2026 Mazda CX-5 v 2025 Mazda CX-5: what are the differences between the new and outgoing models?

A third-generation Mazda CX-5 will be released in 2026, bringing the supreme changes but between generations since the nameplate debuted in 2012.

So, what’s altering … and what’s staying the identical?

Chasing Autos presents a closer behold to benefit prospective CX-5 patrons select whether or now to no longer pass to showrooms now for the present model or look forward to the modern model that’s aloof a number of twelve months away — due within the second half of 2026.

Exterior changes

Some distinguished changes to the skin are visibly longer rear doorways (and wider C-pillars), which will score entry to what Mazda says will be a roomier rear seat. The present CX-5’s lend a hand seat condo is believed to be moderate for the medium-SUV segment.

Mazda’s extra upmarket midsize SUV, the CX-60 looks to be like to had been the inspiration to the profile of the CX-5, with a in actuality familiar silhouette and window form changing the scheme of present CX-5.

The 2026 CX-5 brings modern-behold LED headlights, complemented by double-hockey-stick LED working lights, and the lower bumper looks to characteristic a pudgy-width intake.

On the rear, Mazda has replaced the Eastern tag’s typical tag badge for the first time with MAZDA lettering — following one thing of an enterprise model.

Whereas the profile of the automobile could well take inspiration from the CX-60, the rear tail-mild build borrows from that of Mazda’s elevated SUVs, the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90. The CX-5 does luxuriate in its possess lag on its rear smash, with a black lower bumper, visible tailpipes, and additional of a bell-form silhouette.

Dimensions

In the second half of 2026, we can peek the CX-5 grow from 4575mm to 4690mm, making it one of many longer vehicles in its class. It beneficial properties 15mm in width, rising from 1845mm to 1860mm, and the wheelbase also extends from 2700mm to 2815mm.

The latter dimension alternate is in particular relevant to Mazda’s declare of elevated rear-seat condo.

Interior and Cabin

The within is where we’re seeing a quantity of alternate, which is thrilling. From what grow to be moderately a straightforward and unfussy cabin, we’re seeing powerful the identical, nonetheless with a extra upscale and fresh behold to slot in with what’s extra frequent in automobile interiors on the present time.

The 10.25-dash infotainment camouflage is getting a magnificent considerable upgrade in size to 15.6 inches, making it Mazda’s greatest infotainment camouflage to this point and is trip by Google Built In connectivity.

We could well additionally teach goodbye to the half-digital, half-analog drivers cluster, and teach hi there to a fully digital driver camouflage.

With two, two-tone interior trims, an added sophistication is camouflage — long gone is the dreary black and darkish interior that is currently accessible. A alternative of a rich tan leather and black neat is one choice shown, the diversified, a black and off-white leatherette upholstery. The MAZDA lettering is echoed on the steering wheel, changing the badge tag.

We also peek the identical old centre console lid disappear, and a destroy up lid has been added, alongside with a sloped smartphone charging tray.

Basically the most distinguished characteristic to disappear, the rotary dial/joystick – and we’ve heard you within the comments, you’re no longer happy about it. Whereas they’re no longer very frequent in vehicles on the present time, we score it, they’re incredibly intuitive and simple to use while on the proceed.

As talked about, the CX-5 has received longer rear doorways, that alongside with their already superbly extensive opening, it is far a recipe of ease for all of us with diminutive ones. Not appropriate getting them out and in, nonetheless for the installation of child seats.

Extra certain additions to the rear are the claims of additional condo, making what grow to be an reputation reserved for children with its lack of leg room, now a condo for adults as effectively. There will also be a recline characteristic (with any luck on all units) for the rear seats, and the addition for a upright panoramic sunroof will be a welcome characteristic.

Boot condo and practicality

Mazda are but to substantiate how powerful potential is received within the boot precisely, nonetheless 5cm of additional length has been promised – a magnificent considerable upgrade, because the boot grow to be one of many smallest in its segment.

The modern CX-5 will also receive an adjusted loading height, it will maybe well well even be reduced by 18mm, which will be powerful more straightforward for hauling cargo. And certain, Mazda luxuriate in saved the 40:20:40 destroy up of the rear seats, which is a characteristic we’re happy they didn’t take away.

Powertrain

When the third-generation CX-5 is released in 2026, it will maybe well well unfortunately easiest reach in with one powertrain — no longer lower than in the initiating build. Gone are the present model’s 2.5-litre turbo petrol choice and nasty model 2.0-litre engine leaving easiest be the Skyactiv G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with Mazda hinting that easiest all-wheel pressure will be an choice to proceed with it again.

Whereas a hybrid engine will change into accessible, it won’t be till 2027, and for Australians, they could well want to wait till 2028 to trip the modern Skyactiv Z hybrid.

Will these changes add or detract from Mazda’s greatest selling SUV, will it benefit to scheme the CX-5 extra current than the Toyota RAV4?