© 2025 New Atlas
Automotive

Mazda unveils larger all-new 2026 CX-5 crossover

By Aaron Turpen
July 10, 2025
Mazda unveils larger all-new 2026 CX-5 crossover
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gets larger and adds more screen space
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gets larger and adds more screen space
View 4 Images
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gets larger and adds more screen space
1/4
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 gets larger and adds more screen space
The bigger screen and Google-based UI are big changes for the new model year
2/4
The bigger screen and Google-based UI are big changes for the new model year
Interior space in the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 means more shoulder and legroom in the SUV
3/4
Interior space in the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 means more shoulder and legroom in the SUV
The larger interior of the 2026 CX-5 is designed more in line with Mazda's bigger sport utilities
4/4
The larger interior of the 2026 CX-5 is designed more in line with Mazda's bigger sport utilities
View gallery - 4 images

Many assumed that the advent of the sportier CX-50 would mean the end of the more sedate CX-5 crossover from Mazda.

Instead, Mazda is bringing an all-new model of the CX-5 for 2026, making it bigger and more spacious than the outgoing version. This helps differentiate it from the CX-50 while offering an option that sits between that smaller model and the larger CX-70.

The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 gains about 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in length and about 3 inches (7.6 cm) in wheelbase. It's also half an inch (1.3 cm) wider. These gains in body size translate to a larger second row and cargo space, and a more spacious cabin sporting a panoramic sunroof. This ties the CX-5 into the larger CX-70 and CX-90 sport utilities inside, and that's matched on the outside with styling changes as well.

The bigger screen and Google-based UI are big changes for the new model year
The bigger screen and Google-based UI are big changes for the new model year

Technology changes for the CX-5 include a larger (15.6-inch) touchscreen interface, which is now a Google-based infotainment and connectivity system (with Gemini AI available for "hands-free control of everything that matters on the road"). Mazda also promises new driver assist and safety systems, but hasn't yet detailed exactly what those might be.

Mazda is sticking with its well-vetted 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower/137.5 kW) plus 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Plans for a hybrid model for release in 2027 have also been announced.

The CX-5 was first introduced in 2012, and has since grown to become the company's best-selling model across more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.5-million units globally since launch (including 1.6 million in the US). More details for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will be revealed as the model draws closer to production later this year.

Unveiling the All-New MAZDA CX-5

Source: Mazda via PRNewswire

View gallery - 4 images

Tags

AutomotiveMazdaSUVCrossover
4 comments
Aaron Turpen
Aaron Turpen
Aaron is a Wyoming-based automotive journalist with interests in electronic and engineering technology. Outside of New Atlas, Aaron is a prolific writer, father of two, and would-be chicken farmer.

Most Viewed

Load More
4 comments
Uncle Anonymous
Thank you for posting this, I like the look of these and when we start the search for a replacement of our current SUV, the new CX-5 will be on the list to look at.
Chase
We're still doing the "Bigger is Better" thing... Mazda, stop. If the CX-5 is growing, then the Mazda3 will be growing too and at this rate it won't be long until it's just a Mazda6, completely missing the point of what made the 3 so good. Also, more emphasis on making the infotainment system even worse is yet another step in the wrong direction, and one of the biggest reasons I haven't bought a new car in a while. I don't even want a screen or connectivity, much less an even bigger one in the wrong orientation with AI integration.
yawood
I have been a Mazda fan for some time and a couple of years ago I bought a top-of-the-range CX-30 Astina. I got rid of it twelve months later. I couldn't stand all the tech. Talk about a nanny car. I love driving but every time you did something in the Mazda it would beep at you, or shake the steering, or take over the driving from you. Case in point, we have a pedestrian safety zone in the middle of the road near our home. If, as a good driver does, you tried to straighten that curve by not staying strictly to the centre of the lane, the car would beep at you. There were many other times the car tried to take over, e.g. you would try to accelerate to change lanes as a car passed you and the accelerator would not work because the car deemed that you were too close to the other one. I am a better driver than all that tech and I found it was dangerous, instead of helping.
Chase
@yawood, I recently rented a CX-90 for a month and, while I definitely still have a bone to pick or two with the vehicle (especially having Park to the right of Reverse instead of in front of it like my muscle memory is trained for), I can say that the vast majority of iActivSense can be shut off permanently now in the settings. There are a couple things that can't, but LKA, BSM, and all the overbearing nannies can all be killed, permanently. Still wish I could've killed Advanced Cruise Control and AEB completely, but I can say with certainty that it's better than most of the cars I've rented in recent years.