- Premium new look brings the next CX-5 into line with Mazda’s larger SUV offerings
- A new in-house developed hybrid system brings much-needed efficiency gains.
- A larger footprint allows for more rear passenger space and increased trunk capacity.
Mazda’s CX-5 is about to undergo a major and much-needed redesign, and if you’ve been waiting for something fresh to go toe-to-toe with the Toyota RAV4, which is also set to debut a new generation soon, this might be the update you’ve been hoping for. With hybrid powertrains, a smarter interior layout, and a more upscale design, the upcoming model looks promising.
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Read: Everything We Know About The New 2026 Toyota RAV4
After nearly nine years since the second-generation CX-5 first hit the streets in 2016, a prototype of the compact SUV was recently been spotted cruising around Los Angeles, offering a first look at what’s in store. Here’s everything we know so far about the redesigned CX-5 ahead of its official debut.
Distinctively Familiar, Yet New
Mazda’s Kodo design language continues to evolve, and the upcoming CX-5 is a prime example of this. The new model blends rugged elegance with a touch of sportiness, especially up front, where a winged inner grille inlay flanks cascading headlamps and a stacked DRL cluster.
While much of the silhouette retains a familiar outline, notable changes include a chunky D-pillar and upper wheel arch sections that extend over the fenders, adding a more rugged, off-road-inspired edge. As is typical of Mazda’s design ethos, the bodywork remains free of harsh creases, lending it a premium feel that should age gracefully over time.
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At the rear, Mazda’s new ‘letterhead’ script, first seen on the recently-revealed Mazda EZ6/6e, replaces the traditional logo we’ve all come to know. The taillights take cues from the larger CX-90, creating a cohesive design language across Mazda’s SUV lineup.
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A Tech-Forward, Spacious Interior
Inside, expect a cabin that’s both premium and spacious. The dashboard is rumored to feature a rectangular instrument cluster and infotainment display, similar to the tablet-style screens found in current BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi products.
Rear passengers will benefit from a higher roofline, offering improved headroom, while the cargo space will see a boost as well.
Key features will likely include Amazon Alexa voice command integration, a panoramic sunroof, and Mazda’s driver personalization system, first seen in the CX-60, in higher trims. This system allows the SUV to adjust settings like seat position, climate control and mirrors to individual driver profiles.
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Hybrid Power – Finally!
Under the hood, a new parallel hybrid system allows the wheels to be driven by the electric motor alone, a combination of electricity and the internal combustion engine (ICE), or solely by the ICE. In terms of layout, fresh patent images from Japan reveal a transverse four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor positioned to the right, with a transmission sandwiched between the two.
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Mazda is tipped to retain its naturally aspirated 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine and the turbocharged 2.5-litre units from the current car. From 2027, Mazda’s new Skyactiv-Z powertrains will come on-stream with advancements in thermal efficiency and fuel economy.
Underneath, the CX-5 will ride on the automaker’s rigid “Small Platform,” shared with the Mazda 3 and CX-30. Both front and all-wheel-drive configurations will continue to be offered.
Rivals and Reveal
The new generation CX-5 will face stiff competition in a crowded SUV market, taking on rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue/X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, and VW Tiguan.
An official reveal will occur in the coming months. In fact, Mazda’s South Africa division accidentally spilled the beans, revealing that the new CX-5 will make its global debut sometime between July and September, launching as a 2026 model-year vehicle in the US.
What do you think of the CX-5’s redesign? Will this new look and hybrid powertrain make you ditch your current ride, or are you still skeptical? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your take.
Baldauf
