The CX-5 retains its familiar styling while gaining interior room and a touchscreen infotainment system, with a hybrid planned for 2027

By Jon Linkov

The Mazda CX-5 has long been one of the sportier models in the compact SUV class. It’s the vehicle we most commonly use as a benchmark when evaluating the handling agility of competitors. Its interior looked and felt much nicer than competing models. But even the CX-5’s biggest fans have to admit that it’s showing its age. Now, after four years without significant changes, as well as the introduction of the similarly sized Mazda CX-50, the CX-5 is finally getting a redesign.

While the new CX-5 looks similar to its predecessor, the redesigned model is longer and slightly wider. At launch, it will be available with only a gasoline engine, although a hybrid version, with a powertrain that’s “new to the Mazda family,” according to the automaker, is planned for the 2027 model year. There’s no word about the turbo engine that’s available in the current CX-5.

Inside the handsome interior is a feature we’ve wanted to see in a new Mazda for years: a touchscreen-only infotainment system, which portends the demise of Mazda’s frustrating knob-based infotainment system.

The redesigned CX-5 faces a host of formidable competitors in the crowded compact SUV segment. Some, like the Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan, have recently been redesigned, while others, such as the Toyota RAV4, are on the precipice of being relaunched.

What it competes with: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan

Powertrain: 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine; 6-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive

Price: $29,000-$38,000 (estimated)

On sale: Fall 2025 (estimated)

CR's Take

The CX-5 redesign may seem odd since it overlaps with the CX-50. When Mazda introduced the CX-30 subcompact SUV, its predecessor, the CX-3, rode off into the sunset. But the CX-50 is a collaboration with Toyota for the U.S. and Canadian markets, while the CX-5 is sold worldwide.

But here we are, with a redesign that looks to be a conservative update of a popular model. The current CX-5 has responsive handling and an excellent ride, but it’s no longer the standout of the class. In our tests, we found the base powertrain (which the 2026 model launches with) responsive and easy to drive. Still, its 24 mpg overall fuel economy isn’t a standout and trails a majority of its competitors.

Competition moves quickly in this popular segment, with the CX-5 facing off against the recently redesigned Subaru Forester and the forthcoming redesigned Toyota RAV4. The small automaker is taking a two-pronged attack, with its CX-50 skewed toward outdoorsy owners and the CX-5 aimed at more urbane travelers. The increased size should help it better compete with the larger SUVs in the category, such as the Honda CR-V.

Outside

“Evolved. Familiar.” Those are some of the words Mazda uses to describe the 2026 CX-5’s design, and they’re apt ones. Picture the outgoing model with a CX-50/CX-70 nose slapped on, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what the new one looks like.

That isn’t a bad thing.

Rather than bestowing ovoid slipperiness or the current trend of blocky, chiseled-from-granite (that is, Range Rover wannabe) styling, Mazda has augmented the good looks of the current CX-5. The traditional grille blends into LED headlights that continue into the fenders. Deeper scoops below the grille and larger indentations in the lower fenders are the biggest differences from the outgoing model. While 18-inch wheels are probably standard, photos show the optional 19-inch wheels, which fill out the wheel wells nicely.

The SUV’s profile is quite similar to the outgoing model, all the way down to the door-mounted side mirrors and pinch at the back of the third side window. The biggest change is the pronounced scoop on the lower doors, which is enhanced by the dark trim at the bottom of the doors.

The other major design changes come at the rear, where the styling echoes newer CX models. The SUV looks more squared off, with what seems to be a bigger rear window and liftgate. The taillights extend farther onto the cargo hatch than in the outgoing model. The word “Mazda” sits prominently in the middle.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a wheelbase that's 3 inches longer than its predecessor, which should translate into more interior space.

Photo: Mazda

Inside

Mazda vehicles often have streamlined, attractive interiors, and the redesigned CX-5 is no different. The photos of the high-spec model show a minimalist design, with a simple center console and large swaths of leather on the dash and doors.

But much of that streamlining comes from moving most key controls to the center touchscreen. Gone is the knob between the front seats, which made complex tasks and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interactions more difficult. A 15.6-inch touchscreen is optional, although the automaker hasn’t specified the size of the standard screen. The system is based on Google’s automotive software. There’s no mention of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The 2026 Mada CX-5 features an optional 15.6-inch center touchscreen.

Photo: Mazda

No matter the size, climate controls are now controlled through the screen, and touch-sensitive surfaces appear to be used on the steering wheel. We’ve had issues with similar controls on Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota vehicles. Fortunately, a conventional gear selector is still used, located on the center console.

The new CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer than the old version, with 3 of those inches found in the wheelbase. Mazda says this translates into a more comfortable passenger space, particularly rear-seat legroom.

The cargo area is 2 inches larger and an inch taller, with a half-inch lower liftover height.

A panoramic sunroof is optional.

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

What Drives It

At launch, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will have a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This is the same powertrain as the 2.5 S trim in the outgoing CX-5.

Mazda says that a “new hybrid powertrain to the Mazda family” will debut in 2027. There’s no word about any other engines, which raises the question: What about the 2.5-liter turbo that’s available on almost Mazda’s entire line?

It's nice to see that the roofline of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 doesn't sharply drop off as it does in many competing SUVs.

Photo: Mazda

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

While specific systems aren’t mentioned, we expect the same assortment of active safety and driver assistance features that come on the CX-50 to come standard with the redesigned CX-5. Those include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.

Mazda has alluded to the introduction of newly available systems to “further enhance protection and driver confidence,” but it hasn’t named them or detailed how they operate.

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