Mazda has released details of the all-new Mazda CX-5, which will go on sale in the UK in spring 2026. Although it has a similar look to the current model the new, third-generation CX-5 is larger, more practical and has a much more high-tech interior.
Here’s the full lowdown on the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
2026 Mazda CX-5: Price, Specs and Release Date
- 2026 Mazda CX-5: styling and dimensions
- 2026 Mazda CX-5: interior design and practicality
- 2026 Mazda CX-5: engines and driving dynamics
- 2026 Mazda CX-5: price and release date
2026 Mazda CX-5: styling and dimensions
At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking the new Mazda CX-5 is simply an updated version of the current car but it is, in fact, all-new.
The exterior design is a clear continuation of the themes established by the first two Mazda CX-5 models, but Mazda says it ‘presents a sportier, more confident form’ through details such as heavily sculpted sides, L-shaped front and rear lights, a black front grille surround and wheelarch surrounds with a distinctive notch at the top. While Mazda’s traditional ‘M’ logo remains at the front, at the rear it has been replaced by the word MAZDA in the brand’s latest font.
While it has similar proportions to the current CX-5, the new version has grown in every direction. Most notably, it’s 115mm (4.5 inches) longer – a significant increase that makes it far longer than key rivals such as the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan. All of that increase is in the CX-5's wheelbase (the length between the front and rear wheels), which Mazda says enhances both ‘road presence’ and interior space. Overall width (excluding the door mirrors) and height have increased by just 15mm (less than an inch).
2026 Mazda CX-5: interior design and practicality
If you’re a fan of traditional switches and dials look away now because the big news is that the new Mazda CX-5 ditches these in favour of a huge touchscreen. That might sound familiar but it’s something of a surprise given that Mazda has been one of the few car brands to resist going down this route in recent years.
It’s done it now, though, and not by half because the central touchscreen in high-spec CX-5 models measures 15.6 inches – larger even than the 15.4-inch screen you get in the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. Lower-spec models have a 12.9-inch screen that’s still comparatively massive. There’s also a 10.25-inch digital driver display, while the new CX-5 is the first Mazda to feature Google Built-in functionality.
Mazda says the new CX-5 is ‘designed for family life’ and it certainly promises a boost in practicality over the current car. The longer wheelbase should give a major upgrade in rear-seat legroom, while wider-opening back doors ought to make it easier to get people and child seats in and out.
As with the current car, there are 40/20/40 split folding rear seats that allow various luggage/passenger combinations. Additional in-cabin storage features include a larger centre console between the front seats, made possible partly by the absence of the current car’s infotainment control dial.
Boot capacity (up to the load cover) is up by 61 litres to 583 litres, putting the new CX-5 on a par with the roomy Kia Sportage (587 litres) for load space.
2026 Mazda CX-5: engines and driving dynamics
Unusually, the CX-5 models available from launch will have less power than the current car. In place of the current entry-level 2.0-litre 163bhp petrol engine, the new CX-5 will initially be available only with a 2.5-litre petrol with 139bhp. It does have more torque, however, with 176lb ft to the current car’s 157lb ft.
As with the existing 2.0-litre engine, the new 2.5-litre unit features Mazda’s ‘M Hybrid’ mild hybrid technology. Front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions will be available, with Mazda quoting a 0-62mph time of 10.5 seconds for the front-wheel-drive model – a 0.2 second improvement over the current entry-level car.
Mazda hasn’t confirmed details, but a higher-powered full-hybrid model is expected to join the range in 2027.
2026 Mazda CX-5: price and release date
The Mazda CX-5 will go on sale in the UK in spring 2026. Prices are expected to be very similar to the current car’s, so expect a starting point of about £31,500 and a range-topping model that costs about £40,000. Any additional hybrid models are likely to increase the upper end of the price range.
Trim levels will be similar to those of the current car, with Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura versions offered. As well as varying levels of kit, each will have distinct design details and interior trim options.