2026 Mazda CX-5: A Bold New Direction?

2026 Mazda CX-5: A Bold New Direction?

Mazda has fully redesigned its popular CX-5 for 2026, ditching the beloved rotary dial for a massive touchscreen and ushering in a new era of interior and exterior styling. While the core of the CX-5’s appeal remains, these significant changes are sure to spark debate among loyal enthusiasts.

Exterior Evolution: Sleek Lines Meet Modern Touches

The 2026 CX-5 sports a completely revamped exterior. While the iconic Crystal Soul Red Metallic paint returns, Mazda has also introduced a new blue hue, though its distinctiveness is debated. The headlights receive a notable redesign, featuring a stacked appearance that some find intriguing, while others prefer the previous generation’s look. A dark element now bridges the gap between the headlights and the grille, which itself is finished in gunmetal gray. A subtle, yet clever detail is the ‘5’ integrated into the headlight housing, a nod to the CX-5 nameplate.

This top-trim model showcases gloss black accents and striking black wheels, distinguishing it from lower trims which feature non-black wheels and less gloss. The overall dimensions have also increased, with the new CX-5 measuring 4.5 inches longer and half an inch wider. This translates to a more accommodating trunk space, featuring a lower floor and an additional two inches of storage, a welcome improvement for owners who utilize their CX-5 for various tasks.

However, the glossy black finish on the lower rear bumper, while aesthetically pleasing, raises concerns about its susceptibility to scratches during loading and unloading. The rear taillights have also been updated, aligning more closely with the design language seen in the larger CX-70 and CX-90 models. Dual exhaust outlets are present, with a gray finish at the very bottom.

Powertrain: No Turbo, But a Hybrid is Coming

In a significant move, Mazda has opted to remove the turbocharged engine option from the CX-5 lineup. The standard powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. While this might disappoint performance enthusiasts, Mazda has confirmed that a hybrid powertrain will be introduced in 2027, intended to replace the turbo option and offer increased power.

For those seeking a more dynamic driving experience or a different approach to electrification, the CX-50 remains in the lineup, offering a choice between its standard powertrain and a future Toyota-sourced hybrid. This strategic positioning means the CX-5 will cater to a broader audience, from those seeking a conventional, reliable engine to those anticipating the future hybrid variant.

Interior Transformation: The Touchscreen Era Arrives

The most dramatic change is undoubtedly inside. The traditional Commander control knob is gone, replaced by a massive, approximately 15-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard. This represents a significant departure from Mazda’s previous interior philosophy.

The infotainment system boasts integrated Google, allowing for voice commands. However, the absence of a physical volume knob is a point of contention, with volume control now relegated to the steering wheel. The climate controls are also integrated into the touchscreen, requiring multiple taps to adjust settings like temperature and seat heating, a move that may prove cumbersome for some drivers.

Despite these criticisms, the system does offer wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the CarPlay interface appearing impressively large on the expansive screen. The 360-degree camera system has also seen an upgrade, offering high resolution and impressive zoom capabilities, including an underbody view, a feature not commonly found in this segment.

The digital gauge cluster mimics the design found in BMW vehicles, featuring an RPM gauge on the left. While customizable, the exact methods for adjusting certain display elements are not immediately clear. The interior is available in attractive color schemes, such as the tan interior paired with the red exterior, complemented by a large moonroof. However, the inconsistent headliner color on some trims is a minor aesthetic oversight.

Rear-seat space has been improved, offering more headroom and easier ingress/egress, which is particularly beneficial for installing child seats. The seats themselves are reported to be slightly softer and more comfortable than the outgoing model, addressing a common complaint from previous CX-5 owners.

Value and Target Audience

Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at approximately $29,990 USD for the base model, with the top-tier S Premium Plus trim reaching around $38,900 USD. In Canada, pricing begins at $36,300 CAD and goes up to $46,700 CAD.

The CX-5 has traditionally appealed to buyers seeking a blend of style, premium feel, and engaging driving dynamics in the compact SUV segment. This redesigned model continues that trajectory, but the shift to a largely touchscreen-based interface may alienate some traditionalists. The target buyer is likely someone who appreciates modern technology, a refined interior, and Mazda’s signature design language, even if it means adapting to new control methods.

Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. The CX-5’s pricing places it competitively within this group, offering a more upscale interior ambiance and potentially a more engaging driving experience than some rivals. The value proposition hinges on whether the new technology and refined interior outweigh the loss of physical controls and the absence of a turbo engine for the current model year.

Verdict: A Familiar Face, A New Philosophy

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a significant departure for the brand, embracing a more modern, tech-centric approach. The exterior refinements and interior space improvements are welcome, but the heavy reliance on the touchscreen and the elimination of the turbo engine are points that will require further evaluation during a full driving test. For those willing to adapt to the new interface, the CX-5 continues to offer a compelling package of style and refinement in the crowded SUV market. The forthcoming hybrid model could further solidify its appeal.

Source: ALL NEW! Any Good? 2026 Mazda CX-5 (YouTube)