and upgraded interior.
- It features a bold new design with a 4.5-inch longer body and class-leading rear legroom.
- A new 15.6-inch touchscreen powered by Google built-in technology headlines the tech upgrades.
- The familiar 2.5-liter engine remains, with a hybrid option expected in 2027.
- The SUV is set to arrive in early 2026, starting around $30,000.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 marks a significant evolution for the Japanese automaker’s best-selling compact SUV. Unveiled on July 10, 2025, the third-generation CX-5 introduces a larger frame, an upgraded interior, and a bold design that retains its signature Mazda DNA. Despite these advancements, the powertrain remains unchanged, with a hybrid option only slated for a 2027 release. This redesign represents Mazda’s efforts to maintain its foothold in the highly competitive compact crossover market, where it faces stiff competition from the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue.
Design Evolution and Exterior Enhancements
The 2026 CX-5’s exterior design is a refined yet bold interpretation of Mazda’s “Kodo” design philosophy. According to MotorTrend, the SUV has grown by 4.5 inches in length, with a wheelbase that is three inches longer than its predecessor. This not only enhances its interior space but also gives the vehicle a more planted and elegant stance. The front fascia features a wider and more sculpted grille, flanked by slimmer LED headlights that exude a sharper, modern appearance. At the rear, Mazda has replaced its traditional logo with bold “MAZDA” lettering stretched across the tailgate, a design element inspired by the larger CX-70 and CX-90 models.
The SUV’s overall profile retains the familiar CX-5 silhouette but with smoother lines and a more upright tail. As noted by WardsAuto, the design takes inspiration from Japanese architecture principles like “Kigumi,” emphasizing precision and minimalism. These changes aim to position the CX-5 as both a practical urban vehicle and a capable adventurer for more rugged settings.
Interior Upgrades and Cutting-Edge Technology
Inside, the 2026 CX-5 offers a more spacious and modernized cabin. Mazda has addressed previous criticisms of limited rear legroom by extending the wheelbase, resulting in class-leading knee and legroom for second-row passengers. The cargo area has also been expanded, with a longer and taller space that improves practicality.
The centerpiece of the interior is the new 15.6-inch touchscreen—the largest ever offered by Mazda. Powered by Google built-in technology, it provides seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. A smaller 12.9-inch touchscreen serves as the standard option, both featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The rotary control knob from earlier models has been eliminated, making way for a fully touch-based interface. According to GearJunkie, the steering wheel has also been redesigned, featuring streamlined buttons for a sleeker look.
The cabin’s dual-tone color scheme and premium materials underscore Mazda’s push into more luxurious territory. Ambient lighting with seven color options and a fully digital instrument cluster add to the upscale feel, positioning the CX-5 as a bridge between mass-market and premium SUVs.
Powertrain: Familiar but Aging
Under the hood, the 2026 CX-5 retains the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, this powertrain has been a reliable staple for Mazda. However, as noted by TFLcar, this aging engine may struggle to meet the expectations of buyers increasingly seeking hybrid or more powerful alternatives.
Mazda plans to introduce an in-house hybrid powertrain in 2027, signaling a shift toward greener options. While the hybrid variant is expected to offer improved fuel efficiency and performance, its delayed arrival could put the CX-5 at a disadvantage against competitors like the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4. Additionally, the turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine, previously available, has been removed from the lineup, leaving some enthusiasts disappointed.
Market Position and Launch Timeline
The CX-5 has been Mazda’s best-selling model since its debut in 2012, with over 4.5 million units sold globally. However, sales have softened in recent years, partly due to the introduction of similar models like the CX-50. According to WardsAuto, Mazda is determined to keep both models in its lineup to maximize its share in the compact crossover segment.
The 2026 CX-5 is set to arrive in dealerships by early 2026, with pricing expected to remain competitive in the low $30,000 range. While the redesign and tech upgrades are likely to attract new buyers, the lack of a hybrid option at launch may limit its appeal in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
With its thoughtful design updates and enhanced technology, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 aims to solidify its position in a crowded segment. However, the delay in offering a hybrid variant highlights the challenges Mazda faces in adapting to a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.