2026 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid: All the Information We Have | Carscoops

      The next-generation CX-5 will adhere to a classic approach with a hybrid enhancement, and we have the details on it.

      A premium facelift aligns the upcoming CX-5 with Mazda's larger SUV lineup.

      An in-house developed hybrid system provides essential efficiency improvements.

      An expanded size offers more space for rear passengers and a larger trunk.

      Mazda’s CX-5 is on the verge of a significant and much-anticipated redesign. If you’ve been eager for a fresh model to compete with the Toyota RAV4, which is also set to launch a new generation soon, this update could be what you’ve been waiting for. With hybrid powertrains, a more intuitive interior layout, and a more sophisticated aesthetic, the forthcoming model appears promising.

      Read: Everything We Know About The New 2026 Toyota RAV4

      Nearly nine years have passed since the second-generation CX-5 first appeared in 2016, and a prototype of the compact SUV has recently been spotted in Los Angeles, providing a glimpse of what to expect. Here’s what we know thus far about the redesigned CX-5 before its official reveal.

      Familiar Yet Distinct

      Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy continues to develop, and the new CX-5 is a clear reflection of this evolution. The updated model combines rugged elegance with a hint of sportiness, particularly at the front, featuring a winged inner grille design flanked by cascading headlights and a stacked DRL configuration.

      While much of the overall shape remains recognizable, significant updates include a robust D-pillar and upper wheel arch sections that extend over the fenders, imparting a more robust, off-road appearance. True to Mazda’s design principles, the bodywork is free from harsh lines, giving it a premium quality that is likely to endure well over time.

      At the rear, Mazda’s new ‘letterhead’ script, first introduced on the recently unveiled Mazda EZ6/6e, replaces the well-known traditional logo. The taillights draw inspiration from the larger CX-90, promoting a cohesive design language throughout Mazda’s SUV range.

      A High-Tech, Spacious Cabin

      Inside, the new CX-5 is expected to feature a premium and spacious interior. The dashboard is rumored to include a rectangular instrument cluster and infotainment display, reminiscent of the tablet-style screens found in current BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi models.

      Rear passengers will benefit from an elevated roofline that enhances headroom, while cargo space will also see an increase.

      Prominent features are likely to include Amazon Alexa voice command integration, a panoramic sunroof, and Mazda’s driver personalization system, first introduced in the CX-60, at higher trims. This system enables the SUV to adjust settings such as seat position, climate control, and mirrors based on individual driver profiles.

      Hybrid Power – At Last!

      Under the hood, a new parallel hybrid system will allow the wheels to be powered solely by the electric motor, by a combination of electricity and the internal combustion engine (ICE), or entirely by the ICE. Recent patent images from Japan illustrate a transverse four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor located on the right, with a transmission positioned in between.

      Mazda is expected to retain its naturally aspirated 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine as well as the turbocharged 2.5-litre engines from the current model. Starting in 2027, Mazda will introduce its new Skyactiv-Z powertrains, featuring improvements in thermal efficiency and fuel economy.

      The CX-5 will be built on the automaker’s sturdy “Small Platform,” which it shares with the Mazda 3 and CX-30. Both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations will remain available.

      Competition and Upcoming Reveal

      The new generation CX-5 will contend with stiff competition in a saturated SUV market, facing rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue/X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, and VW Tiguan.

      An official unveiling is anticipated in the coming months. In fact, Mazda’s division in South Africa inadvertently disclosed that the new CX-5 will make its global debut sometime between July and September, launching as a 2026 model-year vehicle in the U.S.

      What are your thoughts on the redesign of the CX-5? Will this new appearance and hybrid powertrain encourage you to switch from your current vehicle, or do you remain uncertain? Share your opinions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.