2026 Mazda CX-5

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings a bold, comprehensive redesign to drivers in Scottsdale, Arizona. As a multi-inch longer and wider vehicle than its predecessor, this refreshed crossover combines a larger, more accommodating footprint with upscale technology and performance tailored for desert driving.

Exterior Design

The exterior of the 2026 CX-5 evolves Mazda's Kodo design language with a wider stance, a longer wheelbase stretched by roughly 4.5 inches, and a cleaner silhouette. The front end is defined by a broader signature wing grille and slimmer, sharper LED lighting elements. Around the back, the traditional logo is replaced with clean Mazda lettering, creating a premium look that complements Scottsdale's upscale atmosphere. Standard exterior equipment includes automatic on/off LED headlights with high beam control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic power-folding side mirrors. Higher trims feature larger 19-inch machine-cut alloy wheels and a expansive power panoramic sunroof to let in the blue desert skies.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Thanks to the extended wheelbase, the interior cabin delivers significantly more room, presenting expanded rear legroom, knee-room, and wider door openings for easier entry and exit. The rear cargo layout is also enlarged, providing up to 66.5 cubic feet of total utility space with the 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats folded down.

The dashboard takes a massive technological leap forward with standard 12.9-inch or available 15.6-inch full-color central touchscreens, the largest displays ever fitted into a Mazda vehicle. This system introduces Google built-in, granting direct, hands-free access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and various apps. Drivers can also enjoy a standard 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, and available ventilated leather-trimmed front seats to keep cool during intense Arizona summers.

Performance and Drivetrain

Under the hood, the CX-5 relies on the engineering of the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine. Paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, this setup delivers a responsive 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. For enhanced driving dynamics, every model comes standard with the rear-biased i-Activ All-Wheel Drive system, offering stability on variable road surfaces. Drivers can further alter performance characteristics using the Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) switch, toggling between Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes to adjust to changing terrain outside the Valley.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety features are heavily emphasized on the 2026 CX-5, establishing an expanded standard suite of i-Activsense driver-assist technologies across all trim tiers. The protective framework includes:

• Smart Brake Support: Features emergency braking, which now includes standard Forward Turn-Across Traffic Braking and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking.
• Blind Spot Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Braking: Delivers enhanced side and rear collision avoidance during lane adjustments and reversing.
• Emergency Lane Keeping and Lane Keep Assist: Supplies automated steering corrections to keep the vehicle safely centered.
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist: Adjusts speed according to local traffic laws and following distances.

Available safety enhancements on premium tiers include a high-definition 360-degree View Monitor and Cruise & Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist.