The 2026 Mazda CX-5: What to Expect
Mazda is going bigger and better with its complete redesign of the CX-5, marking the start of the model’s third generation. With only a few months left in 2025, we’re gearing up for its highly anticipated release in early 2026. Here’s why you should be, too.
2025 Mazda CX-5: The Now
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 remains a smart choice. Under the hood, you can opt for the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, or its turbocharged counterpart, making between 227 and 256 horsepower depending on fuel type. You can expect to achieve 28 mpg combined without the turbo and 24 mpg combined with it, never compromising performance. Standard i-Activ AWD delivers confident traction through Minnesota’s snow, ice, and rainy roads, helping you arrive safely and smoothly.
The 2025 CX-5 exterior imparts quiet luxury—modern and delicate, yet prestigious. Its curves are refined, and its demeanor is stealth, conveying power without having to flaunt. It is easy to maneuver through city streets and provides ample comfort from front to rear on longer drives. A 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display is included, and Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Cargo space is decent, offering 59.3 cubic ft when the rear seats are folded. This is enough for daily use and the occasional road trip, but it will fall somewhat short if a friend is moving apartments and you’re the lucky one they call. Eight trim levels are currently offered, three of them being turbo specific. Genuine layered wood trim and Nappa leather can be found within the higher trims.
The non-turbo base starting MSRP sits at around $29,050—a premium product without the premium pricing.
The 2025 CX-5 has a well-known reputation for reliability and has proven its success in the compact crossover SUV segment. For creatures of habit resistant to the bugs that can arise from first model year redesigns, the 2025 is a rational choice until the new generation has had more time on the open road. But what if you’re eager to be an early adopter?
Stop by one of our locations today to explore the CX-5, located in Burnsville and White Bear Lake
2026 Mazda CX-5: What’s to Come
The 2026 model year will carry over its 2.5-litre four-cylinder, six-speed automatic transmission, and standard AWD, but the turbo version of the engine has not been confirmed. In 2027, though, you can expect a hybrid variant that will boost fuel economy—the first of its kind for the CX-5. Its exterior has seen a major rework, echoing the design language of the CX-70 and CX-90. It’s sportier, but in a refined, athletic way. Think more country club than street racer. The LED headlights squint aggressively, appearing to target the road ahead with intention. Its stance has significantly widened, its grille is less striking and more sophisticated, and its curvature is more dramatic. The rear boldly displays the name of its creator, “MAZDA,” instead of the typical “M” logo badge. Its wheelbase has increased by 3 inches, and its overall length has grown by 4.5 inches, meaning a more deluxe experience for riders and improved cargo space.
The CX-5 interior has also been transformed. The 2026 model introduces a 15.6-inch infotainment screen—the largest that Mazda has ever implemented—with Google built-in software, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard. This means less fumbling around trying to set up GPS or queue up your driving playlist. The steering wheel has followed suit in switching from the traditional logo to the brand’s lettering, giving it a cleaner look. Other interior qualities, such as the dashboard, center console, shifter, and doors, continue to look just as stunning as ever. The CX-5’s second-row doors and trunk opening have both been enlarged, and the cargo area is now two inches longer and one inch higher—so more room for the kids, their backpacks, and their sports gear. Or, if you’re planning a getaway, more room for your suitcases, camping gear, and potential guests. Mazda has also announced plans to enhance driver-assistance features in the new CX-5, though specific details have yet to be revealed.
The starting MSRP for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has not yet been released. Based on pricing trends and previous model years, estimates suggest the 2026 CX-5 will start slightly higher than the 2025, around $31,000.
Delicately combining functionality and style, Mazda has taken a valiant dive into the future of the automotive industry. If you like to stay ahead of the curve, want the latest in tech and engineering, and love turning heads, the 2026 CX-5 is worth biding your time.
To Buy or Not to Buy
If you’re looking for a proven SUV with value, performance, and reliability, the 2025 CX-5 is available now. But, if you want cutting-edge tech and a more spacious, future-ready design, the 2026 CX-5 might be worth the wait. In either case, stop by one of our Mazda locations to explore both options and test drive your next Mazda.
The 2024 Nissan Z: Built for the Bold September 30, 2024 The Nissan Z has always been more than just a sports car—it’s an icon of speed, precision, and driving pleasure, with a legacy that dates back over 50 years. Since…New Vehicles, Nissan, Sports Car
A First Look at the Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 March 18, 2026 If you spend enough time around Mazdas like we do, you start to notice something. People who buy a CX-5 tend to come back for another one. That is not…Mazda, New Vehicles, SUV
2027 Kia Telluride: What’s New, Pricing, & Features June 11, 2026 If you've spent any time researching family SUVs over the last several years, you've probably noticed one vehicle keeps showing up at the top of the list: the Kia Telluride.…Kia, New Vehicles, SUV
What It Means to Live in a Severe Weather State: Minnesota Edition September 16, 2025 When you hear the phrase “severe weather state,” it might sound a little overly-dramatic. But, if you’ve lived in Minnesota long enough, you know it’s just a way of life.…Maintenance, Minnesota, Safety