2026 Mazda CX-5 teased ahead of July 10 premiere
Undeterred by the leak last month, Mazda has teased its forthcoming third-generation CX-5, set to debut just next week on July 10. A series of shadowy images confirm the veracity of the initial photo, showing the SUV’s mild redesign.
Clear to see are the slim headlights with tiered L-shaped daytime running lights, flanking the Kodo chrome grille with a mesh insert. The said grille is framed by a black U-shaped piece that is reminiscent of the gloss black trim on the electric 6e, providing some visual unity between two otherwise unrelated cars.
Lower down, the shape of the downturned centre air intake (which, by the way, is now split into three sections) is emphasised by L-shaped character lines at the bumper corners, giving the car a snouty look. The hitherto unseen rear end sports wide L-shaped taillights reminiscent of the CX-60 and CX-80, sitting atop the tailgate-mounted number plate recess and a gloss black bumper valance.
It’s barely visible in the provided picture, but the usual badge has been replaced by the in-vogue “Mazda” script – a design cue again first seen on the 6e. Expect the interior to continue Mazda’s march into premium territory with a more sophisticated design and upscale materials compared to the outgoing model. Hiroshima also promises “advanced, human-centric technology and safety systems.”
The new CX-5 is set to be offered with petrol and hybrid powertrains, the latter likely to be derived from Toyota as part of an existing collaboration. Further down the line in 2027, a new Skyactiv-Z petrol engine is set to deliver better fuel efficiency and performance through an ultra-precise engine management that achieves a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio – dubbed Lambda:1 – for clean and complete combustion.
