2026 Mazda CX 5 Third Generation
Table of Contents
Bigger body, bigger screens, same engine
Mazda has kept the second generation CX 5 around for years with only small updates. That finally changes. The 2026 model is a full third generation, and the focus is clear. More space, more tech, and a more modern cabin.
But the powertrain mostly stays the same, and that raises a few questions. Here is a clean breakdown of what the new CX 5 actually offers.
Engine and basic specs
Mazda keeps things simple under the hood. The new model carries over the same naturally aspirated engine from the outgoing version.
Powertrain details
2.5 litre naturally aspirated four cylinder engine
187 horsepower
186 lb ft torque
Six speed automatic transmission
Standard all wheel drive on every trim
Fuel economy: 24 city, 30 highway, 26 combined MPG
There is no turbo model this time. The previous turbocharged option is gone.
There is also no hybrid at launch. Mazda says its own in house hybrid system is coming next year, and it will debut in the CX 5.
Pricing overview
Base model starts around 29,000 dollars
Fully loaded Premium Plus starts around 39,000 dollars
That top price is still lower than many rivals, especially when compared with the highest trims of the Honda CR V and Toyota RAV4.
Exterior design
Bigger size, familiar shape
The design does not try to reinvent the wheel. It looks like a natural evolution of the old CX 5, which is not a bad thing. The older car already looked clean and upscale.
Key exterior changes
About half an inch wider than before
Total length now 184.6 inches
Around 4.5 inches longer than the previous generation
New LED headlight design with split DRL signature
17 inch wheels on base trims
19 inch wheels on higher trims
Gloss black accents on upper trims
“Mazda” lettering across the rear
The new proportions bring it closer to the larger rivals in the segment, especially the Honda CR V.
Other exterior highlights
Standard blind spot monitoring
Available power folding mirrors
Standard LED headlights
Adaptive headlights on top trims
Exposed dual exhaust outlets
Maximum towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
That tow rating is actually 500 pounds lower than before.
Interior
Major tech upgrade, mixed materials
The cabin is where the biggest changes happen. The design is very different from the previous CX 5. More screens, fewer buttons, and a more tech heavy feel.
Seat materials by trim
Base: cloth
Mid trims: suede and leatherette
Top trims: real leather with perforation
Power seats are standard on all but the base trim. Memory seats start from the mid level Preferred trim.
Cabin materials
Some areas feel premium, but not everything improved.
Padded leather armrests
Leatherette center dash section
Hard touch plastics on parts of the door and dashboard
Some panels only look like leather but are actually plastic
In short, the cabin feels solid, but some soft touch materials from the old model are gone.
Technology and screens
This is the most high tech CX 5 yet.
Driver display
10.25 inch fully digital instrument cluster
Standard on all trims
Multiple display themes
Head up display
Starts from mid level trim
Not limited to top model
Infotainment
12.9 inch touchscreen on lower trims
15.6 inch touchscreen on top trim
Largest screen in the segment
Google built in with Maps and Assistant
Google Play Store support
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Mazda also removes the old rotary controller. Everything now works through the touchscreen.
Audio
8 speaker system standard
12 speaker Bose system on higher trims
Other features
Wireless phone charger
360 degree camera on top trim
Panoramic sunroof for the first time
Rear seat space
Now in line with segment leaders
This is one of the biggest improvements.
Rear seat numbers
Nearly 40 inches of legroom
Around 39 inches of headroom with sunroof
That puts it close to the largest rivals in the class.
Rear seat features
Rear air vents on all but base trim
USB ports on higher trims
Three stage heated rear seats on Premium and above
Reclining rear seatbacks
Mazda also widened the rear door openings, making child seat installation easier.
Cargo space
Cargo capacity increases compared to the old model.
Cargo numbers
33.6 cubic feet behind rear seats
66.5 cubic feet maximum
That is about seven cubic feet more than the previous generation. It is still smaller than the CR V and RAV4, but it is larger than the CX 50.
