The Mazda CX-5 has always been Mazda’s most reliable solider with the SUV proving to be a key cog in the firm’s plans to expand its presence in the SUV market. However, the CX-5 has faced additional internal pressure in recent years with the CX-50 and CX-70 pushing into some of its hallowed turf especially in sales.

While prior rumors have suggested Mazda would axe the aging SUV, it turns out that isn’t the case and the company is rolling out the revamped 2026 version to help the CX-5 stay in the fight for a few years longer.

Core CX-5 look finds its groove again

At first glance, the 2026 model looks very similar to the outgoing one with the two retaining the same profile and shape. The similarities end here though with the SUV actually being brand new from the ground up. The wheelbase is 3.0-inches longer than before which helps give the CX-5 an extra 4.5-inches of length for a revised total of 184.6 inches long which brings the SUV close to rivals like the Honda CR-V.

The exterior styling is an updated version of the brand’s signature Kodo design language with the front end featuring a new grille and stacked headlights. the front bumper is also reworked and gets new details to make the CX-5 more sporty looking. The rear end gets a new “MAZDA” watermark in the rear with the taillights being sharper looking as well. Performance hardware is carried over for now with the CX-5 being powered by the familiar naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder which still makes 187 hp.

This state of affairs won’t last for long though with Mazda confirming a hybrid version is on the way. This model will be powered by Mazda’s Skyactiv-Z engine and will be the first model in the lineup to be powered with this engine.

Bigger screen ditches the buttons

The biggest share of the spotlight is focused on the CX-5’s reworked interior which receives the bulk of the changes for 2026. Mazda has finally caved into pressure and has given the CX-5 a fully touch operated 15.6-inch infotainment system with the screen being the biggest in a production Mazda product. The system also comes with Google’s Built-In interface that bundles in features like Google Assistant, Maps, and more.

However, a proiminent catch is the bigger screen comes with a drastically reduced button count with Mazda designers eliminating the buttons on the dashboard and center console including the old command knob. Instead, touch-based controls are used but Mazda has wisely avoided the same mistake Volkswagen made and used analog buttons for the steering wheel instead of capacitive controls

When can I buy one?

Usually, this would be the section where we talk about pricing, but Mazda neglected to mention that key detail in its release. However, look for the 2026 CX-5 to get a minor price hike when compared to the $30,265 base sticker wielded by the outgoing model. Mazda has always seen the CX-5 as a value focused model and as a result, expect the base price to creep up to just over $32,000 which is still a good bargain in the SUV segment.