Official 2026 Mazda CX-5 Pics and Details Released

[Antoine]

Word on the street is feedback about the lack of physical controls in the 2026 CX-5 has reached Mazda and that future models may retain more physical controls as a result...What that means for the upcoming CX-5 though is not clear...

I wonder though once it's released and if it received well, Mazda may continue with its original intention of going with touch and tap ultimately...It'll be very interesting to see what happens...Regardless of the interface, I think it's going to sell like hot cakes.

 

[GrampaSlade]

I want simple heat/ac buttons and dials like my 2000 Accord. I want to be able to touch a spot on my screen to pick a saved radio channel or other source. I want a clock somewhere that stays on even if the "infotainment" system is off. Honestly kids, this isn't that difficult.

 

[hoodlum]

New Navy Blue Mica.

MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Mazda Develops New Body Color, “Navy Blue Mica”｜NEWS RELEASES

Everything you need to know about what's going on. Includes up to date news releases, production and sales results and archives, or sign up for your own RSS news feed.

newsroom.mazda.com

 

[mutualcore]

I want simple heat/ac buttons and dials like my 2000 Accord. I want to be able to touch a spot on my screen to pick a saved radio channel or other source. I want a clock somewhere that stays on even if the "infotainment" system is off. Honestly kids, this isn't that difficult.

The infotainment is never off.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Word on the street is feedback about the lack of physical controls in the 2026 CX-5 has reached Mazda and that future models may retain more physical controls as a result...What that means for the upcoming CX-5 though is not clear...

I wonder though once it's released and if it received well, Mazda may continue with its original intention of going with touch and tap ultimately...It'll be very interesting to see what happens...Regardless of the interface, I think it's going to sell like hot cakes.

Remains to be seen I am sure. I agree that it will probably continue to sell like hotcakes. Isn't the CX-5 their best selling model? I don't think that will change.

Touch and tap is just not the same as feel and press. You can feel a control without looking and know what it is and how to use it. The same cannot be said for a touchscreen. I always thought it was funny that there are laws in many locales against using a smartphone in the car, but for some reason a giant "iPad" is ok? Sure.

And I know this probably will not be the same with Mazda, but a buddy of mine has had nothing but problems with the touchscreen infotainment system in his brand new Chevy truck. Yes I know...Chevy, but still, I think the more controls that get shoved into a touchscreen infotainment system, the bigger the problem if you do end up having a software / firmware issue and suddenly can't access most of the controls. I just don't think it makes much logical sense.

New Navy Blue Mica.

MAZDA NEWSROOM｜Mazda Develops New Body Color, “Navy Blue Mica”｜NEWS RELEASES

Everything you need to know about what's going on. Includes up to date news releases, production and sales results and archives, or sign up for your own RSS news feed.

newsroom.mazda.com

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That looks pretty good!

 

[GrampaSlade]

The infotainment is never off.

If I hold the power button down, the screen goes black. It's off.

 

[chickdr]

If I hold the power button down, the screen goes black. It's off.

Have you confirmed this in the new CX-5?

 

[Freedom55]

The popular compact CUV market is constantly changing. With the demise of the Escape and 2026 RAV4 available only as hybrid and PHEV may bring potential buyers to the new larger CX-5. Prices will also be part of the equation so it's hard to predict how well it will sell at this time. It will be interesting to see! I think Mazda will lose some (no more turbo) and win some.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

I've been seeing some shorts and videos on YouTube where people are trying out the interior controls on a 2026 CX-5 and gotta say even the steering wheel buttons sound...."cheap"?

 

[forties]

Buy yourselves a new 2025 before they're gone.. last of the physical control CX5ses.

 

[zx10guy]

Buy yourselves a new 2025 before they're gone.. last of the physical control CX5ses.

That's what I did. Along with Mazda trying to get all the 2025s sold where they just increased the customer cash from $2000 to $2500.

 

[GTEyes]

More info. released on trims for Canada. Website also has their new emblem.

2026 Mazda CX-5 AWD 5-Seat Urban Compact SUV | Mazda Canada

The Mazda CX-5 is a sophisticated urban compact crossover that offers an elevated and connected driving experience for discerning drivers. Redesigned for 2026.

www.mazda.ca

Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging 2026 Mazda CX-5 for All-New

Mazda's best-selling crossover model returns with greatly improved rear seat and cargo space Featuring Google built-in technology and Gemini AI assistant functionality, the all-new CX-5 allows for...

en.media.mazda.ca

US info.

Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging for All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5

Mazda's best-selling crossover model returns with greatly improved rear seat and cargo space CX-5 2.5 S models will have a starting MSRP of $29,990 with vehicles going on-sale in the coming...

news.mazdausa.com

 

[chickdr]

Essentially, updated tech with loss of physical controls, same power train - less the 2.5T option, and a slightly longer wheelbase with extra rear seat and cargo room. It's really more of an update than a new model.

 

[zx10guy]

Some price increases and changes in what's included at each trim level.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Essentially, updated tech with loss of physical controls, same power train - less the 2.5T option, and a slightly longer wheelbase with extra rear seat and cargo room. It's really more of an update than a new model.

I mean it's still a CX-5, not a new model. When the Gen 2's came out their big thing over Gen 1 was the sound dampening and better interior materials, and an updated exterior design / grill.

 

[hoodlum]

I mean it's still a CX-5, not a new model. When the Gen 2's came out their big thing over Gen 1 was the sound dampening and better interior materials, and an updated exterior design / grill.

This 3rd gen is a much larger difference from the 2nd gen than the 2nd gen was over the 1st gen, especially with the hybrid powertrain coming next year.

 

[MichalP]

No physical buttons, that's one thing but looks like Mazda is also joining the club of some features hidden behind a subscription. It's not just their own Mazda Connect but some other features implemented in google services. Navi and voice assistant has only 1 year free trial. What else?

 

[youri]

That’s likely because they are connected services. (like getting traffic data through cell network and using the internet for voice recognition).

The question will be how much you can use the service without subscribing. Like will the nav be available but without traffic, etc.

Honestly i never use the mazda nav and voice recognition in my CX-9, because it does not have live traffic. I am always plugged in with apple carplay or android auto. Even in my BMW which has live traffic, i am always on apple CarPlay anyway.

 

[hoodlum]

Even in my BMW which has live traffic, i am always on apple CarPlay anyway.

BMW would say you are not using Apple CarPlay.

https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/bmw-says-apple-carplay-popularity-is-a-myth-as-more-manufacturers-turn-to-built-in-navigation-systems

“In the past, there was always talking about a myth,” he told us during an interview. “People say they’re driving all around and using CarPlay for navigation. I can tell you, that’s not true,”

 

[chickdr]

This 3rd gen is a much larger difference from the 2nd gen than the 2nd gen was over the 1st gen, especially with the hybrid powertrain coming next year.

Mazda dropped the performance power train they offered previously. The chassis is a stretched version of the original chassis from the first gen CX-5. So, literally, they have refreshed the same car twice for Gen 2 and Gen 3. There has not been an entirely clean sheet redesign of the car since its inception. Still using the same 6-sp auto and 2.5l engine (until the hybrid arrives) from the 1st gen version. I wouldn't really say it's a larger difference. The 2nd gen added the 2.5T motor in 19 so it also had power train upgrades.