2026 Mazda CX-5: After 9 Years, New Model Is Coming With Big Changes In Tow

Mazda is preparing to unveil the next-generation CX-5, nearly nine years after the current second-generation model debuted in 2016. Our spy photographers spotted the first prototype of the updated SUV driving around Los Angeles. The automaker has confirmed that its best-selling model will feature an in-house-developed hybrid powertrain, along with a range of other improvements.

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While still wrapped in camouflage, the prototype actually looks nearly production-ready, suggesting an official debut is just around the corner. While it retains the familiar silhouette and greenhouse of its predecessor, the 2026 CX-5 introduces a variety of fresh design elements that set it apart.

Fresh Styling with Familiar Roots

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At the front, the headlights are slimmer and curve into the grille, evoking subtle Mercedes EQC vibes. Staying true to Mazda’s signature style, the sculpted bumper features a clean, minimalist design with a single cooling intake, avoiding unnecessary clutter. Along the profile, the squared-off wheel arches resemble those of the CX-50 but are paired with more understated plastic cladding—potentially body-colored on certain trims.

The rear design, however, is where things get more interesting. The third-generation CX-5 sports a pair of aggressive new taillights, shaped in a way that calls to mind recent BMW concepts, along with crisp LED graphics inspired by Mazda’s CX-60, 70, 80, and 90 series. A large tailgate dominates the back, complemented by an extra dose of plastic cladding on the rear bumper and prominently visible dual tailpipes.

Interior and Powertrain: Big Upgrades on the Horizon

Although our photographers couldn’t sneak a peek at the interior, it’s safe to expect Mazda will deliver a modern cabin design, high-quality materials, and the latest tech borrowed from the brand’s larger SUVs. Mazda has a knack for crafting interiors that punch above their weight, and the new CX-5 is unlikely to be an exception.

The real story, though, lies under the hood. The upcoming CX-5 will introduce a self-charging hybrid powertrain developed in-house. Unlike the Toyota-sourced hybrid found in the CX-50, this new electrified system is built around a more efficient combustion engine.

And there’s more: Mazda will also equip the CX-5 with its next-generation Skyactiv-Z powertrains, slated to debut by 2027. While details are scarce, the Skyactiv-Z promises a leap forward in efficiency and performance.

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The second-generation CX-5 originally debuted back in late 2016, with a mid-cycle update arriving in 2021. It’s been a consistent bestseller for Mazda, holding its own against domestic rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

The new Mazda CX-5 is expected to debut in the coming months, with its U.S. market launch likely as a 2026 model year—unless Mazda decides to push it to a 2027MY.

Baldauf