Japanese automaker Mazda has globally unveiled the 2026 CX-5. This new generation boasts a refreshed exterior, a more spacious interior, fewer buttons, and a new hybrid powertrain option.

Maintaining a sense of familiarity, Mazda has retained much of the current CX-5’s exterior design, with overall proportions remaining largely unchanged. The most noticeable difference lies in the front fascia, which adopts a similar style to the CX-6e electric vehicle. The redesigned cabin significantly reduces the number of traditional buttons on the dashboard, replacing them with a large central control screen.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes its global debut. Photo: Mazda

The new CX-5 has increased dimensions compared to the previous version.

The CX-5 sports a new look.

The 2026 CX-5 is equipped with the same SkyActiv-G 2.5 gasoline engine as the previous model, with a hybrid powertrain to be added in 2027.

The front retains Mazda's signature design.

The grille has been subtly refined, and the headlights are new.

The rear bumper has been redesigned, and the traditional logo has been replaced with the Mazda name on the tailgate.

New LED taillights.

The new CX-5 will be on sale from early 2026.

The 2026 CX-5’s updated appearance is immediately recognizable. The signature Mazda "Signature Wing" grille is flanked by sleek, wraparound LED headlights. The front bumper features a sportier design with sharp air intakes. Pronounced character lines run along the sides of the vehicle, accented by side cladding and wheel arches.

The rear features slim new LED taillights, and the tailgate now displays "MAZDA" instead of the previous logo. Dual exhaust outlets and gloss black accents on the rear bumper complete the look. 19-inch wheels are available as an option.

Beyond the design changes, Mazda has also increased the CX-5’s dimensions. The 2026 model measures 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,695 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. This represents a 140 mm increase in length, 20 mm in width, 15 mm in height, and 115 mm in wheelbase compared to the previous model.

The increased length allows for wider-opening doors, improving ease of entry and exit, a previous shortcoming. Mazda promises that the new CX-5 will have one of the most spacious rear seats in its segment. Cargo space also benefits from the increased length, with a wider and lower tailgate for easier loading, nearly 53 mm of additional cargo length, and 25 mm of added cargo height.

While Mazda hasn't revealed full interior details, images show a tiered dashboard with a 15.6-inch infotainment system featuring integrated Google Maps and Google Play. Notably, the reduction in physical buttons gives the 2026 CX-5 a cleaner, more modern look. Most functions and settings are accessed through the infotainment system.

The redesigned interior of the 2026 CX-5. Photo: Mazda

The new tiered dashboard.

Sporty leather seats and a panoramic sunroof.

Redesigned steering wheel and new digital instrument cluster.

New 15.6-inch infotainment screen.

Redesigned gear lever with fewer physical buttons.

The steering wheel now features the Mazda name instead of the logo.

According to Carscoops, the new C-segment SUV will likely feature a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The redesigned steering wheel features the Mazda name instead of the logo. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option.

The 2026 CX-5 retains the previous model’s SkyActiv-G 2.5 engine, producing 187 horsepower and 252 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. In early 2027, Mazda will introduce a new hybrid powertrain called SkyActiv-Z.

Mazda promises a robust suite of driver-assistance features for the 2026 CX-5, including new options as part of its latest ADAS system.

The Mazda CX-5 2026 is scheduled to go on sale in early 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to the launch date. The CX-5 competes with the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Ford Territory.

Minh Vu