Official 2026 Mazda CX-5 Pics and Details Released

Im still disappointed that Mazda got rid of the Kodo fender arches from early model Skyactiv's. Those are beautifully unique.

Also, it's a shame that Mazda is still using that archaic 6 speed auto. When compared to the 8 speed auto found in the current gen Toyota Camry, the tighter ratio spread in the higher gears makes a difference.
 
In the States, it will retain the exact same powertrain (NA 2.5L/6 sp trans) that the current Generation has until 2027 when the hybrid system is released. Some critics think the turbo motor is being dropped since it's not mentioned.
I still hope for a turbo. For now they said that only N/A, not a definitive no to turbo. Fingers crossed.
 
Mazda commented on why they dropped the turbo.


"The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain."
Well I've said it before, but if Mazda hadn't tuned the turbo conservatively, this wouldn't be the case. We know that the hybrid powertrain likely won't be exceeding 300hp.
 
Well I've said it before, but if Mazda hadn't tuned the turbo conservatively, this wouldn't be the case. We know that the hybrid powertrain likely won't be exceeding 300hp.
Again, who on earth needs an aggressively tuned 300hp+ crossover? Can anyone else on their forum raise their hands and vouch for such a thing?
 
How can you not love this face.

2022-mazda-cx-5-6.webp
 
I still hope for a turbo. For now they said that only N/A, not a definitive no to turbo. Fingers crossed.
There is not point to the existing turbo anymore and they will not design a new turbo with more HP.

"The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain."
 
I think Mazda just wants to improve reliability and economy and the turbo was not helping there. Not the turbo itself, it's been flawless...but their issues with the cylinder heads mostly. As long as the N/A motor doesn't continue with cylinder deactivation...
 
I really dislike the lack of physical buttons. That seems like a step backwards. And the initial carry over drivertrain is also disappointing. Even if they kept the engine, an 8 speed auto would improve fuel economy and performance. The 6 speed just seems like a cost cutting move to me.

However, my biggest concern is the Google OS they are using. I will need to see something from Mazda about what data they will, or will not, be collecting and if the OS is syphoning non-service related data and sending it to Mazda or Google.
 
The base CX5-5 now will have 8 speakers and the Bose system will have 12 speakers. I don't see any midrange speakers in the front doors so I am not sure where the additional speakers are located.

 
Maybe in the 1st year they work out issues with the new design, so year 2 with the new engine is the one to get.

I told myself in 2023 that it was time to get the one I wanted, and since I don't buy the first year of a new design, to watch for a facelift of the next gen. So that would be around 2030 for me.
 
Exterior-wise, I like almost everything. Rear looks especially good, minus the decision to replace the Mazda emblem. I really like the lower trim treatment on the doors, nice little callback to the original Kodo design of the 1st gen CX-5. I don't like the little "tabs" on the top of the fender trim pieces, or the "underbite" of the lower half of the front bumper - it looks too bulky, especially at 3/4 angles.

Interior, again, I like almost everything. I wish the seats had a bit more detail, but they will likely change that up a couple of years in. Dashboard/screen placement looks really boring, almost like a Tesla interior (but maybe that's what they're going for). Screen size looks nice and big, but I can see that being a big distraction to drivers, especially if the HVAC and radio controls are nested in submenus. It's a complete departure from when they put the infotainment display further away from the driver in the Mazda3 and took away touchscreen capability in an effort to make shifting focus from the road to the screen easier and eliminate distractions. They also took away the control knob, forcing you to have to touch the screen to do anything, inviting even more opportunities for distraction. They should have at least left the control knob intact.

If I were in the market, I'd probably wait a few years for Mazda to iron out any issues with the touchscreen software and hardware. That screen needs to be reliable and lightning-fast.
Fortunately I'm extending my warranty till 2029, so I won't be in the market until then. Meanwhile I'll continue to enjoy my classic 2019 for at least 4 more years.
 
I really dislike the lack of physical buttons. That seems like a step backwards. And the initial carry over drivertrain is also disappointing. Even if they kept the engine, an 8 speed auto would improve fuel economy and performance. The 6 speed just seems like a cost cutting move to me.

However, my biggest concern is the Google OS they are using. I will need to see something from Mazda about what data they will, or will not, be collecting and if the OS is syphoning non-service related data and sending it to Mazda or Google.
Look at it like this, our cells phones no longer physical have buttons and nothing is updated as often as cell phones are. They pave the road for all other electronics to follow.
 
Look at it like this, our cells phones no longer physical have buttons and nothing is updated as often as cell phones are. They pave the road for all other electronics to follow.
When I'm using my cell phone, my focus is allocated to the cell phone screen. Not the road.
 
Not even 24 hours since the premiere and already a huge backlash, and since this is not a full production car, I wouldn't be surprised is Mazda will make some changes to calm everybody down.
 
I've heard complaints that the vehicle looks too similar to the previous generation. The previous generation didn't need any radical changes, I think. How do you radically change the design of a crossover anyways? Mazda's marketing team would need to convince us of the next big body style first to sell something which actually looks different for a change.
 
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