Mazda recently added a new compact SUV to its lineup with the CX-50 in 2023, but it didn’t drop the longer-running CX-5. It has remained on sale, receiving new technology and safety features to keep it current, and it’s due for a complete overhaul heading into the 2026 model year.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Mazda CX-5
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Mazda CX-5
Mazda completely redesigned the CX-5 for 2026, giving it a new look closer in line with the larger CX-70 and CX-90. It offers more rear legroom and cargo space than its predecessor, and Mazda finally gave the CX-5 a proper touchscreen infotainment system instead of the often-frustrating rotary dial controls.
Design
The new CX-5’s look isn’t a radical departure from the clean styling we’ve seen for years, and Mazda says the crossover features an evolution of its Kodo design philosophy. A new grille highlights a wider-looking front end, and the front LED lighting elements have taken on a sharper design. A new “MAZDA” lettered logo replaces the long-running round “owl” logo on the rear liftgate.
Powertrain
Mazda plans to offer one powertrain for the CX-5 at launch, with a hybrid option available in 2027. The launch powertrain includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda hasn’t released details on the upcoming hybrid, but the specs could look similar to the recently released CX-50 Hybrid, which uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a trio of electric motors that make a combined 219 horsepower.
Interior
Mazda enlarged the CX-5’s door openings to make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle, as well as maneuver larger car seats. The SUV also gained more rear head, knee, and leg room, which Mazda says lets rear passengers stretch out comfortably. We don’t have exact cargo specifications for the 2026 CX-5, but the space has increased by two inches in length and an inch in height.
Technology
The new CX-5 is available with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest display Mazda has ever offered. It will run a new interface that Mazda designed to be more smartphone-like. Base touchscreen dimensions are not yet available.
Safety
The Mazda CX-5 earned Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for several years until 2023, and the automaker hopes improvements it made for 2026 will return the SUV to the awards list. Mazda promises “several new” driver-assistance technologies, but has not yet released a full list of standard features. The 2026 CX-5 is expected to feature advanced technologies, including forward collision warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, and more.
Pricing and Release Date
As of the time of this writing, pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is not available. It will likely be slightly more expensive than its predecessor, which started at $30,265, including a $1,495 destination charge. The gas-powered SUV will launch later in 2025 as a 2026 model, while the CX-5 Hybrid will arrive as a 2027 model, likely in late 2026.