2026 Mazda CX-5 Teased with Sleeker Styling, Still Looks Familiar
The teasers show what looks like a smoother, sleeker progression of the current CX-5's styling and taillights influenced by the larger CX-90.
The 2026 CX-5 will be unveiled in full on July 10 at 4:00 a.m. ET.
The Mazda CX-5 is the independent Japanese automaker's most important product, remaining its bestseller by a wide margin even after Mazda introduced the similarly sized CX-50 for the 2023 model year. Now the CX-5 is preparing to enter its third generation, and Mazda has released three teaser images of its new compact SUV ahead of its full reveal on July 10.
Mazda
The 2026 CX-5 appears to be more of an evolution than a revolution in terms of styling, at least based on what we can see in these shadowy photos. The silhouette doesn't appear to be drastically different than the current model, with slim headlights and a wide-mouthed grille. As on the 2025 CX-5, the headlights display two hockey-stick-shaped LED elements, but here they are stacked one atop the other instead of side by side. At the rear, a hook-like LED curves down and across the taillight, giving the taillights a long, thin look that feels in line with the larger CX-90.
The shadows could be hiding some radical design change, but overall, it seems like Mazda's designers are sticking with what has been working for them. Along with updated sheetmetal, Mazda is promising a roomier interior and "greater utility," along with "human-centric technology and class-leading safety."
Mazda
The CX-5 will most likely make its debut with a traditional gas powertrain, likely using some version of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder currently found in the SUV in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms. Mazda, however, confirmed earlier this year that a hybrid powertrain will join the fleet in 2027, and instead of borrowing a hybrid system from Toyota as the current CX-50 Hybrid does, the CX-5 Hybrid will use an in-house design. Nothing else is confirmed, but we expect it to pair that 2.5-liter inline-four with at least one electric motor.
Caleb Miller
Associate News Editor
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
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