2026 Mazda CX-5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is an all-new, third-generation model. Its headline change is a larger, roomier body, joined by a touchscreen-focused cabin and a much broader standard safety suite.
About the 2026 Mazda CX-5
3rd generation, first year (all-new for 2026)
Mazda positions the CX-5 as its best-selling compact SUV for drivers who want everyday family usefulness without giving up style or a more engaging feel on the road. The messaging centers on a calm, thoughtfully designed cabin, confident safety technology, flexible cargo and passenger space, and a more polished driving character than many mainstream rivals. In plain terms, it is Mazda’s city-friendly two-row SUV with a more upscale feel and stronger driver focus than the typical compact crossover.
The 2026 CX-5 starts as a well-equipped everyday SUV with standard AWD, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and a 10.25-inch driver display. The Preferred focuses on comfort, while the Premium adds leather, a panoramic moonroof, and Bose audio. At the top, the Premium Plus has a 15.6-inch touchscreen, an upgraded 360-degree camera, and more advanced highway driving assistance.
What changed, by category
2026 Mazda CX-5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes | Automatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 66.5 cu-ft | 66.5 cu-ft | 66.5 cu-ft | 66.5 cu-ft | 66.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a full redesign?
Yes. The 2026 CX-5 begins its third generation with a larger body, more passenger and cargo room, a redesigned cabin, new touchscreens, revised chassis tuning, and substantially expanded safety equipment.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a hybrid?
No. The 2026 CX-5 launches with a 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and standard AWD. Mazda has confirmed a hybrid for the 2027 model year, not 2026.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 roomier than the 2025 model?
Yes. The redesigned CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length, creating more rear-seat space and a larger cargo area. Maximum cargo capacity increases from 59.3 to 66.5 cubic feet.
What screen does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have?
Most 2026 CX-5 trims have a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the Premium Plus has a 15.6-inch touchscreen. The redesigned interface supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Select adds wireless phone integration.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have more standard safety features?
Yes. Standard equipment expands to include rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic braking, braking for oncoming traffic while turning, emergency lane assistance, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with speed-limit assistance. Premium Plus adds more advanced camera and highway assistance features.
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2025 07 10 Mazda Reveals All New 2026 CX 5
- news.mazdausa.com — 2026 01 13 Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging for All New 2026 Mazda CX 5
- news.mazdausa.com — 2025 12 02 Mazda Expands on New In Vehicle Technologies in 2026 CX 5
- news.mazdausa.com — Safety Feature Chart
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2025 Cx 5