2026 Mazda CX-5 Hits a Growth Spurt but Thankfully Stays Pretty
The compact SUV is 4.5 inches longer than before, and its roomier interior has new tech like an available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in software.
Mazda hasn't yet released pricing for the 2026 CX-5, but that will be announced before it goes on sale early next year.
Compact SUVs are America's most popular models, and the Mazda CX-5 has been one of our favorites for going on a decade. While we've certainly appreciated its attractive styling and Mazda's gorgeous Soul Red paint option, the CX-5 has remained perennially appealing because it is both uniquely satisfying to drive for its segment and feels like a luxury vehicle, despite its mainstream pricing. Making big changes to such a beloved recipe can be risky, but the time has come for the brand to improve its bestselling model for a new generation. Enter the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
An Evolved CX-5
Mazda's designers are among the best in the biz. Despite the CX-5's growth spurt, it still wears sophisticated bodywork, especially compared with overwrought competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson. The new CX-5 actually looks a lot like its predecessor, with the changes highlighted by its elongated headlights and a reshaped grille that more closely aligns with the similarly sized Mazda CX-50, as well as the larger CX-70 and three-row CX-90. The 5's taillights also take inspiration from its big sibs, but it's the first to flaunt the brand's secondary logo. "MAZDA" lettering on the rear liftgate now replaces the familiar logo that still appears on the SUV's snout. Going forward, only toddlers and illiterate folks won't know that snazzy ute in their neighbor's driveway is a Mazda.
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Mazda
What's not obvious in these photos is that the new CX-5 is a lot longer than before, as its overall length has grown by 4.5 inches, putting its overall length at around 185.6 inches. Mazda says it's about a half-inch wider too, and its wheelbase has been stretched three inches, which suggests there are now 109.2 inches between its axles. That increase is said to significantly improve passenger space and cargo volume, though Mazda hasn't yet shared any dimensions. Still, the outgoing CX-5's smaller-than-average cargo space was one of its few faults, so we welcome the change. A larger rear opening and lower lift-over height should also make it easier to load and unload groceries, luggage, or the family mutt.
When the 2026 Mazda CX-5 first reaches showrooms, the standard powertrain will be familiar, though not our favorite. The future of the outgoing CX-5's optional 256-hp turbo four (still offered in the CX-50) is up in the air, but the current 187-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is being ported over with some minor software adjustments aimed at improving its responsiveness. Along with standard all-wheel drive, the new CX-5 will feature a six-speed automatic transmission like before. We're still awaiting fuel-economy ratings, but the EPA estimates that the thriftiest 2025 CX-5 with the 2.5-liter four-pot will earn 28 mpg combined, so that might be the bogey for its successor.
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Mazda
For those hoping for a hybrid powertrain like the one that's available on the CX-50, Mazda plans to offer a CX-5 hybrid for the 2027 model year. What's with the wait? Well, this gas-electric powertrain will be different than the Toyota-sourced unit that powers the CX-50. Instead, Mazda is building this hybrid system in-house, and it's expected to be mightier and more fuel-efficient than the base engine. Stay tuned for more details on that.
Inside the New CX-5
For its third generation, the CX-5 continues to have more than just a pretty face; its interior appears to uphold its predecessor's upscale environment. The dashboard and upper parts of the doors on the likely top-of-the-line model in these images are trimmed with what looks like soft-touch materials, and they match the upholstery on the center console and seats. Mazda says the latter now features thinner headrests and concave seating surfaces. Larger door openings are said to make climbing in and out of the CX-5 easier, and the same goes for installing child car seats. If you're sitting in the second row, Mazda says you'll enjoy more headroom and legroom. The outboard back seats can also be heated, and there's a pair of USB-C ports on the back of the center console.
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Mazda
One of the biggest differences between the new and old CX-5, for better or worse, is the introduction of a bigger touchscreen infotainment system. A 12.9-inch display is standard and replaces the previous 10.3-inch unit. Every new CX-5 comes with Google built-in software, meaning the tech giant's comprehensive apps (Google Maps, Google Play, etc.) are standard fare; the same goes for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Mazda also confirmed that the CX-5's rotary controller has been scrapped, and—concerningly—it said there was a "strategic reduction of buttons." It's unclear if the smaller screen is paired with unique switchgear, but the pictures of the available 15.6-inch touchscreen don't show any physical knobs or buttons for the climate controls or audio system—volume knob, where art thou? That would be a downgrade from the outgoing system's user-friendly setup. At least the new CX-5 still has a traditional shift lever rather than a finicky push-button shifter that's become common on its competitors.
Along with a variety of specific specifications, Mazda hasn't yet said how much the new CX-5 will cost. Since it will still be imported from Japan, it could be affected by the ever-changing tariff situation. However, Stefan Meisterfeld, vice president of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations, told Car and Driver that the company will monitor the situation to make sure the 2026 CX-5's price is competitive with the rest of its classmates. We will find out more about the available trim levels and pricing details before the SUV goes on sale sometime early next year.
Eric Stafford
Managing Editor, News
Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
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