2026 Mazda CX-5 Debuts With Sharper Looks; Turbo Out, Hybrid In

Mazda’s best-seller will launch with one powertrain; in-house-developed hybrid arrives in 2027.

Mazda has pulled the wraps off the 2026 CX-5, the next generation of the brand’s best-selling SUV and model. After an initial tease last week, the Japanese brand has confirmed the third generation of the CX-5 will arrive in North America within the next 12 months, with best-in-class space and a dramatic upgrade to the in-cabin technology.

It’s a testament to Mazda’s design team that when we first saw the shadowy teasers we thought the ’26 CX-5 might just be a facelift of the existing model. After all, the CX-5 has remained so popular even after the launch of the CX-50, remaining as the only single-digit CX model. Mazda has acknowledged the CX-5’s popularity by keeping the shape of the glasshouse and rear hatch almost identical, instead tweaking the details and surfacing of the bodywork. The headlights now feature a stacked layout, which seamlessly integrates into black trim that frames the familiar grille shape. Down below, a wider lower air intake gives the new CX-5 a more planted stance. The flanks follow Mazda’s current approach of minimal body creases, save for a small diagonal line aft of the front wheel arch. Taillights similar to those on the CX-90 now frame a Mazda wordmark instead of a logo. Inside the wheel arches sit available 19-inch alloy wheels.

This evolution of the Kodo design language hides a substantial growth spurt for the CX-5: length is up 4.5 inches (114 millimeters) to 184.6 in (4,690 mm) while the wheelbase has stretched 3.0 inches (762 mm) to 109.2 inches (2,774 mm). Width also increases roughly half an inch. This makes the CX-5 still fractionally smaller than the CX-50, though Mazda hasn’t specified height: the current model stands about 2.5 in (64 mm) taller than its sibling.

The added length makes for what Mazda is calling “best-in-class rear-seat spaciousness.” Not only that, the door openings are larger, the cargo area is some two inches deeper, and there is an available panoramic sunroof to let in more natural light.

Inside, the CX-5 similarly evolves Mazda’s premium, uncluttered cabin design. There’s a distinct wraparound feel to the two-tone layout, and new seven-color ambient lighting adds a welcome accent.

Arguably the biggest change—philosophically as well as literally—is the huge available 15.6-inch central touchscreen sitting atop the dashboard. The screen runs Google Built-In, bringing with it the brand’s voice assistant as well as the Google Play Store. Say goodbye to most physical controls: climate settings are all clearly visible at the bottom of the screen. It also appears Mazda is embracing a fully digital instrument cluster. A redesigned steering wheel incorporates the new wordmark as well, along with multiple physical controls on the spokes. Mazda calls this a “strategic reduction of buttons” with the goal of keeping drivers’ hands on the steering wheel more often. We’ll see how that bears out…

Mazda is proud of the CX-5’s decade-long run as an IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ award winner, and expects the new model to continue. The brand says more driver assistance systems will arrive with the CX-5.

Under the hood is the one area where the CX-5 doesn’t evolve—at least, not yet. At launch there will be just one powertrain, the familiar 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder making 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, a single pound-foot less than the ’25 model. Power will continue to route through a six-speed automatic to a standard all-wheel drive system. Mazda does say the powertrain has been tweaked for both greater flexibility as well as a more muffled auditory experience. There is no mention of the existing turbo engine; instead, Mazda has re-confirmed that the new SkyActiv-Z engine with an in-house hybrid setup will arrive for 2027. We will be curious to see just how different it is from the Toyota-sourced setup in the CX-50.

While Mazda has not confirmed a launch window nor further details on pricing and trim levels, we expect the new model to be in dealerships within the next 12 months. We won't be surprised if it remains Mazda's best-seller, but can these third-gen improvements move it up the compact SUV sales charts? We look forward to finding out.

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