Cargo features
40 20 40 split folding rear seats
Seat release handles in the cargo area
Spare tire under the floor
Hands free tailgate on top trim
Safety features
Mazda includes all major active safety features as standard equipment.
Higher trims add:
Traffic and cruising support
Front cross traffic alert
Lane change assist
Mazda also says the structure and software behind these systems have been updated for better performance.
Ownership details
Warranty
3 year or 36,000 mile basic warranty
5 year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty
No complimentary maintenance
Resale value
About 59.4 percent value after five years
Around 25.2 percent after ten years
Mazda’s resale value sits just behind Honda and Toyota, according to industry data.
Reliability
Mazda ranks above the industry average in most reliability studies, based on recent combined data from major research firms.
Quick verdict
What actually changed
What improved
Larger body and more rear space
Much bigger infotainment screens
Digital driver display standard
Panoramic sunroof added
More standard safety tech
What stayed the same or got worse
Same engine as before
No turbo option
No hybrid yet
Lower tow rating
Some cheaper interior materials
Final thoughts
The new CX 5 clearly focuses on space and technology. It fixes two of the biggest complaints about the old model.
But the mechanical side feels conservative. The engine is unchanged, the turbo is gone, and the hybrid is still a promise.
So the 2026 CX 5 looks more modern and more practical, but the real upgrade may arrive when the hybrid version shows up next year.
Sources and References
- Mazda Reveals All‑New 2026 CX‑5
Official North American reveal confirming the third generation model and its positioning. - All‑New MAZDA CX‑5 Debuts in Europe
Global press release outlining the new generation and market rollout plans. - 2026 Mazda CX‑5 pricing and packaging announcement
Official pricing, trim structure, and product positioning. - 2026 Mazda CX‑5 specs and trims overview
Official engine specs, torque figures, and fuel economy estimates. - 2026 Mazda CX‑5 preview on Car and Driver
Notes the launch with the non-turbo engine, standard AWD, and hybrid planned later.
2026 Mazda CX 5 FAQ
Is the 2026 Mazda CX 5 a new generation?
Yes. The 2026 model is the third generation of the CX 5. The previous generation stayed mostly unchanged since 2017, but this new one focuses on more space, more technology, and a more modern cabin.
What engine does the 2026 CX 5 use?
It uses a 2.5 litre naturally aspirated four cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound feet of torque. It is paired with a six speed automatic transmission.
Is all wheel drive standard on the new CX 5?
Yes. Every trim of the 2026 CX 5 comes with standard all wheel drive. There is no front wheel drive version.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX 5 still offer the turbo engine?
No. The turbocharged engine from the previous generation has been discontinued. The new model launches with only the naturally aspirated 2.5 litre engine.
Is there a hybrid version of the 2026 CX 5?
There is no hybrid at launch. Mazda says it is working on its own hybrid system, which is expected to arrive in the CX 5 around the next model year.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 CX 5?
The official rating is 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX 5 cost?
The base model starts at about 29,000 dollars. The fully loaded Premium Plus trim is priced around 39,000 dollars.
Is the new CX 5 bigger than before?
Yes. The third generation CX 5 is about 4.5 inches longer than the previous model and slightly wider. This gives it more rear seat space and more cargo room.
How much cargo space does the 2026 CX 5 have?
It offers 33.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. That is about seven cubic feet more than the previous generation.
What is new inside the 2026 CX 5?
The cabin gets a major technology upgrade. There is a standard digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen up to 15.6 inches, Google built in features, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and for the first time, a panoramic sunroof.
Does the new CX 5 still have physical controls?
Most functions are now controlled through the touchscreen. Mazda has removed the rotary controller and many of the traditional knobs in favor of a more screen focused layout.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 CX 5?
The maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds. This is 500 pounds lower than the previous generation.
What warranty does Mazda offer on the 2026 CX 5?
Mazda provides a 3 year or 36,000 mile basic warranty and a 5 year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Complimentary maintenance is not included.
