What’s New in the Fully Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5?

Mazda’s bestselling crossover SUV is getting a complete makeover for the 2026 model year. The fully redesigned 2026 CX-5 has been reimagined from the ground up. Stretching 4.5 inches longer, sporting revolutionary Google-powered tech, and boasting the biggest touch screen ever put in a Mazda, the new CX-5 completely transforms what you might expect from a compact SUV. Our team at John Kennedy Mazda in Conshohocken explores the exciting updates to the CX-5.

Bold New Exterior Design and Styling

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 redesign advances Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy with its “wearable gear” concept of functional, stylish design that fits your lifestyle. The SUV features a wider, more chiseled front end with Mazda’s signature wing grille, flanked by sharp, angular headlights. This design draws from Japanese kigumi woodworking, where artisans join pieces without nails or screws, as seen in how the car’s body meets the fender trim.

Angular lights connect the CX-5 with its larger siblings, such as the CX-70 and CX-90, and bold lettering replaces the traditional rear badge. With a longer wheelbase, available 19-inch wheels, and a half inch of added width, the new CX-5 sports athletic proportions that match its roomier interior.

Enhanced Interior Space and Cabin Design

Inside, the longer wheelbase means noticeably more room, especially rear seat legroom. Wider doors make climbing in and installing car seats easier, a practical touch you’ll appreciate during daily life in Pennsylvania.

The cargo area has grown by 2 inches and stands an inch taller, while load-in height drops half an inch. The cargo space stretches almost 2 inches longer, maximizing gear storage for your active lifestyle.

The cabin features a clean, uncluttered design. Choose from black, greige (gray-beige), or deep red color themes with available leather upholstery. Ambient lighting on front door panels comes in seven color choices, and the optional panoramic sunroof adds airiness and natural light during Montgomery County drives.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Engine and Performance Specs

Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Mazda updated it for better flexibility, quicker response, and quieter operation. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV all-wheel drive, ideal for Pennsylvania’s varied weather.

Expect solid performance from the CX-5. The previous model reached 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, enough for I-476 merging or King of Prussia traffic. Current CX-5s get about 28 mpg combined (24 mpg in the city/30 mpg on the highway). Mazda’s developing a 2027 CX-5 hybrid with SKYACTIV-Z engine tech and a hybrid powertrain, which will boost both fuel economy and power.

Technology and Infotainment Upgrades

The 2026 CX-5 ditches Mazda’s old knob-based controller for pure touch-screen operation that feels like your phone. Base models have a 12.9-inch screen, while higher trims sport an impressive 15.6-inch display. The improved display sits horizontally, where you can easily tap it while driving.

Google built-in transforms your CX-5 experience. You’ll get Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice commands, Google Play Store apps, and Google Gemini AI for hands-free control. The setup works like your smartphone, with customizable screens and shortcuts, helpful for commutes from Conshohocken to Philadelphia or weekend trips to the Poconos.

Over-the-air updates keep the system fresh. While not officially confirmed, expect wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A digital gauge cluster rounds out the tech package, making everything more unified than the old Mazda Connect system and finally meeting your expectations for modern automotive tech.

Safety Features and Driver-Assistance Systems

The new CX-5 builds on its history as an Insurance Institute for Highway (IIHS) Safety Top Safety Pick+ winner, aiming to match its predecessor’s perfect National Highway Traffic Safety Administration five-star rating and IIHS honors. That’s reassuring news if you’re a safety-conscious Philly-area family shopping for your next vehicle.

Standard i-ACTIVSENSE safety tech includes automatic emergency braking that spots pedestrians, lane departure warnings with lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control that work together to protect you on your daily drives. You’ll also find available blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and rear cross-traffic alert to help you navigate busy suburban intersections and crowded parking lots.

All these systems combine to give you more confidence whether you’re cruising through Conshohocken neighborhoods, joining highway traffic, or battling the unpredictable winter storms that hit Pennsylvania each year.

Release Date and Availability

The new CX-5 officially goes on sale in early 2026, but it may be available as soon as late 2025. Mazda builds the CX-5 primarily in Japan at its Ujina Plant near Hiroshima, maintaining the Japanese quality and precision it’s known for.

If you can’t wait until 2026, check out the current CX-5 models while staying on top of the redesign’s arrival timeline. A hybrid version of the CX-5 will follow in about a year, giving you more options based on what matters most to you, whether it’s performance, fuel savings, styling, or interior comforts.

The 2026 CX-5 redesign puts the CX-5 on a stronger footing against rivals, such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, while keeping the fun-to-drive character and craftsmanship Mazda fans love.

Experience the All-New CX-5 at John Kennedy Mazda Conshohocken

If you want the latest on when you can test-drive a 2026 CX-5 when they arrive on out lot, stop by our dealership, where our knowledgeable team can fill you in on the redesigned model and help you find the right Mazda for your lifestyle. Give us a call for details on availability, pricing, or anything else we can help with for your next car purchase around Greater Philadelphia.

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