Latest news with #MazdaCX5
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Seeing the New 2026 Mazda CX-5 Up Close Reveals Its Modern Style
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: Do You Have to Be an Off-Roader to Daily a 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro? My Thoughts After Reviewing It The newest Mazda SUV shows the OEM's continued commitment to making beautiful vehicles. Along with a couple of concept vehicles, the Mazda CX-5 pioneered Mazda's 'Kodo' design language nearly fifteen years ago. As promised, the SUV's sweeping curves and razor edges trickled down to every model in the lineup. History repeats itself with the debut of the 2026 Mazda CX-5. The automaker says its newest SUV wears design cues that will, again, find their way into every vehicle in the catalog. Audi reveals sporty new A5/S5 with an emphasis on design Watch More With future models following in its footsteps, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 must look modern — not just today, but years from now, too. While the design changes to the CX-5 might seem minor, zooming in on each reveals a distinctly new vehicle with a truly contemporary look. Take it all in: the 2026 Mazda CX-5 exterior design at a glance One subtle detail that makes a huge difference in how the 2026 Mazda CX-5 — and presumably the rest of the Mazda lineup — looks is size. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer than its predecessor and half an inch wider. This means there's simply more surface area to take in, which gives designers more room to play with proportions and surfaces. The wider and longer proportions emphasize an otherwise very familiar silhouette. It means that, while hard points may remain close to the outgoing model's, it already looks more dramatic and aggressive than the old CX-5. Up close, premium details do the heavy lifting. Mazda introduced a new daytime running light signature and slimmer headlight housings that flank a wider front grille. See? Those wider dimensions are already paying dividends. Slimmer headlights look even more aggressive when paired with both a wider grille and overall wider front fascia. Around back, new taillights flank new 'Mazda' lettering that replaces the old 'M' badge. Adding the word badge adds length to the rear end while also serving to 'connect' the new, slimmer tail lights. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Around the side, Mazda demonstrates another core design element. Though we've seen it on other models already, the CX-5 wears cladding around the fenders and on the bottom of the car modeled after a Japanese woodworking principle called 'Kigumi,' which eschews fasteners like nails in favor of precisely crafted parts that fit together naturally. Its presence here means the cladding will remain in place for future Mazda models. Big 19-inch wheels are the final component of what Mazda says is a look that 'embodies flexibility and approachability,' a vehicle just as at-home in urban settings as it is in the great outdoors. The modern interior design puts technology center stage The 2026 Mazda CX-5 jumps a decade into the future when you slide into the cabin, too. Gone are most of the buttons and more traditional switchgear, replaced by a standard 12.9-inch display or optional (and pictured) 15.6-inch touchscreen display. Inherited from its predecessor is an overarching luxury feel comprising details you expect to find on vehicles from higher-echelon automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Things like leather upholstery with deviated stitching, soft materials on touchpoints like the dashboard, gear selector, and steering wheel, and a moonroof. But there are plenty of areas where the 2026 Mazda CX-5 breaks new design ground, too. New for the 2026 Mazda CX-5's modern design is a split armrest and a new, Cognac-toned interior upholstery color. Both features point to a model moving upmarket. A fully digital gauge cluster is a first for the CX-5, and it's potentially hiding a driver-facing camera. If the latter is there, it could indicate even more vastly improved driver assistance features. But, Mazda hasn't commented, so we'll have to wait and see. Final thoughts Ikuo Maeda, General Manager of Mazda's design division and the 'creator' of the Kodo design language, perhaps sums it up best. 'Thanks to our new direction, the job of a designer is no longer focused on maximizing the appeal of every car model, but to make sure that when our cars are lined up together, the line-up fascinates customers.' The new CX-5 shows where the brand is headed for the foreseeable future. And from here, the future looks pretty darn good. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Will Mazda Face Buyer Backlash for the 2026 CX-5's Touchscreen Controls?
