All-new Mazda CX‑5 Teased with Sharper Design, Roomier Cabin & Electrified Power

Mazda has unveiled the 2026 CX‑5, which will arrive on July 10, and it looks poised to usher in its third generation with significant overhauls. The teaser gives a glimpse of an improved exterior design, a better interior layout, and the introduction of hybrid power, retaining the classic, compact-crossover shape.

Design Evolution with Subtle Flair

Though the CX‑5 retains its familiar shape, Mazda has honed the details. The front face is dominated by slimmer, multi-level LED headlights sweeping into the grille.

Narrower adaptive LED clusters surround a bigger, more elegant grille framed by a gloss-black border, tying it in visually with larger siblings such as the CX‑60 and CX‑80.

Sides feature squared-off wheel arches that mirror Mazda's latest SUV clan and merge with minimalist cladding to impart a rugged yet refined appearance. The rear borrows slim, horizontally elongated LED taillights that copy the front lighting treatment, underlaid by a neat tailgate and sleek bumper styling.

Although overall body proportions remain the same, the car's slightly longer wheelbase and more vertical rear end promise greater interior space.

New Cabin

Mazda has characterized the cabin of the new CX‑5 as "uncluttered and human-centric," implying a simpler design with fewer buttons and more intuitive displays.

Look for infotainment and driver screens borrowed from the luxury CX‑60 and CX‑90, possibly with a landscape touchscreen, digital instrument panel, and reimagined center stack.

Refined quality materials - soft-touch plastics, leather trim and accents, and updated trim - should elevate the interior ambience. A higher roofline and more extended wheelbase suggest quantifiable increases in rear-seat comfort and cargo accessibility.

First-Ever Hybrid Power

2026 sees the CX‑5 go electric. The first-ever in-house hybrid system from Mazda makes its debut with this model, featuring a self-charging mild-hybrid in collaboration with Toyota. The powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 2.5‑liter engine with an electric motor to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.

Later, by 2027, a plug-in hybrid variant will come equipped with Mazda's new SkyActiv‑Z engine, which promises better thermal efficiency and performance. Conventional petrol models will also be available, including the 187‑hp 2.5‑liter and the 256‑hp turbo model.

F&Q - 2026 Mazda CX-5 

When will the 2026 Mazda CX-5 launch?

The all-new CX-5 debuts on July 10, 2024, with sales starting in late 2025 for hybrid models. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) arrives in 2027.

What’s new in the 2026 CX-5’s design?

• Slimmer LED headlights/taillights (matching CX-60/CX-90)

• Larger grille with gloss-black trim

• Squared wheel arches + minimalist cladding

• Longer wheelbase for more cabin space

Does the CX-5 finally get a hybrid?

Yes! The 2026 CX-5 introduces Mazda’s first self-charging hybrid (co-developed with Toyota). Later, a SkyActiv-Z PHEV arrives in 2027.

How much horsepower will the CX-5 have?

• Hybrid: 2.5L NA + e-motor (power TBA)

• Turbo Petrol: 256 HP (carried over)

• PHEV (2027): SkyActiv-Z engine (details coming)

Is the interior more premium?

Mazda promises a "luxury-inspired" cabin with:

• CX-60/CX-90 infotainment (likely 12.3" screen)

• Higher-quality materials (leather, soft-touch plastics)

• More rear legroom/cargo space (thanks to longer wheelbase)

Will the CX-5 compete with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid?

Absolutely. The CX-5 hybrid aims to rival the RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid with better design and Mazda’s driving dynamics.

What’s the expected price?

• Base Petrol: ~$28,000 (similar to current)

• Hybrid: ~$32,000 (est.)

• PHEV (2027): ~$38,000 (est.)

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