The third-generation, 2026 Mazda CX-5 grew, updated its styling, and received new technology. And it still sells alongside the similarly sized, Mazda CX-50.
Mazda recently revealed the new, third generation, 2026 Mazda CX-5. While it looks quite similar at first glance, styling differences appear on both the front and rear ends. Furthermore, you see a change to the profile, courtesy of a three inch longer wheelbase as well as four and half inches more overall length. It measures a half an inch wider, too.
That means the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has the following dimensions:
184.6-in long
73.1-in wide
66.1-in tall
109.2-in wheelbase
That’s 1.2-in shorter, 0.2-in narrower, 2.1-in higher, with a 1.6-in shorter wheelbase than the new for 2023 Mazda CX-50. In other words, quite close.
CX-5 v. CX-50
Yet both models will continue to co-exist. Tom Donnelly, President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, still see the two models as different vehicles meant for different people.
Donelly put it like this, “Rounding out our CUV line-up, CX-5 has always offered a versatile, but slightly more urban counterpart to the CX-50 in the compact, crossover segment.” Adding, “Customers can also opt for the CX-50, which offers a rugged, outdoorsy feel.”
And, sure, the CX-50 offers the Meridian Edition, which installs all-terrain tires to further handle off-road shenanigans. But the two remain objectively quite similar. Time will tell.
STYLING TWEAKS
The two look similar as well. And, frankly, so did the outgoing CX-5. Mazda kept the design changes subtle. Afterall, it still follows Mazda’s Kodo design language. However, Mazda calls this specific look “Wearable Gear.” If that makes sense to you, great. The new CX-5 takes cues from the new for 2024 and new for 2025 Mazda CX-90 and CX-70. And that makes sense to me.
As before, it continues to roll-in up to 19-in wheels, which is fitting. Also, Mazda replaced the rear logo with Mazda lettering on both the rear hatch and on the steering wheel.
NEW INSIDE
To start, Mazda improved ingress and egress to the compact crossover, presumably by tweaking the door shape and allowing them to open further than before. Once you climb in, more space awaits, especially for the second row. Mazda says you get more leg, knee, and headroom. And more cargo space too. The 2025 CX-5 swallowed: 29 cu.-ft, 59-cu.-ft, I’ll how that compares once I get my hands on a full set of specs.
Up front, Mazda will mount a 15.6-in center display on the top trims, the largest of any Mazda. It includes google built-in, which now includes AI assistant Google Gemini, as well as Google Maps, and Google Play. Mazda does not say, but I presume that it will also include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Motoring Along
Given the new platform, it disappointed me to read about the carryover powertrain. The CX-5 continues to use a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder making 187 HP at 6000 rpm and 185 lb.-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Though, it’s not quite the base engine of the outgoing model. The base engine made an additional one lb.-ft of torque but also went without cylinder deactivation and auto stop/start, which hurt fuel economy. But we still get a six-speed automatic transmission. And all will come standard with all-wheel-drive.
Furthermore, Mazda said nothing of the turbocharged 2.5-liter for the new, third-generation model. Instead, a hybrid powertrain will arrive for the 2027 model year. I initially thought Mazda would essentially pluck the hybrid powertrain from the 2025 Mazda CX-50.
But, Mazda said it’s debuting a new hybrid powertrain to the Mazda family. Perhaps Mazda developed something entirely in-house, the CX-50’s unit relies heavily on Toyota technology.
COMING SOON-ISH
Mazda says to expect the new, 2026 CX-5 to arrive at dealers early in 2026. And while pricing was not yet announced, I bet it will not stray too far from the 2025 model’s pricing, which currently starts at $30,265 (including $1495 destination charge). I expect the 2026 CX-5 to start around $32,000.
I’m quite curious to see the new CX-5 in the flesh and see how it feels compared to the CX-50. Will it feel like a separate vehicle to the CX-50? Or more like fraternal twins? It’s definitely a question to answer with a review.
