2026 Mazda CX 5
Table of Contents
Bigger body, new tech, same engine for now
The Mazda CX‑5 has always been the backbone of Mazda’s lineup, especially in North America where this one model alone accounts for nearly half of the brand’s total sales. That explains why the company has taken its time with the redesign. After almost a decade of the second generation, the all new third generation arrives for the 2026 model year.
Mazda has not tried to reinvent the formula. Instead, it has stretched the body, improved interior space, and finally added the kind of infotainment system buyers have been asking for. Here is a clear, practical first look at what has changed.
Engine and performance remain familiar
Under the hood, Mazda has played it safe for now. The 2026 CX 5 launches with a single engine.
Engine and drivetrain details
2.5 litre naturally aspirated Skyactiv G four cylinder
187 horsepower
186 lb ft of torque
Six speed automatic transmission
Standard i Active all wheel drive
Mazda says the engine has been retuned for smoother power delivery, but the output figures remain almost unchanged. Fuel economy stands at:
24 mpg city
30 mpg highway
That is slightly lower than the outgoing model.
Performance is not the strong point here. Mazda claims:
0 to 60 mph in about 9.6 seconds
Top speed of 116 mph
Towing capacity reduced to about 1,500 lb
If you need more power, Mazda says a new in house hybrid powertrain will arrive around the 2027 model year using the upcoming Skyactiv Z engine. No specs are available yet.
Exterior design
Evolution, not revolution
The third generation CX 5 sticks to Mazda’s familiar Kodo design language. The overall silhouette still looks like a CX 5, but the proportions have changed.
Key exterior changes
About 2.3 inches wider than before
Around 4.5 inches longer overall
Wheelbase now matches the CX 50 at 110.8 inches
Ground clearance increased to about 8.2 inches
The front end gets a revised five point grille and new stacked LED headlights. At the rear, the taillights carry a sharper design similar to newer Mazda SUVs like the CX 70 and CX 90.
Wheel options include:
17 inch alloys on lower trims
19 inch gloss black alloys on higher trims
A panoramic sunroof finally becomes available on upper trims, a feature that used to be exclusive to the CX 50.
More cargo space than before
The larger body translates directly into better practicality.
Cargo capacity
33.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats
About 66 cubic feet with seats folded
That is a noticeable increase over the previous generation and even gives it more cargo space than the CX 50, despite the CX 50 being slightly larger overall.
Interior finally gets the tech upgrade it needed
The biggest change inside the 2026 CX 5 is technology. Mazda has completely overhauled the infotainment system and digital displays.
Infotainment and screens
Standard 12.9 inch center touchscreen
Available 15.6 inch touchscreen on higher trims
Google built in system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims
The new interface supports:
Google Maps
Voice commands
YouTube
Google Play Store apps
Mazda has also introduced:
10.3 inch fully digital instrument cluster
Head up display on top trims
Available 12 speaker Bose audio system
One noticeable change is the removal of physical knobs. Many functions now sit inside the touchscreen, including seat heating and ventilation.
Seat comfort and cabin layout
Mazda has redesigned the seats with a new structure and softer padding. Higher trims get:
Heated and ventilated front seats
10 way power driver seat with memory
Two tone leather upholstery
Rear seat space has also improved.
Rear seat highlights
Around 39.9 inches of rear legroom
Reclining rear seats
Rear air vents and USB C ports
Heated rear seats on higher trims
Mazda says the new model targets young families, and the added rear space supports that goal.
Key features by trim
Base 2.5 S
Cloth seats
Wired Apple CarPlay
Standard AWD
Select and Preferred trims
Wireless smartphone connectivity
Power liftgate
More comfort features
Premium trim
Ventilated front seats
Panoramic sunroof
Bose audio
Premium Plus
360 degree camera
Head up display
Top interior materials
Pricing and availability
Mazda has increased prices slightly, but the jump is not dramatic.
Starting prices
Base 2.5 S: about 29,990 dollars
Select: roughly 2,000 dollars more
Premium: around 36,000 dollars
Premium Plus: about 38,990 dollars
A fully equipped Premium Plus with options crosses the 41,000 dollar mark.
Dealership arrivals are expected soon after launch.
Quick specifications
| Category | 2026 Mazda CX 5 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L NA four cylinder |
| Power | 187 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb ft |
| Transmission | 6 speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard AWD |
| 0 to 60 mph | 9.6 seconds |
| Cargo space | Up to 66 cu ft |
| Base price | $29,990 |
Final thoughts
The 2026 CX 5 does not try to be dramatic. Mazda has kept the design familiar, the engine familiar, and the driving formula familiar. The real upgrades happen where buyers actually complained.
You get more space, a proper modern infotainment system, bigger screens, and more family friendly practicality. The hybrid version arriving in 2027 will likely be the real turning point for performance and efficiency.
For now, the new CX 5 feels like a careful, logical evolution of Mazda’s most important model rather than a radical reset. And honestly, that is probably exactly what its core buyers wanted.
Sources and References
The information in this article is based on the following primary and supporting sources:
- 2026 Mazda CX‑5 official vehicle page
Official Mazda product page with engine specs, features, and basic technical details for the 2026 model. - Mazda announces pricing for the all‑new 2026 CX‑5
Official press release confirming starting price, trim structure, and improvements in rear seat and cargo space. - Mazda global reveal of the third‑generation CX‑5
International reveal announcement describing the new design direction and global launch timeline. - Car and Driver: 2026 Mazda CX‑5 overview
Independent automotive publication summary noting the larger body, improved interior space, and new 15.6 inch infotainment screen.
2026 Mazda CX 5 FAQs
Is the 2026 Mazda CX 5 a completely new model?
Yes. The 2026 model is the all new third generation CX 5. It replaces the second generation that has been on sale since 2017. Mazda has made the body larger and added more interior space along with a new infotainment system.
What engine does the 2026 Mazda CX 5 use?
The 2026 CX 5 launches with a single 2.5 litre Skyactiv G four cylinder engine. It produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb ft of torque and comes with a six speed automatic transmission and standard all wheel drive.
Is there a hybrid version of the 2026 CX 5?
Not at launch. Mazda has confirmed that a new in house hybrid powertrain with the Skyactiv Z engine will arrive around the 2027 model year, but full specifications have not been released yet.
How fast is the 2026 Mazda CX 5?
Mazda claims the 2026 CX 5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.6 seconds. The top speed is listed at around 116 mph.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 CX 5?
The official ratings are 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. This is slightly lower than the previous generation.
Has the 2026 CX 5 grown in size?
Yes. The new model is about 2.3 inches wider and roughly 4.5 inches longer than the previous generation. The larger body improves rear seat space and cargo capacity.
How much cargo space does the new CX 5 offer?
The 2026 CX 5 offers about 33.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to around 66 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is a noticeable increase over the outgoing model.
What is new inside the 2026 CX 5?
The biggest change is the new infotainment system. The CX 5 now comes with a standard 12.9 inch touchscreen and an available 15.6 inch display with Google built in. It also gets a new 10.3 inch digital instrument cluster and redesigned seats.
Does the 2026 CX 5 have a panoramic sunroof?
Yes. For the first time, the CX 5 offers a panoramic sunroof on higher trims. This feature was previously available only on the CX 50.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Mazda CX 5?
The base 2.5 S trim starts at around 29,990 dollars. Higher trims like the Premium and Premium Plus can reach the high 30,000 dollar range, with fully equipped models going just above 41,000 dollars.
