The Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5: What’s New and Who It Fits

September 24th, 2026 by

The Mazda CX-5 is redesigned for 2026. Mazda’s tagline for it is “Empowering every move,” and the changes focus on space, screens and standard safety tech. If you’re comparing compact SUVs from Severna Park to Baltimore, here’s what to know about the new CX-5.

More Room Inside

The 2026 CX-5 is about 4.5 inches longer than the previous generation. Mazda says it has more rear legroom, knee room and headroom, plus a notably larger rear cargo area. It seats up to five, and a car seat fits in any of the rear seat positions.

The cabin was redesigned with fewer physical buttons and knobs. You can control features with the touchscreen, steering-wheel buttons or your voice. Available ambient door-panel lighting and a new Navy Blue Mica paint color round out the updates.

Standard AWD and Mi-Drive

Every 2026 CX-5 uses a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 6-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. Mi-Drive lets you choose Normal, Sport or Off-road modes to match your mood or the road.

Google Built-in and Bigger Screens

  • A 12.9-inch center touchscreen on the 2.5 S, with an available 15.6-inch center touchscreen
  • Google built-in, with Google Assistant, Google Maps and apps from Google Play, included for one year with your Mazda Connected Services trial (subscription required after the trial)
  • A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
  • Available Bose sound system

For a closer look at the new screen, see our CX-5 touchscreen guide.

More Standard Safety Features

Mazda added several i-Activsense features as standard equipment on the new CX-5:

  • Rear Automatic Emergency Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Braking
  • Forward Turn-Across Traffic Braking
  • Emergency Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist
  • Traffic Sign Recognition
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with speed limit assist

Vehicle Exit Warning and front and rear parking sensors are also standard. Available features include Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist and a 360° View Monitor. Our CX-5 safety guide goes deeper.

Looking at other Mazda SUVs too? If your weekends involve trailheads or towing, the CX-50 is built for that. If you need a third row, meet the CX-90.

Mazda CX-5 FAQ

Does the 2026 CX-5 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. i-Activ AWD is standard on every 2026 CX-5.

How big is the CX-5 touchscreen?
The 2.5 S has a 12.9-inch center touchscreen, and a 15.6-inch center touchscreen is available.

How many people does the CX-5 seat?
Up to five, and a car seat fits in any rear seat position.

Test Drive the New CX-5 in Pasadena

The new cabin is easiest to understand in person. Call Sales at 410-766-4000 and we’ll have a 2026 CX-5 ready, with time to set up your phone.

Rich Morton Mazda
51 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
Sales: 410-766-4000

Sales is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM, and Saturday, 9 AM to 7 PM.

Vehicle details are per Mazda USA (mazdausa.com) as of September 2026. Features and availability vary by trim; see dealer for details. Google built-in is included for 1 year with the Mazda Connected Services trial; subscription fees apply after. Google, Google Maps, Google Play and Google Assistant are trademarks of Google LLC. Bose is a registered trademark of Bose Corporation.

Posted in Mazda Tips