The Redesign: Kodo Design Gets a Growth Spurt
The 2026 model marks the birth of the Third Generation. Mazda knew they couldn’t mess with the “Soul of Motion” (Kodo) design too much because, frankly, the old one still looks better than half the luxury SUVs on the market. However, they did decide that “small is out” and “stately is in.”
The new CX-5 has grown significantly. We’re talking about a 4.5-inch increase in length and a matching stretch in the wheelbase. It’s wider, too. The front grille is now more “chiseled” and wider-set, flanked by slim, angry-looking LED headlights that look like they’re judging your driving.
What’s New on the Outside?
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The “Kigumi” Influence: Mazda designers took inspiration from Japanese wood joinery. If you look closely at where the body meets the fenders, the fit and finish are supposed to be “artisan-level.”
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Rear-End Glow Up: The traditional circular Mazda badge has been replaced in some trims with bold “MAZDA” lettering across the tailgate. It’s a move straight out of the Porsche/Range Rover playbook.
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Wider Stance: It looks less like a tall hatchback and more like a solid, planted SUV. It has finally hit the gym and stopped skipping leg day.
The Interior: Goodbye Knobs, Hello Giant Screens
This is where things get controversial. For a decade, Mazda was the hero of “anti-distraction” driving. They hated touchscreens. They loved that little rotary “Commander Knob.” Well, in 2026, the knob is dead. (RIP to a legend).
In its place is a 15.6-inch touchscreen—the largest ever in a Mazda. It runs on Google built-in, meaning you have Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store natively in the car. It even has Google Gemini integration, so you can literally talk to your car like it’s a person.
2026 CX-5 Interior Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Old CX-5 (2nd Gen) | 2026 CX-5 (3rd Gen) |
| Infotainment Screen | 10.25-inch (Non-touch) | 15.6-inch (Full Touchscreen) |
| System Software | Mazda Connect | Google Built-In / Gemini AI |
| Rear Legroom | “Tight” (39.6 in) | Expanded (+4.5 in wheelbase) |
| Cargo Space | Respectable | 2 inches longer / 1 inch taller |
| Door Openings | Standard | Significantly wider (Parent-friendly!) |
The materials have also taken a leap. We’re seeing Nappa leather in colors like “Greige” (a mix of gray and beige for people who can’t commit) and a deep, moody red. It feels so premium inside that you’ll feel bad for eating French fries in the passenger seat.
Performance: The “Poor Man’s Porsche” Spirit
Does it still drive like a Porsche Macan’s cousin? Mostly, yes.
For the 2026 launch, Mazda is sticking with the tried-and-true 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine. It’s been recalibrated for “greater flexibility,” which is corporate-speak for “it’s smoother and quieter.” It still produces 187 horsepower, which won’t win you many drag races, but it’s enough to get you to Target before the sale ends.
The Driving Experience:
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Standard AWD: Every 2026 CX-5 comes with i-Activ AWD. No more paying extra for traction.
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The Hybrid is Coming (2027): While 2026 is gas-only, Mazda has teased a “SkyActiv-Z” hybrid system for next year. For now, we have to be content with the 6-speed automatic that actually shifts gears instead of the soul-crushing CVTs found in the competition.
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Refined Quiet: Mazda added more “sound pads.” It’s now so quiet inside that you can actually hear your passengers’ bad life advice clearly.
Pricing and Trims: The “Poor Man” Part of the Name
Even with all this growth, Mazda is trying to keep the price from entering orbit. They want to remain the “premium” choice for people who don’t want to pay BMW prices.
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2.5 S (Base): Your entry point. You get the 12.9-inch screen (not the 15.6) and standard safety tech.
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Preferred: Adds the power liftgate and sunroof. This is usually the “sweet spot” for most buyers.
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Premium Plus: This is the full “Pseudo-Porsche” experience. 15.6-inch screen, Bose 12-speaker audio, ventilated seats, and the Driver Personalization System that uses a camera to recognize your face and adjust the seat and mirrors automatically. (Creepy, but cool).
Conclusion: Is It Still the King?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is no longer just a “bargain” SUV. It has matured into a genuine luxury contender that happens to have a reasonable price tag. By stretching the body and leaning into high-end tech, Mazda has fixed the only real complaint about the old model (the cramped back seat) while keeping the “Zoom-Zoom” soul alive.
It’s still the car you buy when you want to feel like you’ve “made it” without actually having to liquidate your 401k to pay for a German car’s oil change.
