Affordable Mazda crossover unveiled with a refreshed design
The third-generation Mazda CX-5, unveiled in July 2025 for the 2026 model year, promises to be a more refined and family-friendly compact SUV with significant updates in design, size, engine, and technology.
Design and Size
The new Mazda CX-5 adopts an updated version of the Kodo design language, enhancing its upscale and sleek appearance. The vehicle is longer and wider than its predecessor, with a wheelbase stretched by 3 inches, leading to improved rear passenger legroom and headroom, as well as more cargo space. The boot capacity increases by 61 liters, and rear doors open wider for easier access.
The interior design emphasizes a clean, spacious, and calming environment, with a simplified driver-focused layout and refined materials. Higher trim levels feature premium options such as a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting. The cabin offers multiple interior finishes, including black or tan leather (on top trims) and two-tone artificial leather with suede-like accents.
Engine and Powertrain
The base engine is a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv G petrol with 141 ps (104 kW) and 238 Nm torque in the European version, paired with a 24-volt mild hybrid system and a brake-by-wire system. In the US/other markets, a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and diesel options from the previous generation are discontinued.
A new Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine is expected to debut in 2027, introducing a more advanced hybrid system aimed at better performance and fuel efficiency.
Technology and Features
The CX-5 introduces an overhauled infotainment system based on Google software, eliminating the prior console-mounted control knob and adding a large 15.6-inch touchscreen option. Ambient interior lighting with seven color choices is available. Safety remains a priority with a robust suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) building on its legacy as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
The third-generation CX-5 is offered in four grades in Europe: Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line, and Homura, each with distinct styling and equipment levels.
Expected Price
Official pricing details have not been explicitly stated, but the positioning and upgraded features suggest pricing in line with a premium compact SUV segment, typically mid to upper range in the CX-5 lineup. Pricing will likely vary by market and trim.
In summary, the third-generation Mazda CX-5 is larger, more spacious, technologically advanced, and features an updated and more efficient powertrain lineup with a future hybrid option. It continues Mazda’s focus on driver engagement, safety, and upscale cabin quality.
The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 has grown slightly in size, with its length stretching to nearly 4.7 meters. The Mazda CX-5 is set to go on sale by the end of 2025. The Mazda CX-5 is a Japanese crossover, eagerly awaited by many. For the initial release, the Mazda CX-5 will have a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with approximately 190 horsepower. The specifics of the alternative design for the series production model, as imagined on the LUXYCAR channel, are not detailed. The base model of the third-generation Mazda CX-5 is expected to cost approximately $30,000.
- The upgraded design of the new Mazda CX-5, inspired by the Kodo language, presents a more sophisticated and streamlined appearance, with extended dimensions and a larger wheelbase.
- The expanded interior of the third-generation CX-5 offers a serene and roomy ambiance, featuring a refined dashboard layout and numerous interior options, such as premium materials and color choices.
- The powertrain of the Mazda CX-5 includes a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter engine paired with a 24-volt mild hybrid system, with plans to introduce a more advanced Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine in 2027.
- This technologically advanced compact SUV is positioned in the premium segment of the market, pursuing a price range typically seen in the mid to upper levels of the CX-5 lineup, though specific costs have yet to be revealed.
