Official 2026 Mazda CX-5 Pics and Details Released

[JSchmo]

2 cyl mode?

When Cylinder Deactivation is active the engine is operating on just 2 of the 4 cylinders. If your Mazda has this feature, the engine can switch back and forth between 2 and 4 cylinder mode quite often as you drive under certain light load conditions...

 

[Martyd]

When Cylinder Deactivation is active the engine is operating on just 2 of the 4 cylinders. If your Mazda has this feature, the engine can switch back and forth between 2 and 4 cylinder mode quite often as you drive under certain light load conditions...

Got it. Thought it was one. Thanks

 

[N7turbo]

2 are needed for engine balancing.

 

[BoomerZoomr]

I guess Mazda’s 2026 changes are reasonable in the grand scheme of things. I just saw that the 2027 Toyota Highlander will be electric only. Not even a hybrid offered.
Thanks Mazda for not going insane.

 

[cz5gt]

Mazda did similar thing but with the Mazda6 now all electric. In other markets as they discontinued it in US. Sedans are still a thing

 

[Mazdahawk72]

Mazda did similar thing but with the Mazda6 now all electric. In other markets as they discontinued it in US. Sedans are still a thing

Although the Mazda 6e is a totally different vehicle than the Mazda 6. Electric from the ground up and made in China. But yes, sedans are getting rarer in the USA.

 

[cz5gt]

We are deviating a bit from the main topic,
But the 6e seems the successor to the 6 its just fully electric and built on new platform.
Toyota is doing exactly the same with the new Highlander - fully electric build from the bottom to the top. Nothing like the previous one except the same name.

 

[chickdr]

We are deviating a bit from the main topic,
But the 6e seems the successor to the 6 its just fully electric and built on new platform.
Toyota is doing exactly the same with the new Highlander - fully electric build from the bottom to the top. Nothing like the previous one except the same name.

An unwise move IMHO. Sure, offer an electric variant if you like, but at least offer a hybrid (which is what Toyota does best).

 

[zx10guy]

This dropped into my feed. The video was published yesterday. Seems the creator is a salesman working at a Mazda dealer. Short summary. He's posting that Mazda has sent them a notice announcing delays of when the 2026 CX-5s will be delivered to them. He thinks the delay is a month from when the original launch date was. Video goes on about speculation it's possibly due to a software update.

 

[ColoradoDriver]

Seen others saying the giant iPad was unresponsive and unreliable at times. Also wouldn't function without being online. Supposedly supposed to download a language pack to function offline after you select the language but obviously there could totally be scenarios where that doesn't happen.

I think Mazda is going to be taking an L on this gen. If the reviewers are having issues with the infotainment can you imagine the regular folks buying the car.

Some brands have figured this out and started moving away from the giant iPad. Guess Maxda didn't want to learn from them.

 

[Freedom55]

Some brands have figured this out and started moving away from the giant iPad. Guess Maxda didn't want to learn from them.

I've seen a few reviews of the 2026 Outback and the HVAC is controlled by buttons and knobs; the interior is their best so far compared to previous gens. On the other hand, the new Outback is ugly IMO too truckish; I way prefer the looks of the CX-5. Makes me think about the Beauty (CX-5) and the Beast (Outback) I've had a 1997 Outback and it wasn't a beauty queen! 2005-2025 were better looking.

 

[chickdr]

I've seen a few reviews of the 2026 Outback and the HVAC is controlled by buttons and knobs; the interior is their best so far compared to previous gens. On the other hand, the new Outback is ugly IMO too truckish; I way prefer the looks of the CX-5. Makes me think about the Beauty (CX-5) and the Beast (Outback) I've had a 1997 Outback and it wasn't a beauty queen! 2005-2025 were better looking.

Yep, the previous gen Outback had a giant tablet like the new CX-5. They realized it wasn't a great idea and went back to a smaller screen with physical controls. I am shocked and dismayed Mazda decided to go all in on the huge screen with almost no physical controls. Opposite of what they have always said. I would have likely been buying a new CX-5, but they lost a sale as soon as I heard about the powertrain and infotainment.

 

[skeptical]

I was waiting for this car as I am way overdue for a new car and did not want to by the last year of the current CX-5. In fact, Mazda owes me one at employee pricing. However, I am disappointed by dropping of the turbo option. I understand why, but its a bummer that we have to wait another year to test drive a mild hybrid version to see if it drives like the turbo variant.

I've had Mazdas since the early 2000s starting with a Mazdaspeed 6. Among the many I've owned 4 CX-5s.

Not too many other SUVs out there of interest to me at this price point. My buddy owns a VW/AUDI/SUBARU/HYNDAI dealership. I did take a look at the Audi RSQ8. That's a winner for sure. Starts at $139K. I always tell them if Subaru made an WRX STI SUV, I'd be very interested. The GF has a new WRX and its quite nice (for a car).

I decided to consider the new Rav4 GS. I've seen pics and it looks great and its all about performance, but as of today its still not listed on Toyotas website configurator. So pricing and ultimate features is only a guess.

So, I guess I will wave goodbye to Mazda for now...

 

[chickdr]

Others I might suggest, if you like hybrids, are the Kia/Hyundai twins Sportage/Tuscon in the hybrid trims. They come close to the power of the CX-5 2.5T and provide better economy at the same time.

 

[Snake]

I was waiting for this car as I am way overdue for a new car and did not want to by the last year of the current CX-5. In fact, Mazda owes me one at employee pricing. However, I am disappointed by dropping of the turbo option. I understand why, but its a bummer that we have to wait another year to test drive a mild hybrid version to see if it drives like the turbo variant.

I've had Mazdas since the early 2000s starting with a Mazdaspeed 6. Among the many I've owned 4 CX-5s.

Not too many other SUVs out there of interest to me at this price point. My buddy owns a VW/AUDI/SUBARU/HYNDAI dealership. I did take a look at the Audi RSQ8. That's a winner for sure. Starts at $139K. I always tell them if Subaru made an WRX STI SUV, I'd be very interested. The GF has a new WRX and its quite nice (for a car).

I decided to consider the new Rav4 GS. I've seen pics and it looks great and its all about performance, but as of today its still not listed on Toyotas website configurator. So pricing and ultimate features is only a guess.

So, I guess I will wave goodbye to Mazda for now...

Enjoy your tin can RAV4. I meticulously went over two models at the Auto Show in November. It's the cheapest, tin can with awful interiors materials that I've seen in any of the RAV4 Gens. I was told by an insider that Toyota does this on purpose because of their luxury level Lexus brand.

My money goes toward a quality build with quality materials. That's why I like Mazda.