The 2026 Mazda CX-5 continues to march forward as the brand’s most popular SUV. For this next year, it’s been updated with more of what you want.
When Mazda started adding zeros to the end of its model names, it seemed like it was completely revamping its lineup. The CX-30 replaced the CX-3 and the CX-90 replaced the CX-9, but when the CX-50 came along, the CX-5 remained. It’s difficult to part ways with a name and design that has become synonymous with the brand’s identity as much as the CX-5 has. The only other Mazda with as much name cache is the MX-5 Miata.
The CX-5 gets better every year
The 2026 model year will mark the third generation of the most popular Mazda nameplate to date. There have been more than 1.6 million CX-5 models sold in the United States and 4.5 million sold globally, which means the success is undeniable. It would seem like corporate suicide for Mazda to depart from this name, which is a huge reason why it continues to be sold alongside the CX-50.
In order to remain relevant, the new model enters its third generation by building on its proven foundation with a more spacious cabin, innovative features, intuitive technology, and improved safety. This packaging means you get an SUV that’s more capable, engaging, and desirable than ever and Mazda continues to offer the CX-5, which has become a beloved name from the brand.
A new design concept
Mazda hasn’t ditched the Kodo design language that’s been used for its vehicles over the past decade plus, but the 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings an evolved version of this design. This new design is called “Wearable Gear,” which is meant to be similar to stylish but functional clothing that has the right look and fit in various situations. This design provides for flexibility and approachability, which should make the CX-5 feel right at home wherever you drive. This SUV looks like it belongs on city streets, backcountry roads, highways, and in adventurous settings.
This new look isn’t a departure from the old, but simply and evolution of it. The goal is to keep the beauty we admire while optimizing proportions to create a more spacious cabin and exterior look that signals the stability and capability of the new CX-5. If you want your model to suggest its solid stance, the new 19-inch wheels make this happen for you.
Upgrades to the Mazda welcome
The front of any vehicle its is welcome signature, and where many people begin their look and inspection of a new model. The CX-5 receives a new and more chiseled style to the front with a wider appearance that adds the Mazda Signature Wing grille between more angular lighting elements.
The use of a principle called “Kigumi” is used where the body meets the fender trim. This principle is the precise joining of wood, and now it’s being applied to Mazda’s most popular SUV.
Going around back for more
As you make your way to the rear of the 2026 Mazda CX-5, you’ll see another application of more angular lighting, giving the CX-5 a similar lighting appearance to the CX-70 and CX-90 models. Between the lighting, a much bolder “MAZDA” replaces the badge that gives the rear greater visual impact.
Overall, the changes to the exterior design give the new Mazda SUV the style desired while increasing its size by 4.5 inches in length and wheelbase, while the width has increased by half an inch over the previous model.
Get comfortable in the CX-5
If you thought the previous CX-5 gave you a comfortable place to sit, this new model goes further toward making you relaxed and ready to enjoy your time behind the wheel. This all-new cabin has a calm but functional feeling, which results in an uncluttered, spacious cabin that is serene and functional.
Passengers can stretch out and relax, the driver can focus, and the door openings are larger, ensuring improved entry and exit. The increased wheelbase allows for more rear leg, knee, and headroom, making this two-row SUV even more relaxing.
A more spacious feeling in every way
In addition to the actual increases in size, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a panoramic sunroof which makes it eel more open and airy. You’ll get a sense of lightness as the outside light enters the cabin.
Behind the rear seats is a larger and more useful rear cargo area, which has a lower lift-in height than before, making it much easier to load and unload items into the rear of this Mazda SUV.
Mazda upgraded the tech
A newly available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen display is part of the features you can choose for the new CX-5. This is the largest screen ever offered in a Mazda vehicle. Mazda’s infotainment package comes with Google built-in, which offers a more connected experience and integrated controls such as key Google apps and services. A new AI assistant is coming to allow owners to take hands-free control of the system by asking questions naturally, with expected answers given.
The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses the same SkyActiv powertrains that came from the previous generation. This proven powertrain makes this SUV fun to drive on any road, delivering quick acceleration and dynamic handling thanks to the impressive steering and suspension system.
Will this new Mazda CX-5 be the SUV you love to drive every day?
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