2026 Mazda CX-5 Revealed

[OneLonelyBurrito]

Mazda just revealed the updated CX-5.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a65351814/2026-mazda-cx-5-revealed/

Exterior looks like a nice evolution over the current CX-5. It's exterior dimensions will be larger than the current gen, hopefully improving the interior cargo room and passenger space.

Interior looks like a mixed bag. I personally don't like that they are eliminated all the physical controls and went with a touch screen. I was hoping for something like the CX-70/90.

Powertrain wise, it looks like it will start with the 2.5 N/A with the 6-speed for the first model year as the turbo won't be available either initially or maybe ever. But for 2027, a Mazda developed hybrid will be available. As-good as I think the Mazda 6-speed automatic is, I do think the 2.5 N/A engine would benefit from having an extra gear or two. That is at least my thoughts from owning the CX-50.

 

[Dave Hess]

Looks very nice. I’m not to crazy about big screen on dash.

Yes, it needs another gear for highway fuel economy.

 

[JoelB]

I like the old front end more. Looks kind of alien now. Actually kind of looks like an over done Chinese copy of a CX5 from the front.

 

[Kira]

Looks like a facelift to me.
Screens = an overly delicate way to switch things on and off.

 

[HemiBenny]

I'm not a fan of the giant touchscreen, but I like the subtle design change. I also like that they've stuck with a reliable engine/transmission combo. (As reliable as any manufacturer can get these days)

 

[BobsArmory]

I much prefer a screen that is integrated rather than just slapping an Ipad on the dash. It just looks like designers were told not to spend much time or money on it.

 

[Propflux01]

As a current CX 5 owner, the longer wheelbase and length is a needed plus. As is the longer middle armrest. Not too sure on the screen. The ommittance of the turbo is an instant turn off for me. Currently, the turbo puts just the right amount of power. I don’t care for hybrids as most are pretty worthless on the highway, and only excellent in city driving. I can’t tell if the seating has been improved, a common complaint for American drivers. The interior as a whole (at least on the model pictured) looks a bit cheaper, and more CX-50-ish. The removal of the rear logo for letters seems to match the latest trend in vehicles. Over all, it looks like a modified CX-50. It will be interesting to see one in real life.

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

I’m disappointed they made it bigger. Why? It was fine the way it was. They have the CX-50 and CX-70. This leaves a gap between the CX-30 and the larger SUVs.

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.

 

[Urshurak776]

The entertainment system on Mazdas has been atrocious. We own two of them and HATE the screen and connectivity. It's buggy, glitchy and just doesn't work sometimes. By far our biggest complaint. Not a huge fan of the big screen on this, but if it improves on what they had before, score.

 

[Rand]

My 2.2cents.
Eh the 6 speed was one of the best automatics.. once you get past that(more gears.. they can be shift happy..
and shift multiple times every little hill.

The MIL's 2013 equinox with the 2.4 Ecotech and 6speed is a champ put 4 people and luggage in it and very rarely downshifts out of 6th at 70mph.
maybe on the biggest hills..
vs ZF-9 equipped 2017 cherokee 3.2L that had significantly more power yet would drop 4-5 gears on not so big hills
the 2019 cherokee with the turbo 2.0 was a little better but still shifted much more than the equinox.. and yet never used 9th gear.

With turbo engine torque an 8speed would definitely provide more fuel economy, but in a NA 4 banger with limited torque the 6 speed is a much better driving experience

 

[Finklejag]

Yawn

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

The entertainment system on Mazdas has been atrocious. We own two of them and HATE the screen and connectivity. It's buggy, glitchy and just doesn't work sometimes. By far our biggest complaint. Not a huge fan of the big screen on this, but if it improves on what they had before, score.

My 2024 works fine. Weird.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Its an AWD SUV with an NA 4 cylinder? Hard pass.

 

[Propflux01]

I’m disappointed they made it bigger. Why? It was fine the way it was. They have the CX-50 and CX-70. This leaves a gap between the CX-30 and the larger SUVs.

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.

It needed it, to be honest. It will definitely make the ride a bit less bouncy, and it will match the rivals in its class, like the rav4, Tucson, etc. I really noticed the drop in room when I went from my Tucson to the cx5. Bad thing is I’m reading from other sources the turbo is gone, and the rear suspension is now the torsion bar setup. No more IRS. That’s a big turn off for me.

 

[Rand]

It needed it, to be honest. It will definitely make the ride a bit less bouncy, and it will match the rivals in its class, like the rav4, Tucson, etc. I really noticed the drop in room when I went from my Tucson to the cx5. Bad thing is I’m reading from other sources the turbo is gone, and the rear suspension is now the torsion bar setup. No more IRS. That’s a big turn off for me.

dont forget a price increase while cheapening.

I just saw some new tucson for 44k ouch. I mean they are decent but 44k? is 44k the new 30k?

As far as the size 185 is probably not to big IMO.
I noticed the 9" difference from the forester(183") to the outback(192"), but its still ok and TONS of room in the hatchback area.
now going upto a cx-70/90 with 202" ouch.

We need the cx-60 from UK,

smaller than cx-70 but same running gear.(I-6 turbo, etc)
I'd buy that in a minute esp. since they have worked out some of the in house transmission issues.

 

[Reggaemon]

Mazda just took their best seller and ruined it.

 

[stormgol]

still made in Japan. there's that. hopefully they have more powerful engine options. but they are definitely going full mainstream with the CX-5. i doubt it will have driving prowess like my 2024 Signature trim. Mazda has to stay competitive to survive. and as a mainstream car manufacturer, it means to try to appeal to more consumers, which mean all the qualities i liked about Mazda are all quietly going away.

the average consumer d'ont care about sharp steering or rear multilink independent suspension that is tuned to have firm ride. or a simplistic clean and classy analog interior. i fear we may have lost the last true driving enthusiast mainstream suv on the market. it's going to be just another vanilla suv. i usually d'ont keep my vehicles a long time, but i might keep my 2024 for a very long time. since there might not be anything comparable ever in this segment.

 

[I<3oil]

Looks decent except the stepped headlights. Reminds me of the newer Nissan rogue. Ugh gross

 

[Danno]

The least amount of content on a significant refresh I have seen in a long time.
Mazda mailed it in and it got lost by USPS.
Some photoshopped pictures, nothing firm on powertrains, just a terrible "launch" imo.
For a product in customer hands in 2027, I'm unsure what they are doing.

 

[Propflux01]

dont forget a price increase while cheapening.

I just saw some new tucson for 44k ouch. I mean they are decent but 44k? is 44k the new 30k?

As far as the size 185 is probably not to big IMO.
I noticed the 9" difference from the forester(183") to the outback(192"), but its still ok and TONS of room in the hatchback area.
now going upto a cx-70/90 with 202" ouch.

We need the cx-60 from UK,

smaller than cx-70 but same running gear.(I-6 turbo, etc)
I'd buy that in a minute esp. since they have worked out some of the in house transmission issues.

If you saw a $44k Tucson then it was top trim. You can’t compare it with a lower end cx5. When I bought my 2024 signature cx5, the top trim Tucson was pretty close in price. What sold me on the cx5 over a several decades Hyundai owner was the turbo. It has just the right amount of power that I’m not screaming RPMs for 20 seconds getting on the interstate. But I’ll tell ya, I do miss the 6” less that the cx5 has than the Tucson.
I think Mazda has tried to strike a balance between the other cx models to cut costs, and incorporate a vehicle in line with their other offerings. I don’t think it’s going to go over all that well.

Now if they would put a turbo in that Tucson…..