In the Mazda lineup, there’s arguably one model more important than the Miata. It’s the CX-5, and it gets a major makeover for 2026.
This latest evolution of Mazda’s perennial best-seller takes a successful formula and addresses a lot of the complaints that followed the CX-5 over the years. It’s bigger on the outside, therefore roomier on the inside, and the tech is easier to use. Mazda says the 2026 CX-5 is more capable and engaging than it was before, and that all this makes the 2026 CX-5 “more desirable than ever.” Does it?
The 2026 CX-5 wears an evolved version of Mazda’s long-running “Kodo” design language. It’s familiar but more chiselled and squared-off, bearing a strong overall resemblance to the CX-70 and CX-90, especially around back. Because spelling out your name is apparently in vogue these days, bold M-A-Z-D-A lettering replaces the logo on the tailgate.
Also worth noting is the bigger footprint. The 2026 CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer, has a three-inch longer wheelbase, and is half an inch wider than the outgoing CX-5. Inside, this means more space to stretch out and a nicer environment overall. There’s more rear-seat legroom, headroom, and knee room, and more cargo space for your junk in its trunk. Elsewhere inside, Mazda’s top-notch interior game now brings ambient lighting to the CX-5, in addition to its signature craftsmanship and fit-and-finish.
More importantly, Mazda has done away with its knob-based infotainment. In its place is a 15.6-inch touchscreen running Google’s new software. It’s easier to use, better-integrated, and more future-proof than before, because let’s face it: Google taking over our cars was bound to happen. Elsewhere on the tech front, Mazda says we can “anticpate a robust suite” of active safety and river assists, but didn’t get into specifics just yet. More to come, we suppose.
At launch, the 2026 CX-5 will be available with one powertrain: their proven 2.5-litre normally aspirated SkyActiv inline-four. It’s good for a good-enough 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It’s still paired to a six-speed automatic, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. All-wheel-drive will probably be standard in Canada, but more importantly, a hybrid CX-5 is coming in 2027. Sadly, no word on the turbo returning.
Mazda hasn’t specified exact pricing or specs for Canada, but we expect that closer to the new CX-5’s early 2026 on-sale date.
