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 larger footprint, refined design, more cargo space, and some serious interior tech updates. But in a move that may split opinion, the latest CX-5 also ditches nearly all its physical buttons in favor of touchscreen controls.
The CX-5 might live in the shadow of newer nameplates like the CX-50 and CX-70, but make no mistake — this is still the brand’s bread-and-butter vehicle. In fact, it helped Mazda achieve record sales last year, and this next-generation version is clearly designed to keep that momentum rolling.
One of the most noticeable changes is the size. 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 in line with popular rivals like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. That added length helps solve a few 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 company claims the second row is now among the roomiest in its class.
Cargo space also sees a bump. A wider rear hatch opening and slightly 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 new MAZDA wordmark badge stretches across the liftgate, matching the logo now found on the steering wheel. Sportier trims will ride on available 19-inch wheels.
Under the hood, the powertrain remains 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 bigger 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 ground up with electrification in mind and promises higher thermal efficiency and a broader powerband than the current Skyactiv-G engine.
Inside the cabin, things take a more dramatic turn. Front and center is a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest ever offered in a Mazda. It runs a 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 includes the traditional volume knob and Mazda’s familiar rotary controller. Instead, drivers will interact with the system via touchscreen and steering wheel buttons — the latter at least remain physical rather than touch-sensitive.
As with previous models, the new CX-5 includes a full suite of advanced safety features, and Mazda says its latest version of Advanced Driver Assistance will include a few new capabilities. Details on that front are still under wraps.
There’s no official word on pricing yet, but with the current CX-5 starting at $30,265 including destination, expect a modest price increase for the new model. A starting price in the low $32,000 range seems likely once it hits dealerships later this year.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 may not be a revolution, but it’s a thoughtfully updated SUV that builds on what people already love about it — with more space, a cleaner design, and a healthy dose of future-facing tech. Whether drivers warm up to the lack of physical controls remains to be seen, but there’s no question 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 car 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 go beyond 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 with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
