Automotive
Mazda’s best-selling SUV just got its biggest makeover in years. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 debuts as an all-new model, boasting a bigger footprint, refined design, more cargo space, and a few serious interior tech updates. But in a move which will split opinion, the most recent CX-5 also ditches nearly all its physical buttons in favor of touchscreen controls.
The CX-5 might live within the shadow of newer nameplates just like the CX-50 and CX-70, but make no mistake — this remains to be the brand’s bread-and-butter vehicle. In truth, it helped Mazda achieve record sales last 12 months, and this next-generation version is clearly designed to maintain that momentum rolling.
Probably the most noticeable changes is the dimensions. The 2026 CX-5 grows in every direction, with a wheelbase that’s 3 inches longer and an overall length increase of 4.5 inches. Now stretching to 184.6 inches long, it’s right consistent with popular rivals just like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. That added length helps solve a number of lingering issues from the previous model, including tight door openings and limited rear legroom. Mazda hasn’t shared official interior dimensions just yet, but the corporate claims the second row is now among the many roomiest in its class.
Cargo space also sees a bump. A wider rear hatch opening and barely lower load height make it easier to load bulky items, while Mazda says the cargo area gains 2 inches in length and 1 inch in overall height.
Design-wise, the 2026 CX-5 carries forward the brand’s Kodo design language with some sharp updates. The front fascia now features stacked LED headlights, a sleeker “Wing” grille, and sculpted bumper accents that emphasize the SUV’s broader stance. Around back, the taillights have a slimmer profile, and a brand new MAZDA wordmark badge stretches across the liftgate, matching the brand now found on the steering wheel. Sportier trims will ride on available 19-inch wheels.
Under the hood, the powertrain stays familiar — for now. The 2026 model keeps the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, offering a solid if not earth-shattering driving experience.
The larger powertrain news is what’s coming next. In 2027, Mazda plans to introduce a hybrid version of the CX-5. Unlike the CX-50 hybrid, which borrows its setup from Toyota, the CX-5 will feature Mazda’s own Skyactiv-Z engine. It’s designed from the bottom up with electrification in mind and guarantees higher thermal efficiency and a broader powerband than the present Skyactiv-G engine.
Contained in the cabin, things take a more dramatic turn. Front and center is a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, the most important ever offered in a Mazda. It runs a brand new operating system with Google Built-In, giving users seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. But here’s where things may get controversial: nearly all physical buttons are gone. That features the normal volume knob and Mazda’s familiar rotary controller. As a substitute, drivers will interact with the system via touchscreen and steering wheel buttons — the latter at the least remain physical slightly than touch-sensitive.
As with previous models, the brand new CX-5 features a full suite of advanced safety features, and Mazda says its latest version of Advanced Driver Assistance will include a number of latest capabilities. Details on that front are still under wraps.
There’s no official word on pricing yet, but with the present CX-5 starting at $30,265 including destination, expect a modest price increase for the brand new model. A starting price within the low $32,000 range seems likely once it hits dealerships later this 12 months.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is probably not a revolution, nevertheless it’s a thoughtfully updated SUV that builds on what people already love about it — with more room, a cleaner design, and a healthy dose of future-facing tech. Whether drivers warm as much as the dearth of physical controls stays to be seen, but there’s absolute confidence Mazda is steering the CX-5 toward a more modern and competitive future.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a automotive enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that transcend the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design together with his skilled precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the positioning each sharp and forward-thinking.
This Article First Appeared At www.automotiveaddicts.com
