The upcoming 2026 Mazda CX-5 is more than a refreshed 2025 CX-5. A core component of the CX-5’s identity is its overall balance and driving prowess – will the ’26 be the same?
The Mazda CX-5 began production as a 2013 model and is one of Mazda’s most successful crossover SUVs. In fact, it’s one of the automaker’s best-selling vehicles – ever. As of July 2025, cumulative global sales of the Mazda CX-5 have exceeded 4.5 million units. In the United States alone, more than 1.6 million CX-5s have been sold since the model’s debut in 2012. The timing of its success was huge for Mazda; at that time, 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 basically saved the brand.
One of the reasons the CX-5 was such a hit for Mazda was based on its outstanding mix of driving performance, styling, and excellent packaging. It was the benchmark against which other crossovers in its class were measured. Even by today’s metric, very few crossovers can match or beat the CX-5’s excellent handling characteristics. Unfortunately for Mazda, there were plenty of parts of the CX-5 that needed improvement. Initially, that’s what many thought the CX-50 would address as its replacement, but (so far) that has yet to happen.
To be honest, many journalists are surprised that not only did Mazda keep and update the CX-5, they did a lot more than add a few upgrades. This means that, for the time being, the Mazda CX-5 will soldier on – despite the existence of the (similarly sized and equipped) Mazda CX-50.
What is the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
Fully redesigned for 2026, the CX-5 is about 5 inches longer and a bit (.05″) wider. Even the wheelbase stretched by 4.5 inches. That means the rear passenger room is improved, and the cargo hold is nearly two inches longer. This is huge, as the previous generation truly needed more rear passenger and cargo space. Seats, fabrics and panels all look premium, perhaps even a step up from the previous CX-5.
Mazda promises larger hatch and door openings, with a lot more space. They lowered the loading height of the rear cargo area as well. The exterior design, one of the significant controversies, is more aligned with the CX-70 and CX-90’s shape, ditching its older Kodo design for the newest Kodo (“Soul of Motion”) design ethic. However, something has happened with the front end. The headlight design looks rushed or like an afterthought. This is an unusual turn for a company like Mazda.
Kodo (心鼓動) actually means “heartbeat” in Japanese. To Mazda, it represents both the motion and the “soul” embedded in the vehicle by its creators. In the past, flowing lines and curvaceous accents presented by Mazda made their cars unique and special. The exterior of the new CX-5 may or may not have retained that design language. Time and consumer feedback will determine that.
Infotainment gets overhauled with an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, and there are seven ambient interior lighting color choices. A standard 12.9-inch screen will be available in lower trims. Mazda says the console-mounted knob used to control the Mazda Connect infotainment system has been eliminated. The Google-based infotainment software completely replaces it. Not only that, Mazda is getting rid of a majority of the control buttons on the dashboard for screen-based buttons.
Powertrains and future powertrains
For now, the powertrain seems to remain the same. The standard 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine carries over to the new 2026 CX-5 for launch. It’s bolted to Mazda’s ubiquitous six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). We don’t know for sure if a front-wheel drive (FWD) model will be available. We do know that Mazda will be softening the suspension a tad, but will include an automatic dampener system to assist with performance.
Mazda says a hybrid will debut in the 2027 model CX-5. They also say the CX-5’s hybrid setup will be developed in-house by Mazda. No word if Mazda will continue the popular 2.5-liter turbo (which currently makes 256 hp) with this newest model. I suspect the hybrid will be fairly powerful, and it might mitigate the desire for turbocharged horsepower. Fuel mileage is another unknown.
Final thoughts
As I said, there’s a lot more going on than just a beauty tweak here and there. There’s little doubt that Mazda is aiming to silence critics of the previous-generation Mazda CX-5 with this 2026 model. It is larger, has more space, luxury and utility; but at what cost? We know for sure there will be a price increase, and there are some who feel the larger size and softer suspension might diminish its performance. It might weigh more, which could also impact performance. Still, there’s more to the 2026 Mazda CX-5, and we can’t wait to find out.
