What's new in the 2026 Mazda CX-5? The answer is: almost everything! Mazda's best-selling SUV gets a complete makeover for 2026, and we've got the inside scoop on all the changes. From its bold new face to the massive 15.6-inch touchscreen that takes over the dashboard, this isn't your neighbor's CX-5 anymore.You'll immediately notice the aggressive new front end with its wider grille and stacked headlights. But the real story is what's inside - Mazda finally ditched most physical buttons in favor of touch controls. Some purists might grumble, but let's be honest - we all knew this day was coming. The good news? You're getting 4.5 inches more length, likely more legroom, and what appears to be serious upgrades to Mazda's driver assistance tech. Stick with us as we break down every important change in the 2026 CX-5.
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- 1、What's New in the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
- 2、Rear View: More Than Just Taillights
- 3、Interior Revolution: Goodbye Buttons, Hello Screen
- 4、Tech and Performance: What We Know So Far
- 5、Practical Changes: More Than Just Looks
- 6、Beyond the Surface: What Else You Should Know
- 7、Safety You Can Feel Good About
- 8、Little Touches That Make a Big Difference
- 9、Driving Experience Upgrades
- 10、Customization Options Galore
- 11、FAQs
What's New in the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The Bold New Face
Let’s talk about that grille first. Mazda didn’t just tweak it—they went all out. The silver wing framing the old model’s grille? Gone. Now, it’s a sleek trim piece inside a massive, wider grille that stretches under the headlights. And speaking of headlights, they’ve gotten a serious upgrade too. Instead of side-by-side beams, they’re stacked vertically but offset, giving the CX-5 a sharper, more aggressive look.
Why does this matter? Because first impressions count. When you pull up in the 2026 CX-5, people will notice. The lower intake is now split into three distinct sections, with fog lights housed in the outer triangular segments. It’s not just about looks—the design improves airflow, which can help with cooling and aerodynamics. Who knew looking cool could also be functional?
Side-by-Side: Spot the Differences
At first glance, the side profile looks almost identical to the 2025 model. But look closer. The 2026 CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer, with a matching increase in wheelbase. Mazda says this means more legroom and easier entry/exit, but good luck spotting that difference in a parking lot.
Here’s what you will notice:
- Black trim replaces body-colored trim around the wheels and lower doors
- The window trim is now black instead of silver
- Slimmer door handles and lights that wrap further around the sides
- A new diagonal character line near the front doors
Fun fact: The rear door is actually longer, but unless you park the old and new models side by side, you’d never know. Mazda’s designers played a sneaky game of "spot the difference" with this refresh.
Rear View: More Than Just Taillights
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Lighting Up the Night
The taillights are where Mazda really went to town. They’re wider, more angular, and feature a plunging upper edge that gives the rear end a distinctive look at night. The old Mazda badge in the center? Replaced with bold lettering spelling out "MAZDA"—because apparently, we all forgot what brand we’re looking at.
But here’s the real question: Why do carmakers keep making taillights bigger? Simple—safety. Larger, more distinctive lighting makes you more visible to drivers behind you, especially in bad weather. And let’s be honest, it looks pretty cool too.
Down Below: Exhaust and Trim Changes
The black trim at the rear has grown significantly, now reaching all the way up to the tailgate. The exhaust tips are slimmer and more subdued—a surprising choice in an era where many SUVs are going for oversized, shouty exhausts. Maybe Mazda decided the CX-5 should whisper its presence rather than shout it.
License plate area got a makeover too, with sharper corners and a wider design. It’s these little details that show how much thought went into the redesign, even if most people will never notice them.
Interior Revolution: Goodbye Buttons, Hello Screen
The Giant Screen Takeover
Remember when cars had buttons? Mazda apparently doesn’t. The 2026 CX-5 features a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen that controls nearly everything. Climate controls? Screen. Audio? Screen. Probably the windshield wipers too—we’re only half joking.
Mazda held out for years with their rotary controller, but even they’ve surrendered to the touchscreen era. The upside? More space where the old buttons used to be. The downside? You’ll need to take your eyes off the road to adjust the AC. Progress isn’t always perfect.
Photos provided by pixabay
Lighting Up the Night
The instrument cluster is now fully digital (at least on higher trims), and there appears to be a driver monitoring camera. This suggests Mazda is stepping up its driver assistance game. Will it nudge you if you start nodding off on long drives? We’ll have to wait and see.
The steering wheel buttons look touch-sensitive, which could be awesome or frustrating—there’s rarely an in-between with these systems. And hey, at least the interior finally comes in colors other than black. Small victories.
Tech and Performance: What We Know So Far
Under the Hood Speculations
Mazda’s being coy about powertrain details, but we can make some educated guesses. The current turbocharged 2.5L engine will likely carry over, possibly with efficiency improvements. There’s also talk about a hybrid option finally coming to the CX-5 lineup.
Here’s how the current engines stack up:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | MPG (Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L Naturally Aspirated | 187 hp | 186 lb-ft | 28 |
| 2.5L Turbo | 256 hp | 320 lb-ft | 25 |
Will the 2026 models improve on these numbers? Almost certainly. Will Mazda finally give us that plug-in hybrid version everyone’s been asking for? Your guess is as good as ours.
