The upcoming 2026 Mazda CX-5 is greater than a refreshed 2025 CX-5. A core element of the CX-5’s id is its total steadiness and driving prowess – will the ’26 be the identical?
The Mazda CX-5 started manufacturing as a 2013 mannequin and is considered one of Mazda’s most profitable crossover SUVs. Actually, it’s one of many automaker’s best-selling automobiles – ever. As of July 2025, cumulative world gross sales of the Mazda CX-5 have exceeded 4.5 million items. In america alone, greater than 1.6 million CX-5s have been offered for the reason that mannequin’s debut in 2012. The timing of its success was large 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 primarily based on its excellent mixture of driving efficiency, styling, and glorious packaging. It was the benchmark towards which different crossovers in its class have been measured. Even by at this time’s metric, only a few crossovers can match or beat the CX-5’s glorious 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 handle as its alternative, however (thus far) that has but to occur.
To be trustworthy, many journalists are stunned that not solely did Mazda preserve and replace the CX-5, they did much more than add a couple 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?
Absolutely redesigned for 2026, the CX-5 is about 5 inches longer and a bit (.05″) wider. Even the wheelbase stretched by 4.5 inches. Which means the rear passenger room is improved, and the cargo maintain is sort of two inches longer. That is large, because the earlier technology really wanted extra rear passenger and cargo house. Seats, materials and panels all look premium, even perhaps a step up from the earlier CX-5.
Mazda guarantees bigger hatch and door openings, with much more house. They lowered the loading top of the rear cargo space as nicely. The outside design, one of many important controversies, is extra aligned with the CX-70 and CX-90’s form, ditching its older Kodo design for the latest 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) truly 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 traces and curvaceous accents offered by Mazda made their automobiles distinctive and particular. The outside of the brand new CX-5 could or could not have retained that design language. Time and client suggestions will decide that.
Infotainment will get overhauled with an out there 15.6-inch touchscreen, and there are seven ambient inside lighting colour selections. An ordinary 12.9-inch display might 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 fully 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 positive if a front-wheel drive (FWD) mannequin might be out there. We do know that Mazda might be softening the suspension a tad, however will embody an computerized dampener system to help with efficiency.
Mazda says a hybrid will debut within the 2027 mannequin CX-5. In addition they say the CX-5’s hybrid setup might 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 believe the hybrid might be pretty highly effective, and it’d mitigate the will for turbocharged horsepower. Gas mileage is one other unknown.
Ultimate 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 price? We all know for positive there might be a worth improve, and there are some who really feel the bigger measurement and softer suspension may diminish its efficiency. It’d weigh extra, which may additionally affect efficiency. Nonetheless, there’s extra to the 2026 Mazda CX-5, and we are able to’t wait to seek out out.
