The upcoming 2026 Mazda CX-5 is greater than a refreshed 2025 CX-5. A core element of the CX-5’s identification is its general stability and driving prowess – will the ’26 be the identical?
The Mazda CX-5 started manufacturing as a 2013 mannequin and is one among Mazda’s most profitable crossover SUVs. The truth is, it’s one of many automaker’s best-selling autos – ever. As of July 2025, cumulative international gross sales of the Mazda CX-5 have exceeded 4.5 million items. In the USA alone, greater than 1.6 million CX-5s have been offered because the mannequin’s debut in 2012. The timing of its success was enormous for Mazda; at the moment, the partnership with Ford had withered away. Ford’s departure from the Mazda partnership (which lasted about 40 years) left the small automaker wounded. The CX-5 principally saved the model.
One of many causes the CX-5 was such a success for Mazda was based mostly on its excellent mixture of driving efficiency, styling, and wonderful packaging. It was the benchmark in opposition to which different crossovers in its class had been measured. Even by right now’s metric, only a few crossovers can match or beat the CX-5’s wonderful dealing with traits. Sadly for Mazda, there have been loads of components of the CX-5 that wanted enchancment. Initially, that’s what many thought the CX-50 would deal with as its alternative, however (up to now) that has but to occur.
To be trustworthy, many journalists are shocked that not solely did Mazda preserve and replace the CX-5, they did much more than add a number of upgrades. Because of this, in the meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 will soldier on – regardless of the existence of the (equally sized and geared up) Mazda CX-50.
What’s the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
Totally redesigned for 2026, the CX-5 is about 5 inches longer and a bit (.05″) wider. Even the wheelbase stretched by 4.5 inches. Meaning the rear passenger room is improved, and the cargo maintain is sort of two inches longer. That is enormous, because the earlier technology really wanted extra rear passenger and cargo area. Seats, materials and panels all look premium, maybe even a step up from the earlier CX-5.
Mazda guarantees bigger hatch and door openings, with much more area. They lowered the loading top of the rear cargo space as nicely. The outside design, one of many vital controversies, is extra aligned with the CX-70 and CX-90’s form, ditching its older Kodo design for the most recent Kodo (“Soul of Movement”) design ethic. Nonetheless, one thing has occurred with the entrance finish. The headlight design seems to be rushed or like an afterthought. That is an uncommon flip for a corporation like Mazda.
Kodo (心鼓動) really means “heartbeat” in Japanese. To Mazda, it represents each the movement and the “soul” embedded within the car by its creators. Up to now, flowing strains and curvaceous accents offered by Mazda made their vehicles distinctive and particular. The outside of the brand new CX-5 might or might not have retained that design language. Time and shopper suggestions will decide that.
Infotainment will get overhauled with an out there 15.6-inch touchscreen, and there are seven ambient inside lighting colour decisions. A normal 12.9-inch display will probably be out there in decrease trims. Mazda says the console-mounted knob used to manage the Mazda Join infotainment system has been eradicated. The Google-based infotainment software program utterly replaces it. Not solely that, Mazda is eliminating a majority of the management buttons on the dashboard for screen-based buttons.
Powertrains and future powertrains
For now, the powertrain appears to stay the identical. The usual 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine carries over to the brand new 2026 CX-5 for launch. It’s bolted to Mazda’s ubiquitous six-speed computerized transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). We don’t know for certain if a front-wheel drive (FWD) mannequin will probably be out there. We do know that Mazda will probably be softening the suspension a tad, however will embrace an computerized dampener system to help with efficiency.
Mazda says a hybrid will debut within the 2027 mannequin CX-5. Additionally they say the CX-5’s hybrid setup will probably be developed in-house by Mazda. No phrase if Mazda will proceed the favored 2.5-liter turbo (which at present makes 256 hp) with this latest mannequin. I think the hybrid will probably be pretty highly effective, and it would mitigate the need for turbocharged horsepower. Gasoline mileage is one other unknown.
Last ideas
As I stated, there’s much more occurring than only a magnificence tweak right here and there. There’s little doubt that Mazda is aiming to silence critics of the previous-generation Mazda CX-5 with this 2026 mannequin. It’s bigger, has extra space, luxurious and utility; however at what value? We all know for certain there will probably be a value improve, and there are some who really feel the bigger dimension and softer suspension would possibly diminish its efficiency. It would weigh extra, which may additionally impression efficiency. Nonetheless, there’s extra to the 2026 Mazda CX-5, and we are able to’t wait to search out out.
