Official 2026 Mazda CX-5 Pics and Details Released

[chickdr]

Looks like they are using the base CX-70/90's front rotors. Just like they did with the CX-9's front rotors for the Turbo model from 19-25. Makes sense as they don't have anything else using the old 12.6" rotors so why not upgrade to 12.9" and use something from the current parts bin.

 

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2026 Mazda CX-5 - Production and crash test

 

[chickdr]

Neat video. I like the looks; it just needs a better drivetrain and a smaller touchscreen with physical controls, IMHO....

 

[dunhillmc]

2026 Mazda CX-5 - Production and crash test

Looks like whatever market those are being made for is getting a mild-hybrid version

 

[cxha]

Neat video. I like the looks; it just needs a better drivetrain and a smaller touchscreen with physical controls, IMHO....

It would look so much better without all of that shiny black plastic, which makes it look cheap to my eyes. In addition to the loss of the physical buttons on the interior there is more hard plastic in places that were previously soft-touch… another example of cost cutting which makes this new model feel a step down from the 2017-2025 version.

 

[cz5gt]

Looks like whatever market those are being made for is getting a mild-hybrid version

Yeah. Europe has the mild hybrid for few years. All skyactiv G have it cx30, cx5 etc. They also get downgraded horse power due to the strict emissions.

 

[RedBaron]

Autoweek new review is up, and they talk about the improved handling and more:

2026 Mazda CX-5 Gets a Refined Suspension for a Fun-to-Drive Feel

Engine and software get a little boost, and a longer overall length means more room inside.

www.autoweek.com

 

[ADS-B]

I just drove the new 2026 Mazda CX-5. It’s PERFECT except for…

 

[zx10guy]

I've been watching some of the first drive reviews. One thing that jumped out at me was one reviewer said iStop and CD were removed from the entire 2026 lineup. I went back on Mazda's website and there's absolutely no mention of iStop and CD in the specs. It was there when 2026 model year page went up. So I guess you can't trust any information until the dust settles from an initial launch.

I also took a peak at the VINs for the 2026s inbound to my dealer. All of them have an engine code of A now.

 

[Antoine]

Ok so the reviews are out…Seems to me people are warming up to this next gen despite the initial concerns which is good to see…So the question now is…

Who’s getting one! Started a new thread about just that…

Thread '2026 Mazda CX-5 Build & Pre-Order Thread 📋'

Sunday 12:07 AM

Has anyone specced one out yet? It would be great to see how people are configuring their 2026 Mazda CX-5 and if anyone has preordered and if you have, how was the experience?

Now I realize not everyone is sold yet on the new CX-5 for a variety of reasons and I get it but for those that are interested, post your desired specs and experiences!

Let us know as well if you’re interested but waiting on the reviews, hybrid version etc…

• Antoine
• Replies: 0
• Forum: CX-5 Ownership & Lifestyle

 

[N7turbo]

Well, you have to understand that the ones most vocal about the infotainment changes are self-selected. The ones who were most attracted to the design of the last decade are...the ones who ended up buying them.

So it should be no surprise that Mazda Reddit, Mazda Facebook, and Mazda forums are overwhelmingly negative about losing the commander knob and related controls and gaining a large touchscreen.

But Mazda is going after a larger audience—people cross-shopping the other Japanese and Korean brands.

I'm not saying they aren't making any mistakes. Just providing some context. I have issues with the new design so per my intuition in 2023, I will be keeping mine.

 

[zx10guy]

Having purchased my 2025 at the end of December, I have absolutely no regrets. Yes, there are some things that are appealing with the new design. But not enough for me to regret my decision to get the last of the second gens.

 

[cz5gt]

4-cylinder engine with Cylinder Deactivation (CDA) and i-STOP* for all 2026 trims.

Whats bad is lack of istop button or any buttons whatsoever so gotta dig deeper into the infotainment to turn it off on every start or talk to the friendly AI bot.

