2026 Mazda CX-5: After 9 Years, A 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.

Big changes are expected under the skin, as the next-gen CX-5 will introduce a new self-charging hybrid powertrain. Unlike the Toyota-sourced hybrid of the CX-50, the electrified setup of the CX-5 has been developed in-house, using a more efficient combustion engine as a base. Furthermore, the CX-5 could also benefit from the new Skyactiv-Z engine when it arrives by 2027.

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The second generation of the CX-5 compact SUV was originally introduced in late 2016, and received a mid-lifecycle update in 2021. The best-selling Mazda is a rival to the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

The debut of the new Mazda CX-5 is expected sometime in the coming months. The Japanese SUV will likely be introduced in the US market as a 2026 MY.

Baldauf