2026 Mazda CX-5: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2026 Mazda CX-5

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.

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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

Structural
The third-generation CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer in both overall length and wheelbase. It has more rear-seat room, larger door openings, and a bigger cargo area; maximum cargo capacity rises from 59.3 to 66.5 cubic feet. The suspension and ride were also revised for better stability, rough-road comfort, and quieter driving.
Styling
The exterior is completely new, with a wider-looking front end, redesigned lighting, new wheel designs, and full Mazda lettering across the rear.
Tech
A touchscreen-first cabin replaces the previous layout. Most trims have a 12.9-inch display, while the Premium Plus has a 15.6-inch screen. Smartphone integration is standard, and Select adds wireless phone integration and charging.
Safety
The expanded standard safety suite adds rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic braking, braking for oncoming traffic while turning, emergency lane assistance, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control that can respond to posted speed limits. Premium Plus adds front cross-traffic braking, driver monitoring, lane centering, and assisted lane changes.
Powertrain
The 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine carries over with updated tuning, and AWD remains standard. The former Carbon Turbo and Turbo Signature trims are dropped, and the maximum tow rating is 1,500 pounds rather than 2,000 pounds.

2026 Mazda CX-5 specs and features by trim

Feature
2026 Mazda CX-52.5 S0 in stock
2026 Mazda CX-52.5 S Select0 in stock
2026 Mazda CX-52.5 S Premium0 in stock
2026 Mazda CX-52.5 S Preferred0 in stock
2026 Mazda CX-52.5 S Premium Plus1 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5 Liter
TransmissionAutomatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport ModesAutomatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport ModesAutomatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport ModesAutomatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport ModesAutomatic, 6-Spd SKYACTIV-Drive w/Manual & Sport Modes
DrivetrainAWDAWDAWDAWDAWD
Fuel TypeGasGasGasGasGas
MPG City24 mpg24 mpg24 mpg24 mpg24 mpg
MPG Highway30 mpg30 mpg30 mpg30 mpg30 mpg
Horsepower187 hp187 hp187 hp187 hp187 hp
Torque186 lb-ft186 lb-ft186 lb-ft186 lb-ft186 lb-ft
Max Towing1500 lb1500 lb1500 lb1500 lb1500 lb
Trunk/Cargo66.5 cu-ft66.5 cu-ft66.5 cu-ft66.5 cu-ft66.5 cu-ft
Rear Legroom39.9 in39.9 in39.9 in39.9 in39.9 in
Seats55555
Doors44444
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.