2026 Mazda CX-5: Who’s actually getting one?

[ColoradoDriver]

While Mazda US didn't provide the CX-5 breakdown, they did mention the engine sales in 2025 for the CX-50. Mazda believes a more powerful Hybrid in the CX-5 vs the CX-50 Hybrid, would make the CX-5 Turbo redundant with very few sales.

https://www.autoblog.com/news/mazda-cx-50-buyers-are-skipping-the-turbo-for-hybrid-power.

View attachment 383096

I don't know too much about the hybrid. Just looking at the specs, isn't the torque kinda low? Or am I missing something given hybrid?

Given the weight difference between the Gen 1, Gen 2, and now Gen 3, seems the 2.5L NA, while yes it works, all I can say is I noticed a huge difference in acceleration from stop capabilities between my 2014 and a 2021 I had a loaner of for a couple of days. Gen 3 is now even heavier.

 

[cz5gt]

gen3 is to move you from A to B get kids
from school, grocery shopping or a vacation trip.
but not for speed enthusiasts for sure.

 

[hoodlum]

I don't know too much about the hybrid. Just looking at the specs, isn't the torque kinda low? Or am I missing something given hybrid?

Given the weight difference between the Gen 1, Gen 2, and now Gen 3, seems the 2.5L NA, while yes it works, all I can say is I noticed a huge difference in acceleration from stop capabilities between my 2014 and a 2021 I had a loaner of for a couple of days. Gen 3 is now even heavier.

We don't know what the CX-5 Hybrid torque would be as Mazda hasn't shared any specs on their Hybrid. Mazda has only said it will have similar, if not better performance than the Turbo. The CX-5 Hybrid is using Mazda's own hybrid tech, while the CX-50 Hybrid tech comes from Toyota.

This Is Why Mazda Won't Bring Back The CX-5 Turbo

A new model will replace it as the "power option."

carbuzz.com

“The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain,” Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations.

 

[zx10guy]

We don't know what the CX-5 Hybrid torque would be as Mazda hasn't shared any specs on their Hybrid. Mazda has only said it will have similar, if not better performance than the Turbo. The CX-5 Hybrid is using Mazda's own hybrid tech, while the CX-50 Hybrid tech comes from Toyota.

This Is Why Mazda Won't Bring Back The CX-5 Turbo

A new model will replace it as the "power option."

carbuzz.com

“The hybrid system will have performance that is comparable to or exceeding the turbo powertrain,” Stefan Meisterfeld, VP of strategic planning for Mazda North American Operations.

We'll have to see if Mazda can create their own hybrid powerplant for the CX-5 that has the reliability of the 4th gen Toyota hybrid powerplant being used in the CX-50. Because I've been seeing various issues and complaints with the Mazda hybrid power plant being used in the CX-70/CX-90.

 

[zx10guy]

I was just in the dealership last Friday. Got to chatting with the gal a the Service Desk about the new CX-5. She noted you can control via Alexa or Google. I would think this would get around using the touch panel, but it's a valid question if it work if the panel is having issues. I would think you'd hit the button on your steering wheel and it would work. Although, some might find it annoying to broadcast changes and especially if you have people in the car talking.

The Google assistant has been hit and miss when everything is working with the infotainment system. Some of the reviews couldn't get the Google assistant to do what was asked of it.

Also, if you are in an area with spotty cell service, you'll have that issue too as the Google assistant feature requires Internet access.

 

[N7turbo]

Given the weight difference between the Gen 1, Gen 2, and now Gen 3, seems the 2.5L NA, while yes it works, all I can say is I noticed a huge difference in acceleration from stop capabilities between my 2014 and a 2021 I had a loaner of for a couple of days. Gen 3 is now even heavier.

Curb weight difference between Gen 1 and 2 (GT AWD): 90 lbs

You wouldn't notice the weight difference unless you went from a light weight FWD Sport trim to a loaded GT AWD trim, so that may be what you experienced.

 

[N7turbo]

A performance-oriented CX-5 Hybrid would need to produce more than 450 lb ft of torque to the wheels to out-do the Gen 2 CX-5 Turbo. Let's see it, Mazda.

 

[wlong01]

Just picked up a 2025 CX-5 (didn't want the 2026) and I think the performance is as good or better than my 2016 Touring. It's no turbo but it's pretty impressive.
The secret is not to baby it.

 

[paris1]

I thought this thread was about 2026 buyers?^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[cxha]

I thought this thread was about 2026 buyers?^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

And are we surprised that there are more owners of the previous model posting that they were motivated to buy when seeing the 2026?

Mazda eliminated 10% of potential buyers by axing the turbo, and who knows how many more by eliminating the physical controls. Soft touch vs. harder surfaces? Not a popular change to the interior when you've announced that you're moving the brand upmarket. And now come the reports from those new owners of their screens going black.

I'm loving our 2025 Signature and plan on keeping it for many years...

 

[Snake]

And are we surprised that there are more owners of the previous model posting that they were motivated to buy when seeing the 2026?

Mazda eliminated 10% of potential buyers by axing the turbo, and who knows how many more by eliminating the physical controls. Soft touch vs. harder surfaces? Not a popular change to the interior when you've announced that you're moving the brand upmarket. And now come the reports from those new owners of their screens going black.

I'm loving our 2025 Signature and plan on keeping it for many years...

As a 2026 Gen 3 owner, I can tell you that there is only two places inside that are hard surface now compared to the Gen 2. That's the upper door panel tops, which I think is an improvement as far as support/comfort/ergonomics as an arm rest. It is my understanding that the upper trim levels have ambient lighting on the underside edge of those new hard surface upper door panel tops and that is why there is a bit of an overhang.

If you can get over the changes, the new interior design is actually improved compared to the Gen 2. We own a Gen 2 and a Gen 3 so it's nice to be able to compare.

Coming from a Honda CRV, considered to be the centerpiece of interior design (certainly better than Toyota), I'd say that there are equal pros and cons between the Gen 2 and Gen 3. For me, the pros in the Gen 3 are more important than the cons and that's what I went that route.

I think EVERYONE HERE should go test drive a Gen 3 CX-5 to see what it's all about. Test drives are free. It's all too clear what the Mazda Die Hards are grumbling about with the Gen 3. But there are some significant improvements as well.