With over 4.5 million units sold and 1.6 million of those in the U.S. alone, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 must fill big shoes. This best-selling compact SUV arrives with a fresh yet familiar look. Additionally, it comes with new tech and a proven powertrain found in nearly every FWD-based Mazda. Let’s take a deep dive and see what the CX-5 has in store.
2026 Mazda CX-5: Designed for Familiarity
Take a look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5, and the evolutionary design approach becomes apparent. That’s not a bad thing because Mazda’s :Kodo: Soul of Motion” philosophy remains fresh and modern. From the silhouette to the front fascia, it’s a Mazda through and through. It even inherits the LED taillight design from the larger CX-70 and CX-90. Meanwhile, the front fascia includes headlights with a distinct double C-shape pattern for its daytime running lights. In terms of size, the new CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer with a three-inch longer wheelbase, which Mazda says helps increase its cargo capacity.
The 2026 CX-5’s cabin sees the most major changes. It now includes a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In. Additionally, it retains Mazda’s distinctly clean and upscale design that screams premium, especially in the two-tone layout shown here. Moreover, Mazda has officially ditched the rotary knob and button controls for the infotainment system. Unfortunately, that means most controls now require using the touchscreen since most physical buttons are gone. The steering wheel controls also look like haptic feedback ones.
Familiar Under the Hood
At launch, the 2026 CX-5 arrives with a familiar engine. That’s the tried and true naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Mazda says it revised the engine to emphasize sharper throttle response and a more relaxed demeanor depending on how it’s being driven. It also comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD.
Mazda also intends to introduce the CX-5 Hybrid. Powered by a new hybrid powertrain based on the upcoming Skyactiv-Z engine, it promises improved power and performance while maintaining Mazda’s renowned driving dynamics. However, the turbo engine may not return anytime soon, since the company didn’t mention it in any of its press materials.
Look for the 2026 CX-5 later this year, followed by the hybrid variant in 2027.
Source: Mazda
