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What’s new on the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The redesign links two substantial changes: a larger body with more claimed passenger room and reported cargo capacity, and a new infotainment system that replaces Mazda’s center-console rotary controller with touch and voice interaction. The figures, equipment and prices below describe the U.S.-market launch model unless noted otherwise.
Mazda President and CEO Masahiro Moro described the company’s aim as keeping the vehicle “instantly recognizable as a CX-5” while improving space, comfort, driving dynamics and technology. That is Mazda’s stated design intent, not independent proof that each goal was achieved.
How much bigger is the 2026 CX-5?
Ars Technica reports the new CX-5 is 4.5 inches (114.5 mm) longer and 0.5 inches (13 mm) wider than its predecessor. It measures 184.6 inches (4,689 mm) long, 73.2 inches (1,859 mm) wide and 66.7 inches (1,694 mm) tall, with a 110-inch (2,794 mm) wheelbase. Mazda’s July 2025 reveal also described the wheelbase as growing by 4.5 inches and the width by more than half an inch. The growth is not equal in every dimension; much of the extra length is between the axles.
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Rear-seat and cargo utility
Mazda says the rear door openings are larger and rear legroom, knee room and headroom have increased. Those changes may make loading child seats and accommodating passengers easier, though the room claims are the manufacturer’s description.
Ars Technica reports 33.7 cubic feet (954 L) of cargo space behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet (1,883 L) with them folded. The rear bench splits 40:20:40, allowing a longer item to pass through while leaving outer seating positions available.
Infotainment: Android Automotive OS, bigger screens and no rotary controller
The U.S. CX-5’s new system is based on Android Automotive OS, with Google built-in navigation and voice assistance described in Mazda’s U.S. release. The old center-console rotary controller is gone. Instead, drivers use the touchscreen, voice control and touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls with haptic feedback. Gitlin found the new interface more complicated and said he was not a fan of the redesigned steering wheel. Those reactions belong to one reviewer, not every driver.
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Gitlin said Mazda considered the new interface too complicated to navigate with the rotary controller. He also found the digital instrument display’s customization limited. The change therefore affects more than screen size: it shifts how drivers interact with the system while moving.
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Screen sizes and phone connectivity by U.S. trim
| U.S. trim | Listed price | Infotainment screen | Phone connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | $29,990 | 12.9 inches | Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Select | $31,990 | 12.9 inches | Wireless phone connectivity added |
| Preferred | $34,250 | 12.9 inches | See Mazda’s trim listing for details |
| Premium | $36,900 | 12.9 inches | See Mazda’s trim listing for details |
| Premium Plus | $38,990 | 15.6 inches | See Mazda’s trim listing for details |
Prices are Mazda USA’s January 2026 listed U.S. prices; taxes, fees and local dealer variation are additional, and prices can change. Screen sizes and connectivity are from Mazda’s U.S. trim comparison; confirm current equipment and pricing before buying. Mazda lists a 360-degree view monitor on Premium Plus.
Connected-service terms
Ars Technica reported Google automotive services are included for the first year, after which a subscription is required. The same review said drivers could provide their own data connection and still use Google Maps and most other connected services. These are time-sensitive terms reported for the launch, so confirm the current subscription requirements and service availability with Mazda before purchase.
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U.S. powertrain, driving impressions and safety
Gasoline engine at launch; hybrid planned for 2027
Mazda’s January 2026 U.S. pricing release lists the launch CX-5 with a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G inline four-cylinder rated at 187 hp and 186 lb-ft, a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. Mazda’s July 2025 reveal release gave the torque figure as 185 lb-ft; the later January 2026 launch specification lists 186 lb-ft.
The 2026 launch model is not a hybrid. Mazda said a hybrid using its Mazda Hybrid System and SkyActiv-Z was planned for 2027; that is a forward-looking plan, not a specification for the 2026 gasoline model.
What the press-drive review found
Gitlin described the CX-5 as pleasant to drive but not particularly fast, with an engine that becomes loud at higher revs. He found the ride not especially soft and noted body roll and understeer near the limit. These are his subjective impressions from Mazda’s press drive, not results from controlled instrumented testing. Ars Technica disclosed that Mazda supplied flights and accommodation for the drive.
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Listed U.S. driver-assistance equipment
Mazda’s January 2026 U.S. release lists these standard assistance and visibility features for the U.S. model:
- Radar cruise control with speed-limit assist
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Rear cross-traffic alert with pedestrian detection
- Emergency lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring
- Vehicle-exit warning and driver-attention alert
- Front and rear parking sensors, plus a rear-view camera
Equipment can vary by trim and market; check the exact vehicle’s specification rather than assuming the U.S. list applies elsewhere.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the changes mean for a buyer
The larger body and reported cargo capacity address everyday passenger and hauling needs, while the infotainment redesign is a consequential change in how the car is operated. A buyer who values a physical rotary controller should try the new touchscreen-and-voice layout in person. Those prioritizing screen size should compare the 12.9-inch displays on lower U.S. trims with the 15.6-inch Premium Plus; the screen alone does not establish which trim is the better value.
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For ownership costs, clarify the connected-service subscription terms and determine whether phone projection meets your needs. For driving character, treat the launch review’s comments as a useful preview, not a substitute for a test drive on roads similar to your own.
U.S. price range and model context
Mazda USA’s January 2026 release and U.S. trim comparison list five prices, from $29,990 for the 2.5 S to $38,990 for Premium Plus. Those are listed prices, not an on-road total. Mazda’s 2025 investor transcript described the CX-5 as its best-selling model at that time and said more than 4.5 million had been sold since 2012. Mazda North American Operations separately reported in July 2025 that more than 1.6 million had been sold in the United States and 4.5 million globally since the 2012 debut; that is a dated figure, not a current cumulative count.
Mazda announced a regional launch plan of Europe in December 2025, the U.S. and Canada in early 2026, and other markets, including Japan and Australia, during 2026. These were announced plans; local availability and specifications can differ. For the underlying U.S. specifications and current trim details, consult Mazda’s January 2026 pricing and packaging release and Mazda’s U.S. trim comparison.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
