All New 2026 Mazda CX-5: Top 5 Things You Should Know

Mazda’s best-selling vehicle is all new for the 2026 model year and is set to go on sale early next year. Pricing is still being worked out, but here are the top 5 things we think you should know.

No More Command Knob

You read that right, Mazda is ditching its ubiquitous command knob interface in favor of a touchscreen display that supports voice commands. Standard 12.9-inch or optional 15.6-inch touchscreen displays are running an all-new Mazda interface built from the ground up to support Mazda’s next generation of in-vehicle technology.

These new screens are larger than any infotainment screens we have seen in prior Mazda vehicles and are offset from the center line of the CX-5 to provide a cleaner view of the entire display from the driver’s seat. Drivers do not need to worry about bind spots on the screen from their hands on the steering wheel.

The larger screens also have Google built in and support voice control functions with specific knowledge about the CX-5 baked right in. “Hey Google, what side of the vehicle is the gas cap on?” will now be met with an answer specific to the CX-5.

Google built-in also allows owners to access Google Gemini as well as the Google Play Store for additional in-vehicle apps.

Short take: Mazda finally offers an in-vehicle digital experience on par with rivals.

All Digital Cockpit

In addition to the larger infotainment screens, the driver is welcomed by a standard 10.25-inch digital gauge screen behind the steering wheel. This gauge cluster was designed with the driver in mind, helping reduce the amount of time the driver’s eyes are taken away from the road.  

Audio information, driver assistance features, traffic sign recognition, and more information can be displayed in the larger screen. A simplified view is also available, only showing pertinent information like speed and fuel levels.

The available head-up display is 122% larger and can more clearly display more driver information directly in the driver’s line of sight on the windshield.

Short take: Say goodbye to analogue gauges and hello to digital everything.

All New Design

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 proudly wears an evolution of the current model’s Kodo Design. Mazda calls the inspiration for the 2026 CX-5 “Wearable Gear,” which “embodies flexibility and approachability” and offers a vehicle that feels at home in the city while feeling adventurous as well.

Mazda did not take any major risks with the CX-5, as it has been the cash cow for the brand since replacing the Mazda Tribute, which was built on a shared platform with the first-generation Ford Escape.

Keeping in line with what most other luxury automakers have done, the rear Mazda logo has been scrapped in favor of bold “MAZDA” lettering to add to the premium nature of the design. 

Short take: the 2026 model looks new but will be instantly recognizable as the brand’s best seller.

Larger Footprint

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer overall and in its wheelbase than the outgoing 2025 model. This will be most noticeable to the rear seat passengers and in the rear cargo area. The 2026 model is also over half an inch wider than the outgoing model.

Full specifications have not been revealed yet, but the rear doors are wider opening, rear passengers have more room, and the cargo area is almost two inches longer and over an inch taller with a lower lift-in height than the 2025 models.

Short take: larger proportions make it more competitive with sales leader Toyota RAV4

Upcoming Hybrid Powertrain

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 will launch with the brand’s 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine that is used across the lineup. Here, it produces 187 horsepower and 186 lbs.-ft of torque. This is not a 100% carryover engine as it has been recalibrated for greater flexibility with an emphasis on sharper response and quieter driving dynamics. Mazda continues to stick with 6 gears in the automatic transmission, while all models get standard i-Activ AWD. 

New for 2026 will be the CX-5’s first-ever hybrid powertrain in 2027. Dubbed the SkyActiv-Z engine, not much else was shared. Mazda does have a partnership with Toyota for the hybrid powertrain in the CX-50. That  2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup is capable of nearly 40 miles per gallon. It is worth noting, Mazda does not call the CX-50’s hybrid setup by the SkyActiv-Z branding used in describing the CX-5’s powertrain.

Short take: If you want a new powertrain, you will need to wait until 2027.