You know that feeling when a brand tries to fix something that isn't broken? That's the tightrope Mazda walked with the new Mazda CX-5. For years, this crossover has been the backbone of the company, consistently outselling everything else in their lineup. It was the "safe bet" for anyone who wanted a luxury interior without the German price tag. But as of January 2026, the game has changed.
The third-generation 2026 CX-5 is finally hitting showroom floors, and honestly, it’s about time. While the previous version was a gem, it was getting a bit cramped in the back. Competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Kia Sportage were starting to feel like cavernous halls by comparison. Mazda heard the complaints. They didn’t just slap on a new bumper; they actually stretched the thing.
What’s different under the skin?
The most significant change is the footprint. The new Mazda CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer than the 2025 model. Most of that—about 3 inches—went straight into the wheelbase. If you’ve ever tried to fit a rear-facing car seat in the old CX-5, you know every millimeter counts. Now, you’ve actually got legroom that doesn't require the front passenger to eat the dashboard.
It’s wider too. Just by half an inch, but it gives the car a much more planted stance. It doesn't look like a tall hatchback anymore; it looks like a proper SUV. Inside, the cargo area grew by about two inches in length. Mazda even lowered the lift-in height. Your lower back will thank you next time you're lugging a 50-pound bag of dog food into the trunk.
The Screen Situation
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the infotainment. For the longest time, Mazda was stubborn about touchscreens. They wanted you to use that little rotary dial. It was "safer," they said. Well, the 2026 model basically throws that philosophy out the window—mostly.
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You now get a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen. It’s the largest screen Mazda has ever put in a car. And get this: it has Google built-in. That means Google Maps is native, and it even features Gemini, Google's AI assistant. You can literally ask your car to summarize your emails while you’re stuck in traffic on the I-95. It’s a huge leap from the clunky interfaces of five years ago.
The Power Struggle: Gas vs. Hybrid
If you were hoping for a hybrid right out of the gate, I have some bad news. The initial launch of the new Mazda CX-5 only comes with the tried-and-true 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine. It’s pushing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Is it fast? Not really. Is it reliable? Absolutely.
Interestingly, Mazda has dropped the turbo engine for this specific redesign. If you want that 256-horsepower punch, you're currently out of luck on the CX-5 side. Mazda is pivoting that "power" slot to the upcoming hybrid.
The "real" news is the 2027 CX-5 Hybrid, which is slated for a late 2026 or early 2027 release. Unlike the CX-50 Hybrid—which uses Toyota’s planetary gear system—the new CX-5 will feature a completely in-house Mazda Hybrid System. They’re pairing it with a new engine called the Skyactiv-Z. The goal here isn't just fuel economy; Mazda wants it to drive like a Mazda.
The Price of Growth
Everything is more expensive these days, and the new Mazda CX-5 isn't an exception. The base 2.5 S starts at $31,485. That’s nearly a grand more than the outgoing model. If you go all the way up to the Premium Plus, you’re looking at over $40,000.
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Here is the weird part: the CX-5 is now actually more expensive than its "rugged" brother, the CX-50. Usually, the larger, newer car costs more, but because the CX-5 is the premium "urban" choice, Mazda is betting people will pay for the extra refinement and the better rear-seat space.
Real-World Driving: What to Expect
On the road, the 2026 model feels... quieter. Mazda spent a lot of time on the suspension, specifically new shock absorbers and a retuned G-Vectoring Control Plus system. It handles the "pothole season" much better than the old one.
The six-speed automatic transmission remains. Some critics hate it because everyone else has eight or ten speeds now. But honestly? It doesn't hunt for gears. It’s predictable. In a world of rubber-band CVTs, the Mazda’s traditional automatic feels refreshing, even if it’s a bit old-school.
Trim Levels at a Glance
- 2.5 S: The entry point. 12.9-inch screen (not the big one), 17-inch wheels.
- Select: Adds the synthetic leather and wireless phone charging. This is usually the volume seller.
- Preferred: You get the 19-inch wheels and the power tailgate.
- Premium: This is where things get fancy. Blacked-out exterior trim, Bose audio, and the panoramic sunroof.
- Premium Plus: The kitchen sink. 15.6-inch screen, head-up display, and ventilated seats.
Why keep the CX-5 at all?
You might wonder why Mazda has the CX-5 and the CX-50. They’re basically the same size, right? Not really. The CX-5 is the "suit and tie" SUV. It’s for the person who wants a quiet cabin, a soft ride, and an interior that looks like it belongs in an Audi. The CX-50 is for the person who owns a kayak and likes plastic cladding.
With this redesign, Mazda has doubled down on the "premium" feel. The interior uses a Japanese design principle called "Kigumi"—basically intricate wood joinery. You see it in the way the dashboard pieces meet the door panels. It’s subtle, but it makes the cabin feel like a sanctuary rather than a plastic box.
Getting the Most Out of Your Search
If you are currently cross-shopping, don't just look at the MSRP. Mazda's i-Activ AWD is now standard across every single trim. Most competitors like Toyota or Honda will charge you an extra $1,500 to $2,000 for all-wheel drive. When you factor that in, the price gap starts to close pretty quickly.
Also, keep an eye on the 2025 leftovers. Dealers are going to be desperate to move the old body style to make room for the 2026 redesign. If you don't care about the extra 3 inches of legroom or the massive screen, you can probably score a 2025 model for a steal right now.
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Actionable Steps for Buyers
If you're ready to move forward, start by sitting in the back seat of both the 2025 and the 2026 models. The difference in knee room is the biggest "selling point" of this new generation. If you have kids or frequently haul adults, the 2026 is a mandatory upgrade.
Next, check your local dealer's "in-transit" inventory. Most of the first wave of the new Mazda CX-5 are the 2.5 S and Select trims. If you want the 15.6-inch screen, you have to look for the Premium Plus trim, which is harder to find in the first few months of the launch.
Finally, if fuel economy is your absolute priority, wait six months. The announcements for the Skyactiv-Z hybrid specs are expected by summer, and it will likely dwarf the current 26-28 combined MPG of the gas-only version.