2026 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is the brand's longest-running SUV model, and for the 2026 model year, it has been fully redesigned to increase its appeal. The newest version is filled with more advanced technology, boasts a more spacious and comfortable design, and is loaded with more premium features while maintaining everything drivers love about this Mazda favorite. If you are shopping for a compact SUV for commuting, daily life, or transporting the family, then it is time to visit us and experience the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 for yourself. We can't wait to show you all the ways this SUV is perfect for your life!

Screen Size: 15.6 in

Google built-in: Standard

Panoramic Sunroof: Available

Reimagined Infotainment Technology

The largest and most exciting change for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the introduction of a brand-new infotainment suite that brings new features and a new interface. While some of the changes may take a bit of getting used to for long-time Mazda fans, the overall experience is quite impressive.

The most obvious change is the introduction of much larger touchscreen options. While the 2025 CX-5 comes with a 10.25-inch display on all trims, the 2026 model has a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen and an available 15.6-inch screen that's larger than the center display in a Tesla Model Y. These significantly larger displays let you more easily see critical information as you drive, and they are complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel.

The less obvious but perhaps larger change is how the infotainment system is controlled. Since 2014, Mazda has employed a physical Commander Knob as the primary infotainment control. While this provides a tactile interface, it can be slow to access all of the features in a more complex modern infotainment system. For the new 2026 CX-5, Mazda has dropped the Commander Knob in favor of a combination of enhanced steering wheel buttons and natural language voice commands with standard Google built-in.

Google built-in represents the next generation of infotainment technology, allowing your car to function as an independent operating system with downloadable apps and more. This lets you access navigation, entertainment, and vehicle functions in a single integrated system without needing to connect your phone or flip between apps and the vehicle's native operating system. However, if you prefer to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, don't worry—Mazda still includes those features in the 2026 CX-5.

Overall, the technology in the CX-5 represents a substantial step forward, providing drivers with a more familiar experience while maintaining Mazda's driver-focused philosophy of minimizing distractions on the road.

Designed for Greater Comfort and Utility

The previous generation CX-5 was on the smaller side for a compact SUV, emphasizing agility and handling over passenger and cargo space. While the new 2026 CX-5 is still a remarkably fun-to-drive vehicle, Mazda has increased the size of the model to provide a larger and more comfortable cabin. 

The redesigned CX-5 is now 4.5 inches longer and a half inch wider than the outgoing model, making it larger than competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Nissan Rogue. This added size was used to increase both passenger and cargo space, with everyone onboard enjoying more legroom and headroom. The rear cargo area of the 2026 CX-5 is also over two inches longer and an inch higher than the 2025 model. That means greater comfort for your passengers and more room for everything they need to bring with them.

However, Mazda didn't just increase the interior space of the CX-5; the brand also made it easier to use that space. The door openings are now larger for easier entrance and egress—or to buckle up a child in a car seat. The rear cargo area is also half an inch lower, so you don't need to lift large items as high when loading up. These are small changes that you might not immediately notice on the dealership lot when you are shopping for a new car, but they can have an outsized impact on how easy it is to live with your vehicle over time.

Premium Details Abound

One principle that sets Mazda apart from other brands is its commitment to deliver premium vehicles at attainable prices. The new 2026 CX-5 is no exception—in fact, it delivers a more luxurious experience than previous versions of this popular model. While advanced technology and greater interior space certainly increase comfort, it's the long list of standard and available features that really set it apart from the competition.

Mazda intentionally embraces a Japanese-style minimalist luxury that makes the cabin feel spacious and uncluttered. All the touchpoints use premium materials and come together to create a cohesive cabin experience that feels welcoming during early mornings and after long days at work. One new feature for 2026 is the introduction of ambient lighting similar to what you will find in luxury vehicles. This system lets you choose from seven colors, perfectly setting the mood for every drive.

If you prefer natural lighting over ambient lighting, then the CX-5 will satisfy you with its available panoramic sunroof that stretches across both rows of seats. This is a large upgrade over the single pane sunroof found in the 2025 CX-5, which only covers the driver and front passenger. Mazda has been moving to larger panoramic sunroofs in newer models like the Mazda CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90, and it is great to see this much-requested feature make its way to the CX-5 for the new model year.

Mazda has also included some new premium details on the exterior of the redesigned CX-5. In addition to the sharper and more modern style, you will now find "MAZDA" lettering across the tailgate instead of a traditional badge. The brand has also developed a brand-new Navy Blue Mica color that is debuting on the 2026 CX-5, providing a rich, deep hue similar to the eye-catching Soul Red Crystal that the brand is known for. What better way to show off than with a fresh new color that celebrates Mazda's legacy?

The CX-5 Is Ready to Impress

From bumper to bumper and from the exterior to the interior, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been fully redesigned for modern drivers. Mazda has strategically enhanced the CX-5 in response to feedback from shoppers, improving key details while maintaining the underlying driver-centric philosophy that has made this compact SUV such a hit with drivers everywhere.

The all-new infotainment system leverages modern voice commands to provide easier access to more features while minimizing driver distractions. The larger size of the new CX-5 enhances passenger comfort and cargo space, with subtle tweaks to simplify your life. Finally, the long list of premium features allows you to ride in the lap of luxury while enjoying a practical and reliable vehicle.

If you are interested in seeing the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 for yourself, simply contact our team here at Parkway Family Mazda. We can't wait to show you all of these amazing features in person and take you for a test drive of the new CX-5 so you can experience Mazda's legendary driver-centric engineering for yourself. With our large inventory and helpful team, you are sure to find the perfect SUV for your needs. Visit us today.