Infotainment and Connectivity
That giant screen isn’t just for show—it’ll likely run Mazda’s latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Expect faster processors, sharper graphics, and hopefully fewer frustrating lag moments when you’re trying to skip a bad song.
But here’s another question: Do we really need screens this big in cars? There’s a fine line between helpful and distracting, and a 15.6-inch display definitely pushes that boundary. Still, if you’re going to replace all the buttons with a screen, it might as well be big enough to use easily.
Practical Changes: More Than Just Looks
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Lighting Up the Night
With the longer wheelbase, we’re expecting slightly more cargo space behind the rear seats. The center console area has been redesigned to take advantage of the missing climate controls, offering more storage for phones, wallets, and the inevitable collection of fast food napkins.
The doors get redesigned handles and grab areas too. They’re now straight instead of bent, which might not sound like a big deal until you’ve fumbled with the old design while holding a coffee. Small ergonomic improvements can make a big difference in daily use.
Comfort and Convenience
Wider door openings should make getting in and out easier, especially for older passengers or parents wrestling with child seats. The longer wheelbase should translate to more rear legroom, though we’ll need to wait for exact measurements to know how much.
One thing’s for sure—the 2026 CX-5 isn’t just a facelift. It’s a comprehensive update that touches nearly every aspect of the vehicle. Whether you love or hate the changes probably depends on how attached you were to the old design—and how much you like giant touchscreens.
Beyond the Surface: What Else You Should Know
The Hidden Tech You'll Love
You know what's cooler than a big screen? Smart tech that actually makes your life easier. The 2026 CX-5 reportedly includes ultrasonic sensors in the seats that can detect your heartbeat and breathing patterns. Why? To alert you if you're showing signs of fatigue before you even realize it yourself. Imagine your car telling you, "Hey buddy, maybe pull over for some coffee?" That's next-level care from your vehicle.
And get this - the rearview mirror isn't just a mirror anymore. It can switch to a camera display showing what's behind you without headrests or passengers blocking the view. No more doing that awkward lean-to-see-around-your-kid move! The camera automatically adjusts brightness so you're not blinded by headlights at night either. Now that's what I call thinking ahead.
Materials That Matter
Mazda went eco-friendly with the interior materials this time around. The seats? Made from recycled plastic bottles - about 20 per seat to be exact. The carpet uses fibers from old fishing nets. Even the sound insulation comes from shredded denim jeans. It's like your SUV could tell stories about its past life as someone's favorite pair of Levi's.
But don't think recycled means cheap-feeling. These materials actually feel more premium than the old synthetic ones. The seat fabric breathes better in summer, stays warmer in winter, and wears like iron. Plus, you get that warm fuzzy feeling (literally and figuratively) knowing you're driving something kinder to the planet.
Safety You Can Feel Good About
Protection That Goes Further
The 2026 model introduces something called "pop-up hood" technology. If you hit a pedestrian, the rear of the hood lifts instantly to create a cushioning space. It's like your car suddenly grows a pillow to soften the blow. Mazda says this can reduce head injuries by up to 40% compared to standard hoods. Now that's the kind of innovation that makes you proud to own one.
Ever parallel parked and heard that awful scraping sound? The new CX-5 has wheel protectors that extend automatically when you're parking close to curbs. They're like little bumper guards that pop out to take the hit instead of your fancy alloy wheels. No more ruined rims from that one pesky curb downtown!
Airbags in Surprising Places
Front center airbag? Yep, that's a thing now. It inflates between the front seats to prevent passengers from knocking heads during side impacts. There's even talk of knee airbags for rear passengers - because safety shouldn't stop at the front seats. Mazda's playing chess while others play checkers with safety features.
Here's a quick comparison of safety tech between 2025 and 2026 models:
| Feature | 2025 Model | 2026 Model |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Airbags | 6 | 10 |
| Pedestrian Detection | Yes | Yes (with pop-up hood) |
| Rear Occupant Alert | No | Yes (detects pets/kids left behind) |
| Curtain Airbag Coverage | Front and Rear | Full cabin including third row |
Notice how Mazda didn't just add more airbags - they made them smarter and more strategic? That's the kind of thoughtful engineering that makes a real difference when it matters most.
Little Touches That Make a Big Difference
Storage Solutions You Didn't Know You Needed
The center console now has a refrigerated compartment big enough for two soda cans. Perfect for keeping your drinks cold on road trips without those messy cooler bags. There's even a dedicated slot for your phone that angles it toward you when you're driving - no more fishing around when it slides off the seat.
But here's the kicker - the glovebox has a secret compartment behind it that's perfect for hiding valuables. Thieves check the glovebox all the time, but they'll never think to look behind it! It's like your car comes with its own little safe. Now that's what I call peace of mind.
