Mazda CX-5

“Evolved. Familiar.” Those are some of the words Mazda uses to describe the 2026 CX-5’s design, and they’re apt ones. Picture the outgoing model with a CX-50/CX-70 nose slapped on, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what the new one looks like.

That isn’t a bad thing.

Rather than bestowing ovoid slipperiness or the current trend of blocky, chiseled-from-granite (that is, Range Rover wannabe) styling, Mazda has augmented the good looks of the current CX-5. The traditional grille blends into LED headlights that continue into the fenders. Deeper scoops below the grille and larger indentations in the lower fenders are the biggest differences from the outgoing model. While 18-inch wheels are probably standard, photos show the optional 19-inch wheels, which fill out the wheel wells nicely.

The SUV’s profile is quite similar to the outgoing model, all the way down to the door-mounted side mirrors and pinch at the back of the third side window. The biggest change is the pronounced scoop on the lower doors, which is enhanced by the dark trim at the bottom of the doors.

The other major design changes come at the rear, where the styling echoes newer CX models. The SUV looks more squared off, with what seems to be a bigger rear window and liftgate. The taillights extend farther onto the cargo hatch than in the outgoing model. The word “Mazda” sits prominently in the middle.

Mazda vehicles often have streamlined, attractive interiors, and the redesigned CX-5 is no different. The photos of the high-spec model show a minimalist design, with a simple center console and large swaths of leather on the dash and doors.

But much of that streamlining comes from moving most key controls to the center touchscreen. Gone is the knob between the front seats, which made complex tasks and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interactions more difficult. A 15.6-inch touchscreen is optional, although the automaker hasn’t specified the size of the standard screen. The system is based on Google’s automotive software. There’s no mention of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility.

No matter the size, climate controls are now controlled through the screen, and touch-sensitive surfaces appear to be used on the steering wheel. We’ve had issues with similar controls on Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota vehicles. Fortunately, a conventional gear selector is still used, located on the center console.

The new CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer in overall length and wheelbase than the old version. Mazda says this translates into a more comfortable passenger space, particularly rear-seat legroom.

The cargo area is 2 inches larger and an inch taller, with a half-inch lower liftover height.

At launch, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will have a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This is the same powertrain as the 2.5 S trim in the outgoing CX-5.

Mazda says that a “new hybrid powertrain to the Mazda family” will debut in 2027. There’s no word about any other engines, which raises the question: What about the 2.5-liter turbo that’s available on almost Mazda’s entire line?

While specific systems aren’t mentioned, we expect the same assortment of active safety and driver assistance features that come on the CX-50 to come standard with the redesigned CX-5. Those include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

Mazda has alluded to the introduction of newly available systems to “further enhance protection and driver confidence,” but it hasn’t named them or detailed how they operate.