Mazda CX-5 2026 ; The Mazda CX-5 has earned a well-earned reputation for bringing driving fun to the practical and reliable compact SUV segment. The new 2026 CX-5 is expected to retain that same experience, alleviating concerns about the previous model’s cramped interior, as it’s noticeably longer and slightly wider than the previous model. That means more legroom and headroom for rear occupants and more cargo space; even the doors will be larger, Mazda says. The new CX-5 will have a carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive; Mazda says a hybrid is also coming by 2027, but it hasn’t confirmed it yet.
Primary specifications (European specification model) Mazda CX-5 2026
| Overall dimensions (length/width/height) | 4,690mm/1,860mm/1,695mm |
| Engine | e-SKYACTIV G 2.5 (with Mazda M Hybrid) |
| Transmission | SKYACTIV-DRIVE (6-speed automatic) |
| Suspension (front/rear) | MacPherson strut/multi-link |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
2026 Mazda CX-5 unveiled: big, bold and buttonless
Don’t let the recent success of the CX-50 and CX-70 fool you—the Mazda CX-5 is still the carmaker’s bread and butter. Last year, record sales helped Mazda have the best year in the company’s history. For 2026, Mazda aims to keep up the sales momentum by giving its best-selling model its first major makeover in nearly a decade.
What’s new for 2026?
With a completely new design for 2026, the CX-5 is longer and wider, and its wheelbase has been extended by three inches. As a result, space for rear passengers is improved, and cargo space has grown by about two inches. The infotainment system has also been changed, with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a choice of seven ambient interior lighting colors available, and Mazda says the number of standard safety tech features will grow, but details have not yet been provided. Specifically, Mazda says the polarizing console-mounted knob used to control the Mazda Connect infotainment system is no longer there, as Google-based infotainment software replaces it entirely.
Price and Which Car to Buy Mazda CX-5 2026
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is expected to start at around $31,000 and go up to $37,000, depending on trim and options.
Pricing isn’t available yet, but we predict the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will be slightly more expensive than the current model. We also wouldn’t be surprised if Mazda changes up its lineup a bit or introduces a new trim to keep things interesting. Previously, the turbocharged version was our favorite, but with the future of that powertrain uncertain, we’ll have to wait until full pricing and details are available to make a firm decision.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The new 2026 CX-5 will also launch with a standard 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda says it benefits from updated tuning for better response.
the CX-5 will get a new hybrid powertrain. However, unlike the CX-50, which has a Toyota hybrid system with a 2.5-liter engine, the CX-5 will be the first Mazda car to have the brand’s new Skyactiv-Z engine, which also has its own hybrid system.
0-60 mph acceleration
The previous CX-5 with the base naturally aspirated engine hit 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. We expect the new version to perform similarly, but we’ll update this section as soon as we get a version to test.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
The second row has more leg, knee and head room, and the cargo area has grown in size, lowering the load floor. The interior also features a more modern design and better materials. We’re fans of the current model’s layout and attention to detail; although the new version has toned down some fancy parts, it still doesn’t look much different from the current model. We’ll update this space when we experience the interior of the new 2026 CX-5 firsthand.
Safety and driver assistance features
Mazda hasn’t yet released all the key details about the new 2026 CX-5’s safety and driver assistance technology, but it has said it will have several new features.
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- Warranty and maintenance coverage
- Currently, Kia and Hyundai offer better warranty coverage than Mazda, and some other automakers operating in this segment also offer free
- maintenance. We will update this section when full details about the 2026 CX-5 are available.
- Limited warranty covers up to three years or 36,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
‘This is our future direction:’ The new CX-5 will inspire all future Mazda designs
Mazda introduced its “Kodo” design language with the stunning Shinari concept in 2010. Since then, the same concept was used in every Mazda production model for the next 15 years – whether it was the Miata sports car or the CX-90 SUV.
Speaking with Mazda North America’s vice president of strategic planning, Stefan Meisterfeld, he said this updated look will inspire most Mazda products going forward.