2026 Mazda CX-5 Gallery: The Future Of All Mazda Designs In Pictures

2026 Mazda CX-5 Gallery: The Future Of All Mazda Designs In Pictures originally appeared on Autoblog.

A Closer Look At Mazda's Stunning Future

The all-new Mazda CX-5 has arrived for the 2026 model year, and it's got good looks, great tech, and the promise of a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-Z hybrid powertrain. What's more, Stephan Meisterfeld, VP of Strategic Planning for Mazda North America, reveals that this take on Mazda's "Kodo" design language will find its way to other models in the range. Let's take a closer look.

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The 2026 CX-5 is longer by 4.5 inches, within which the wheelbase has been stretched by three inches, and the crossover is wider by half an inch. These expansions make the CX-5 a slightly different proposition to the CX-50, says Mazda. The addition of a panoramic sunroof also makes the 2026 CX-5 slightly more appealing than before.

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The CX-5 now looks a little more like the CX-90, feeling more upmarket. One of the big changes is the removal of the badge logo on the trunk, now replaced by a bold MAZDA wordmark. This is part of Mazda's push to become a more premium brand, rivaling the likes of BMW.

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One of the most significant changes is to the headlights, where a stepped daytime running light graphic gives the CX-5 an aggressive but upmarket feel. We'd love to see how this translates to something like the next Miata.

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The front three-quarter angle does an especially good job of hiding the CX-5's increased length, where a forward slant on the hood and a small crease at the bottom of the driver door convey a sense of motion even when static. The slightly squared wheel arches add a hint of off-road utility to the look, though this is strictly a pavement pounder.

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With just a slight change in angle, the Soul Red Crystal paint shifts again. This remains a highlight of any Mazda, and we challenge anyone to find a better crimson in the car world. From the profile view, the CX-5 still looks like a big hatch, but now it's a hottie.

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View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article

The MAZDA script also replaces the badge on the center of the steering wheel, alongside which a 15.6-inch touchscreen display resides - the largest on any Mazda to date. Google built-in runs the system, with a Gemini-based AI assistant, Google Maps, and access to the Play Store for apps.

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The choice of a tan-and-black cabin is always welcome, but Mazda is elevating things further with exquisite stitching and materials that (mostly) would not look out of place in a Mercedes.

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Exact dimensions for the cargo hold are yet to be announced, but Mazda promises that this area is "larger and more useful," thanks in part to almost two inches more length and over an inch in extra height. A lower lift-in height (by half an inch) makes it easier to load items or let your four-legged friends jump in.

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Initially, the 2026 CX-5 will only be available with a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine delivering 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed manual. The hybrid SkyActiv-Z engine will arrive in 2027.

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View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

The new CX-5 will go on sale in early 2026. After that, we look forward to seeing how this cleaner, sharper, more exciting design language will translate to future models. Taste is subjective, but if the CX-5 were to be evaluated on looks alone, we think it'd be award-winning. Not that it's short of accolades - the CX-5 has been a habitual winner of the IIHS' most prestigious honor, the Top Safety Pick+ award, and with Mazda promising several new ADAS features, that legacy should be secure.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Gallery: The Future Of All Mazda Designs In Pictures first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.