6 Things That Make The 2026 Mazda CX-5 the Best Ever, and One That, Thankfully, Is Unchanged
We've always loved the Mazda CX-5 for its price-to-feature ratio, comfort, space, and design. For 2026, Mazda made the CX-5 even better.
There’s a very good reason the CX-5 is one of Mazda’s best-selling SUVs: It’s an SUV that checks every box. It’s spacious, but not overly large. It’ll fit in the garage, but it’s not too small. It can come in all-wheel drive, there’s a sporty turbocharged Carbon edition, and a hybrid version that borrows the best tech from Toyota. It’s fun to drive, looks good in your driveway and delivers a lot of value for your car payment. There’s truly a CX-5 for every buyer.
However, we’ve always felt like Mazda’s interiors were a bit… lacking. While they could come in rich red leather or a creamy tan, the antiquated technology packed inside the small media screens (which were only touchscreen if Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was being used) felt … disappointing. Everything else topped our charts, except for the technology.
That’s all about to change for 2026, and we can’t wait to show you.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
1. The Exterior Styling Makes the CX-5 Look Expensive
The overall shape and design is familiar to the previous generations (which Mazda did on purpose to maintain the CX-5’s identity), but we noticed the hood and headlights right away. The LED lights are tucked into a dark housing, very similar to other SUVs Mazda sells, like the CX-70, CX-90, or even the CX-50.
It makes it look sporty, chic, and much more premium than the price tag would suggest. The hood line, grille, and new taillights are very similar to its larger siblings, which Mazda confirms the CX-5’s design is meant to “tie in” to the design language of the larger SUVs.
We think it’s a nice complement to the CX-5’s look. It helps separate it from its toughest competitors, like the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but if Mazda stays true to its mission of offering quality at an attainable price, it’ll be the most stylish of the bunch, at one of the fairest prices.
READ MORE: The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition: A ‘Just Right’ Fit in a Crowded SUV Market
2. The Interior Looks SO GOOD
Historically, Mazda’s screens were small and far from the driver who had to rely on a media dial to control it. It made sense at the time and while it works fine, it’s not the preferred way to manage a screen. For the new model year, Mazda fitted the new CX-5 with the largest touchscreen any Mazda has seen, with an all-new operating system. Plus, it’s a touch screen all the time, even if phone mirroring isn’t being used (though Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be wireless).
We also loved the new “Mazda” lettering across the steering wheel, the tan accenting, and the premium-looking seats. When this model rolls out we’ll all be squealing for a chance to test one. Because if it feels as good as it looks, we’ll be hooked.
READ MORE: The 2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo is Business on the Outside, Comfort on the Inside
3. Mazda Says the CX-5’s Cargo Volume Is Improved
More cargo space usually means one thing: the CX-5’s growing. Literally. In order to improve the cargo and passenger space, Mazda’s best-selling model has to put on a few inches. For 2026, the CX-5’s wheelbase has grown by three inches, increasing the overall length by 4.5 inches. It’s half an inch wider than the 2025 model, too.
All that means we’ll see a larger trunk, and more leg and elbow room. To make it more usable, though, Mazda lowered the lift-in height for the CX-5 by half an inch, so owners can store whatever they need more easily. It’s also an inch taller, so things can be stacked higher in the rear, too. So, it’ll be more handy and accessible to more buyers.
READ MORE: The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Goes Premium—But Can it Outclass the Competition?
4. It’ll Come with Mazda’s Intelligent AWD System
Like last year’s model, the CX-5 will come standard with Mazda’s intelligent AWD system that’s proven itself to be good for mileage and a sporty driving feel. When it doesn’t detect slipping, the car’s computer splits power to be 60:40 instead of 50:50.
This system comes especially in handy for those of us who live in places that experience all four seasons, since the system is designed to make it fun (and safe) to drive no matter the weather.
READ MORE: 7 Secrets that Make Mazda SUVs and Sedans Fan Favorites — and 1 Common Complaint
5. The Powerplant Choice is Solid and Familiar
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 may have a new sloped rear end, an updated headlight design, and amazing 19-inch black (and classy) wheels, but the company kept something the same: under the hood will be Mazda’s trust 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 186 horsepower. A hybrid version will also be sold, using the same hybrid system that’s in the RAV4.
Big news, though: Mazda will be coming out with an all-new hybrid system that will debut with the 2027 model year, with an all-new engine. We’ve had great experiences with the CX-5 and CX-50 hybrid, which share that hybrid platform, so we wouldn’t blame anyone for sticking to what works.
READ MORE: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Same Engine, Same MPG. Which is Better?
6. It Will Debut With More Safety Features
One of the [many] things we’ve loved about the CX-5 was the fact that it had a regular place on the IIHS’s Top Safety Picks list. Even though the top-of-the-line price never topped $42,000 for the 2025 hybrid model, it kept pace with Toyota and Subaru with safety ratings.
We suspect the pricing will be roughly the same as the 2025 CX-5, with maybe a slight increase due to it being bigger and coming with new tech. We doubt it’ll be more than $47,000 for the top-shelf model.
Mazda says the new CX-5 will come with new and improved driver assistant features, though the exact features haven’t been named in the release. Since last year’s models had every safety feature imaginable, we are definitely intrigued to see what “new” features the updated SUV will come with.
And the one thing that Mazda isn’t changing that we’re cheering? The Red Crystal Soul paint color, which Mazda showed for the 2026 CX-5 prototype. This color is hands-down the best paint in the biz and if Mazda ever ditches it we’ll be truly heartbroken.
More About:Car Culture