The 2026 Mazda CX-5 might not look it, but it will be almost entirely new. The third generation of Mazda’s compact crossover will wear a familiar face and debut with a familiar engine. But under the skin, it’s larger and longer.
The new CX-5 will also get a new infotainment system with a bigger screen and without the company’s traditional control dial.
2026 CX-5 Should Have Much More Space
Mazda’s design has stayed consistent for a few generations now, and the CX-5 doesn’t rock that boat. The 2026 Mazda CX-5’s nose is almost identical to the old one, though the brand says it is “more chiseled” and “wider-set.” There are some detail changes, like headlights that run further into the fender, but it’s clearly a Mazda.
Along the sides, the CX-5 is smoother than before, almost slab-sided. It’s a look it shares with the full-size CX-70 and CX-90, and that look carries into the very upright tail.
Underneath, the CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer overall. The extra car is entirely inside the wheelbase, which means it will directly translate to more passenger space. And, Mazda says it has an extra 2 inches of cargo space.
The new CX-5 is also half an inch wider for a bit more elbow room. Mazda says the door openings are bigger than before, which should solve a common complaint.
The new dimensions put it just slightly smaller than Mazda’s own CX-50. It’s quite close in length, but the CX-50 is more than 2 inches wider. So there will still be some differentiation. But the new CX-5 will be closer in size to the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue than it was before.
Bigger Screens & No Buttons Mark End of Control Dial
Instead of Mazda’s small screens mounted way up in the dash, the new CX-5 gets more conventionally mounted touchscreens. The system now uses Google built-in for more apps instead of Mazda’s own (dated) system, and it (sadly) replaces most of the old buttons with touchscreen buttons. The available 15.6-inch center screen is the largest Mazda has ever put in a vehicle.
At launch, the 2026 CX-5 will get the 2.5L four that’s under the hood of the current model. It makes 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. And it will have a familiar six-speed automatic.
For 2027, Mazda will add a SkyActiv-Z engine with Mazda’s own hybrid system (the CX-50 uses a Toyota system) that it promises will deliver better fuel economy and better performance. The powerful 2.5L turbo-four is dead.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Expected on Sale Soon
Expect the 2026 Mazda CX-5 to go on sale in Europe later this year and to arrive in the U.S. early in 2026. No word on pricing, but the current model starts from $28,770 plus destination. This one will probably crest $30,000 to start.
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