 

[BoomerZoomr]

If me or the wife had to replace our automobiles, we would have to start with a blank slate and look across all auto manufacturers.
She could live without the turbo, but Mazda no longer offers a car the size of her Mazda6.
For me, I couldn’t accept paying $40K for a loaded SUV that takes over 8 seconds to reach 60 mph. I would likely have to pay even more somewhere else to have something I would be happy with.
Times are changing, and so is Mazda. Mazda being different is what attracted us to their cars. The '26 CX-5 is still made in Japan and still a beautiful vehicle, I'll give kudos for that.
Mazda is targeting new customers… and we feel left behind.

 

[jadmt]

if it had a turbo I probably would get one as it is no I won't. my 23 CX5 turbo is paid for so would have been easy to get it in to a new one. for some reason I kept staring at the steering wheel in all the reviews thinking man that doesn't look good.

 

[sm1ke]

I'm not a big fan of this reviewer, but he provides some insight and a clip from a guy named Rubin Archilla from Mazda Vehicle Dynamics. I think he also mentions that the 2026 model is about 150 lbs heavier than the outgoing model.

Some interesting tidbits from Rubin's portion, starting at 28:28:

• Approximately 90% of the sales mix for the CX-5 includes the non-turbo engine. Not sure if this is a global figure or NA-only, but it's interesting to note.
• EGR cooler is slightly smaller, leading to better engine response, especially during initial throttle tip-in.
• Shift control logic has been updated.
• They took cues from the Miata's suspension and damper internals have been further tuned to be "more capable", providing higher damping force. Spring rates are now lower, making the car "softer". Together, this is supposed to make the car feel more comfortable to drive on uneven pavement, while remaining composed. This change is more noticeable even at low damper stroke speeds (like small speed bumps, road seams, etc.).

Immediately after Rubin's clip at about 33:25, the reviewer talks about cylinder deactivation on the 2026 CX-5 - it's gone.

So, while it may not be "fast" to 60 mph, there's a lot of other improvements to consider (like a pano roof, nice big screen for those that want it, new displays and updated interior, etc.). Honestly for the brand itself, based on past sales numbers for the CX-5, it makes more sense to push a hybrid powertrain before a turbo powertrain anyway.

 

[zx10guy]

I'm not a big fan of this reviewer, but he provides some insight and a clip from a guy named Rubin Archilla from Mazda Vehicle Dynamics. I think he also mentions that the 2026 model is about 150 lbs heavier than the outgoing model.

Some interesting tidbits from Rubin's portion, starting at 28:28:

• Approximately 90% of the sales mix for the CX-5 includes the non-turbo engine. Not sure if this is a global figure or NA-only, but it's interesting to note.
• EGR cooler is slightly smaller, leading to better engine response, especially during initial throttle tip-in.
• Shift control logic has been updated.
• They took cues from the Miata's suspension and damper internals have been further tuned to be "more capable", providing higher damping force. Spring rates are now lower, making the car "softer". Together, this is supposed to make the car feel more comfortable to drive on uneven pavement, while remaining composed. This change is more noticeable even at low damper stroke speeds (like small speed bumps, road seams, etc.).

Immediately after Rubin's clip at about 33:25, the reviewer talks about cylinder deactivation on the 2026 CX-5 - it's gone.

So, while it may not be "fast" to 60 mph, there's a lot of other improvements to consider (like a pano roof, nice big screen for those that want it, new displays and updated interior, etc.). Honestly for the brand itself, based on past sales numbers for the CX-5, it makes more sense to push a hybrid powertrain before a turbo powertrain anyway.

This was the review I was referencing in my previous response stating iStop and CD being gone for the 2026 model year. Which prompted me to look on Mazda's website. I haven't found any reference to iStop and CD which were there initially when the 2026 model page went live.

 

[N7turbo]

Someone mentioned that it looks more like a Honda and now I can't unsee it.

 

[RedBaron]

Has anyone seen what the config options are for the dash display/gauges? The few reviews I've seen show just digital displays for speedo, etc. Anyone know if you can configure 'old style' analog circular gauges?

 

[cxha]

Someone mentioned that it looks more like a Honda and now I can't unsee it.

Looking forward to some upscale, more powerful models, without the cheap-looking shiny black plastic and some better-looking wheels.