Mazda’s bestseller is getting a complete overhaul going into the new model year, bringing more space, a more aggressive profile, more tech, and an eventual hybrid powertrain next year. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 seeks to focus on the success of the last model, while doing away with some of the problems it faced.
The CX-5 has been Mazda’s bestseller for years, and it’s getting reworked for the 2026 model year. The previous generation CX-5s were a sporty and fun contrast to an otherwise dull and predictable crossover SUV market. The 2026 CX-5 will keep this image while addressing concerns about limited interior space in the old model, and introducing a newer, more modern interior design.
The new generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to cost slightly more than the outgoing generation, reflecting the brand’s move towards a more premium driving experience. 2025 CX-5s started at $30,190 and went up to $42,295. Based on this, the price of a 2026 CX-5 is likely between $31,000 and $43,000, depending on the trim.
Numerous elements have been redesigned, but from what’s been revealed so far, the most notable changes come in the form of a reworked interior and a new, more rugged look. The Mazda seal on the car’s rear has been replaced with black lettering spanning the tailgate, and new LED headlights give the car a sleeker, more refined appearance.
The biggest changes, however, come on the inside: Mazda has done away with the unusual knob-controlled setup of its previous infotainment screens to include a standard 12.9-inch Google-powered touchscreen, with options to upgrade to an even larger 15.6-inch screen. The screen has standard integration with the full array of Google services: Google Maps, Assistant, Play Store, etc, at no additional cost. The old analogue instrument cluster is replaced with a digital instrument cluster.
The appearance of the interior reflects Mazda’s upmarket ambitions, being deeply modern while maintaining the tasteful use of plush interior materials and a two-tone interior design that impressed on previous generations of the CX-5.
Mazda says that the reworked CX-5 will have class-leading knee and legroom on account of its wheelbase.
Mazda has promised more safety features on the 2026 CX-5. And previous CX-5 models were no slouches in the safety department either. Most likely, this change will bring the CX-5 up to the level of Mazda’s other offerings, like the similarly sized CX-50, which earned five stars from the NHTSA, as well as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
With this update, we can hope that Mazda continues to improve the already impressive safety performances of its vehicles.
The CX-5 promises to be another exciting addition to Mazda’s lineup. Its reworks resolve all of the frequent complaints of older-generation CX-5s while maintaining their strengths and the unique style of Mazda’s cars. Though we won’t know for sure what it will look like entirely, this is absolutely a car worth keeping an eye on.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is scheduled to reach dealerships in early 2026. If you’re interested in the new CX-5 or any other model of Mazda, come down to Cogswell Mazda for a test drive.