Mazda is preparing a significant refresh of the CX-5 for 2026 which will replace the 2025 model in dealer showrooms. Mazda is promising big changes for the CX-5 but what can customers expect and what will returning owners see when they get a chance to get behind the wheel themselves?

Sharper styling adds polish to CX-5’s lines

The 2026 model is longer and wider than before but the exterior gets big changes for 2026 with some of these changes becoming evident when you spend time with a 2025 model with Mazda sending a Signature model to our office just before the new one was revealed.

Signature models like our tester get a model exclusive chrome grille but other than that and the chrome 19-inch wheels, the Signature relies on the same core styling elements that have become a CX-5 mainstay for the past few years. The 2026 model will build on this blueprint and give the SUV new stacked LED headlights and a tweaked lower bumper to help give the CX-5 a bolder personality.

The core profile between the two is shared but we’re glad to see that the 2026 model will finally address a prominent flaw in the 2025’s presentation and that’s its ho-hum looking taillights which clashed with the front end. For now, the Signature is not part of the 2026 model’s initial trim lineup but that might change in the future after it has a chance to get established in showrooms.

Interior gets the bulk of the changes

The difference between the 2025 and 2026 models really goes full circle when you look at the cabins of both SUVs. The 2025 Signature gets high quality wood accents, brown Nappa leather seating and other trim upgrades but while the majority of the cabin is upscale and the seats are certainly very comfortable thrones to sit in, the infotainment system and its horrible native software hang over it like a ball and chain.

Mazda is out to exorcise these demons in the 2026 model with the interior getting a larger 12.0-inch infotainment system (a larger 15.6-inch screen is optional.) The new screen gets Google’s Built-In software and the clunky control knob gets pitched for a simpler touch layout. Some loyalists may scoff at Mazda ditching the majority of the analog buttons to make it all work but we think Built-In’s integrated app system will help make up for this somewhat.

The rest of the cabin gets a cleaner design and the steering wheel gets a new Mazda script logo with the default Mazda symbol being relegated to the front of the CX-5 for 2026. More room and better accessibility is also on tap and Mazda claims the rear cargo area can haul more stuff than ever but we get to wait until we get a chance to try it out to see if it indeed succeeds in this regard.

Hybrid engine takes center stage

With the 2026 model sharing the same naturally aspirated (albeit updated) 2.5-liter four cylinder as lower grade 2025 models, the bulk of the spotlight shines on the upcoming hybrid engine. This is partly due to the company not revealing whether the turbocharged version of the 2.5 is being carried over (our 2025 tester did arrive with this beefier engine) but the hybrid is also addressing a weakness for the CX-5, fuel economy.

Unlike the larger CX-50 Hybrid which uses a Toyota sourced hybrid system, the CX-5’s setup will be the first to be built entirely in-house by Mazda. The hybrid engine should help improve fuel consumption with the fuel gauge on our turbo equipped tester being a constant reminder of what you have to give up for the impressive amounts of fun that you get from the engine. Mazda hasn’t released any formal fue economy data for the hybrid but look for the improvements in mileage to be noticeable.

A six-speed automatic will continue to be the lone transmission for non-hybrid models but that’s fine since the transmission has always been a stellar dance partner for the 2.5-liter with our tester also delivering solid handling behavior too in urban commuting.

Which one you pick will depend on your needs

The fine art of choosing between the 2026 and the 2025 CX-5 will depend on a wide range of variables but budget will play a key role. The 2026 model’s pricing hasn’t been revealed as of yet, but tariffs could play a role in how much customers will pay though we still suspect the 2026 model will still be firmly in the $30,000 range.

As for the outgoing 2025 model, a base 2.5 S model starts at $28,770 with the pricing staying firmly in the $30,000 range until you get to a Signature model like our tester which starts at $40,800. Our tester had a final as tested price of over $41,000 due to a sprinkling of optional extras.

This pricing is still a strong value and it actually has the potential to get better with time as some dealerships apply discounts and other special perks to get 2025 models out of their inventory lots to help make room for the 2026 models. We suggest keeping an eye on the Preferred and Premium models since these models are the volume players and are more likely to have dealer discounts put on them.