2026 New Mazda CX-5: Car companies don’t usually make big changes to their successful models in the US and around the world. It’s always important to preserve the model’s iconic shape. Take the Porsche 911 for example – it’s always the same old shape, but with a new twist. Similarly, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will be the same as the 2025 CX-5, but with a slightly different look.
Mazda hasn’t officially released the full details of the 2026 CX-5. However, it has been said that the new model will be slightly larger than the old one, have a new look, and have improved technical features. Beyond that, there is little information.
Only a few photos have been released so far, and they are of the model released in Europe. But the photos are stylish, taken from a distance, and in low light, so you can’t see the full details. So, you have to brighten them up, zoom in, and guess what the changes might be based on.
New CX-5 Front: A Brief Explanation
Mazda has slightly changed the front of the 2026 CX-5. It is a new version of its “Kodo” design philosophy, which is said to be influenced by elements such as Japanese architecture (Kigumi) and functional clothing.
The main changes include:
- Grille – Larger than before, with headlights extending down. The silver trim that surrounded the grille on the old model has now been incorporated into the grille.
- Headlights – Previously horizontal, now vertical – with low beam & high beam concentrated.
- Lower air intake – This is now divided into three sections. There are triangular fog lights at the outer corners.
In short, the front of the new CX-5 is more modern and aggressive looking than the old one, with minor changes.
Side-by-side changes: Minor but significant
Looking at the side of the new 2026 Mazda CX-5, very few changes are noticeable. The new model is 4.5 inches longer than the old CX-5 and has a 3.0-inch longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). The doors are wider, making it easier to get in and out of the car.
Despite all this, the side view of the car looks very similar to the previous model. The shape of the windows and the body structure do not seem to have changed.
But there are a few small changes:
- The wheels and the entire lower part of the car now come with black trim; it was previously body-colored.
- The lower part of the windows also has black trim; it was silver on the old model.
- The shape of the rear window is now seen with a gentle curve.
- The rear door is slightly longer.
- The headlights and taillights now fold out to the side with a thinner shape.
- The door handles are now slimmer.
- The trim around the wheels has a small raised edge at the center of each wheel.
- The new model has roof rails.
- Also, a new character line has been added to the lower part of the front door.
In short, although there are no major changes when viewed from the side, Mazda has made some adjustments by focusing on small details. These have made the car look more modern and functional.
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Rear changes: Modern look and sharp shape
Although a direct photo of the rear of the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 has not been released, some important changes are clearly visible if you look at the images that have been made.
First, the taillights—they are now longer from the right and left corners to the center and have a sharper shape than before. These lights give the rear of the car a modern and vibrant look.
The old model had the Mazda M logo in the center. But in the new model, it is replaced by the word “Mazda” in the center. This follows the new practice seen in many car companies today.
Similarly, the license plate area is now slightly wider and has sharper edges. It makes the rear structure look even more elegant.
The most noticeable change is the area of the black trim area. In the old model, it ended at the top of the reflectors. But now, this black area extends beyond the reflectors and all the way to the bottom of the tailgate.
The exhaust tips are also now in a reduced shape, with a simple appearance without excessive decoration. This gives the overall rear design of the car a very unobtrusive, balanced and modern look.
In short, the rear of the 2026 CX-5 has been completely updated with subtle changes and beautiful shapes.
Interior change: Digital chip and full screen control
The most significant change to the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has occurred in its interior area. Although there are no major changes on the outside, the design of the car inside has been completely updated.
The main change is the addition of a 15.6-inch touchscreen. It is through this screen that most of the vehicle’s controls—from manual climate control to the media system—can be directly operated.
Mazda has been against the touchscreen system for the past several years. In its previous models, there was a rotary controller to control the screen. But now, Mazda has completely removed that system. Along with that, the climate controls for different temperatures and ventilation have also been removed.
Now, the user experience has moved completely to the digital platform. The steering wheel also has new buttons that appear to be touch-sensitive. It is not yet clear whether these are actually touch buttons, or physical buttons on a common surface.
The commonly used volume knob is also not visible in the center – but it is possible that it is hidden near the stick shifter like in older models.
Such a big change reflects Mazda’s change of thinking and its decision to embrace digital systems.
Sleek design and modern amenities in the interior
The interior of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been changed more than in the previous models. In this, the Climate Control physical buttons have been removed, making room for additional features like a wireless mobile charger. This will provide more space and an improved technological experience for passengers.
The Instrument Cluster located behind the steering wheel is now fully digital. But Mazda has not yet confirmed whether this will be offered on all models or only on the top trim.
Similarly, there seems to be a Driver Monitoring Camera behind the steering wheel. This is considered a major improvement in safety features, as it acts as a technology that warns when the driver’s attention is reduced.
The handles on the front doors are now designed in an east-west direction instead of the old one; instead, they are designed in a slanted manner. The door handles have also been changed from the previous curved shape to a straight one. This gives a vibrant and elegant look.
Additionally, new two-tone leather trim (whether it’s natural or synthetic) extends from the dashboard to the top of the doors. Along with this, the fact that there are color options other than the uterus is a first in Mazda’s interior design.
Overall, the new CX-5’s interior aims to provide an enhanced modern experience with technological features, more conveniences, and aesthetic refinements.