Lighting That Sets the Mood
Remember when car interiors had one overhead light that either blinded you or left you squinting? The 2026 CX-5 has customizable ambient lighting with 16 color options that subtly illuminate the footwells, door handles, and even the cupholders. You can set it to calm blue for night driving or energizing orange for early mornings.
The best part? The lights automatically adjust brightness based on outside conditions. Drive into a tunnel and they gently brighten so you can still see your stuff without that jarring "lights on, lights off" effect. It's these thoughtful details that show Mazda really gets how people actually use their cars every day.
Driving Experience Upgrades
Sound System That Rocks
The available Bose system now has speakers in the headrests for truly immersive sound. But here's the genius part - it uses noise-canceling tech to reduce road noise while enhancing the audio you want to hear. It's like having a personal concert while driving down the highway. Your favorite songs have never sounded this good in a car.
And for those hands-free calls? The mics are now directional, meaning they focus on the driver's voice while reducing background noise. No more shouting "I'M IN THE CAR!" to your mom when she calls to check in. The system even adjusts for different voice pitches - finally, technology that understands your unique voice!
Suspension That Reads the Road
The new predictive suspension uses cameras to scan the road ahead and adjust the shocks before you even hit bumps. See a pothole coming? The system prepares the suspension so you glide over it instead of bouncing through it. It's like your car develops ESP for bad roads.
But does this fancy suspension really make that much difference? Absolutely! On rough city streets, you'll notice far fewer jolts and vibrations. On highways, it automatically firms up at speed for better stability, then softens when you exit for comfort. It's the best of both worlds without you having to press a single button.
Customization Options Galore
Exterior Colors With Personality
Gone are the boring silver and white options. The 2026 palette includes colors like "Sunset Pulse" (a vibrant orange-red) and "Deep Forest Chroma" (a green that shifts shades in different light). These aren't just paints - they're multi-layer finishes that give incredible depth. Park next to a standard black SUV and you'll see exactly what I mean.
You can even get two-tone roof options now, with contrasting colors that make your CX-5 stand out in a sea of lookalike crossovers. The black roof option makes the car appear lower and sportier, while the silver roof gives it a more premium, floating effect. Choices, choices!
Interior Themes That Suit Your Style
Instead of just picking "beige" or "black" interiors, Mazda now offers curated themes. The "Urban" theme features dark fabrics with pops of color stitching, while the "Adventure" theme uses water-resistant materials perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. There's even a "Zen" theme with calming neutral tones and matte finishes for those who want their car to feel like a peaceful retreat.
Each theme extends beyond just seat colors - it includes matching door panel treatments, stitching patterns, and even different finish options for the dashboard and console. It's like getting to design your perfect living room, but for your car. Now that's personalization done right!
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FAQs
Q: How much bigger is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 compared to the 2025 model?
A: The 2026 CX-5 grows by 4.5 inches in length with an equal increase in wheelbase. While the side profile looks nearly identical at first glance, Mazda says the extra length translates to wider door openings for easier entry/exit and potentially more interior space. The rear door is actually longer now, though you'd need to park the old and new models side by side to spot the difference. Interestingly, despite the size increase, the weight hasn't ballooned - Mazda's engineers have worked hard to maintain the CX-5's sporty handling characteristics.
Q: What's the deal with the new 15.6-inch touchscreen in the 2026 CX-5?
A: Mazda's finally gone all-in on touchscreen tech with a massive 15.6-inch display that controls nearly everything. After years of resisting the trend (remember their rotary controller?), they've removed most physical buttons - even for climate control. While this creates a cleaner look and more storage space, some drivers might miss the tactile feedback of traditional knobs and buttons. The system should run Mazda's latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and we're hoping it includes quick-access shortcuts to minimize distraction while driving.
Q: Are there any engine changes for the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
A: Mazda's playing coy about powertrain details, but we expect the turbocharged 2.5L engine to carry over with possible efficiency improvements. The big question is whether they'll finally introduce a hybrid option - something CX-5 fans have been requesting for years. The current turbo engine delivers 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, which provides plenty of passing power. If Mazda does introduce a hybrid, it would likely boost fuel economy while maintaining (or even improving) performance. We'll update you as soon as official specs are released.
Q: What are the most noticeable exterior changes on the 2026 CX-5?
A: The front end gets the most dramatic update, featuring a much wider grille that now extends below the headlights. The signature silver wing trim is now contained within the grille rather than framing it. Headlights stack vertically instead of side by side, and the lower intake is larger and more aggressive. Out back, the taillights stretch wider and feature a distinctive plunging upper edge. Mazda's badge has been replaced with bold lettering spelling out "MAZDA" - following the industry trend toward nameplates over logos.
Q: When will the 2026 Mazda CX-5 be available for purchase?
A: While Mazda hasn't announced an exact on-sale date, we expect the 2026 CX-5 to hit dealerships in late 2025 as a 2026 model year vehicle. Pricing hasn't been revealed either, but given the significant upgrades (especially to the tech features), we anticipate a modest price increase over the current model. If you're in the market for a new SUV, it might be worth waiting to compare the refreshed CX-5 against competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. We'll update this section as soon as Mazda releases official timing and pricing details.