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The new CX-5's interior tech pivots hard Mazda's redesigned 2026 CX-5 is undoubtedly attractive, but it isn't exactly a dramatic change, the way the fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe was when it debuted in 2024. Yes, the 2025 CX-5 is bigger, especially between the wheels where it counts most, but its sheet metal is largely evolutionary, coupled with a fresh face and tail, slab doors like the CX-70/90, and a stronger resemblance to the rest of the brand's SUV lineup. Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More The cabin has been redone in excellent Mazda fashion, and the changes are more significant inside than outside. Materials quality and refinement both have improved, on top of what was already one of the best interiors in its class. The biggest change, however, might not be perceived as an improvement. The new infotainment touchscreen (12.9-inch standard, 15.6-inch optional) now incorporates climate and audio functions, replacing the excellent physical controls for which Mazda has been known. Will there be a sales backlash from would-be buyers of the new CX-5? Infotainment details The optional 15.6-inch center infotainment touchscreen is the biggest one ever fitted into a Mazda. The last CX-5's screen was a rather small 10.2 inches, so even the change to the standard 12.9-inch screen is a marked improvement. The new system is now Google-based rather than being a proprietary Mazda operating system, which was criticized as being overly simplistic and dated in its appearance. In addition to built-in Google Maps, the new system will utilize Google Assistant for voice commands, providing improved accuracy and a better user experience. Owners will also have access to the Google Play Store for car-friendly apps. A controversial change 2026 Mazda CX-5 — Source: Mazda Mazda owners, by and large, love the physical controls in their vehicles. My family owns two Mazda vehicles, and one of the reasons we chose our Mazda6 and CX-9 was because of their excellent switchgear. Mazda's physical controls are attractive, well-made, and easy to operate. The physical audio, infotainment, and climate controls from the 2025 CX-5 are nowhere to be seen in the 2026 CX-5. Their absence has already sparked controversy, not because on-screen controls are uncommon in the industry, but because Mazda has had a longstanding reputation for tactile, driver-focused interiors and controls. While some may view this as a necessary evolution to keep pace with tech-savvy competitors, others, especially brand loyalists, may view this as a move in the wrong direction. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Mazda CX-5 — Source: Mazda The 2025 CX-5's climate controls consisted of two knurled metallic knobs that flanked a digital screen. Above and below the screen were two rows of buttons. It was one of the easiest systems to use while driving, and none of the controls utilized haptic feedback. Its Commander rotary control knob between the seats made a touchscreen unnecessary since you could rotate, toggle, and press it to find and activate functions. The learning curve was easy, and you could operate the system quickly and easily. The Commander control knob is no longer available on the 2026 model, and only three physical buttons remain on the center stack for defrost, defog, and hazard lights. Instead of a central rotary knob, everything from audio settings to climate control is now managed through the center screen. It seems anti-Mazda, frankly. The potential backlash 2026 Mazda CX-5 — Source: Mazda Mazda's previous infotainment systems disabled touchscreen inputs while driving as a safety precaution, relying instead on the rotary controller and steering wheel controls. On some models, you could use a touchscreen only while phone mirroring. With the controller now removed in the 2026 model, only being able to use the touchscreen when parked could frustrate drivers who are forced to rely on voice commands or complex menus while in motion. Again, this seems at odds with Mazda's driver-centric cabins. Forums are already rife with criticisms from current Mazda owners who refuse to upgrade to the 2026 CX-5 until a refresh brings them back. We don't blame them. 2026 Mazda CX-5 — Source: Mazda Consumer studies and feedback from drivers reflect an overwhelming preference for physical controls over touchscreen controls. Touchscreens demand more attention than knobs or switches, which are typically easier to locate and use by feel. There is no muscle memory for non-tactile controls; you are forced to take your eyes off the road and onto the screen in order to find them, and there's no guarantee that you'll hit what you're aiming for. Mazda says that the new CX-5 continues the driver-centric focus by providing an enhanced voice command experience, but statistics show that only about 17 percent of American drivers use voice commands to execute vehicular functions. That number is sure to grow, but it doesn't represent the vast majority of drivers. 2026 Mazda CX-5 — Source: Mazda Mazda further justifies the shift as a way to offer better software integration, faster response times, and smarter features through Google's connected services. In doing so, the brand also aligns itself with competitors like Volvo, Honda, and GM, all of which have adopted Google-based infotainment systems in recent years. This trend could be upended by regulatory pressure, though. Case in point, beginning in 2026, Euro NCAP (the European car safety assessment program) will begin docking safety points for vehicles that fail to provide physical buttons for essential functions like climate control and hazard lights. Mazda may find itself forced to reintroduce some tactile elements just to maintain strong safety ratings in Europe and potentially North America. 2026 Mazda CX-5 — Source: Mazda Final thoughts While the 2026 CX‑5 is undoubtedly more connected and feature-rich, the tradeoff between elegant design and practical, everyday usability is already generating debate. On the upside, the interface looks clean and modern. It offers better voice control through Google Assistant, potentially allowing drivers to manage tasks hands-free. However, drivers will essentially have to learn a new system, lose tactile feedback, and take their eyes off the road more frequently. Many loyal Mazda owners who have stuck with Mazda because of its great physical controls may look elsewhere, as others, like Toyota, still have their latest models, like the 2026 RAV4, outfitted with switchgear. That said, younger, tech-forward customers may be drawn to the CX-5 for the same reasons Mazda loyalists may leave. For them, the CX‑5's digital dashboard and Google-native systems may have been a long time coming. The 2026 Mazda CX-5's interior comes as a bit of a surprise, as many automakers are shifting in the other direction by returning to physical controls. This new cabin philosophy for Mazda is unlike any of the brand's current models, and it could set the tone for the rest of the lineup. On the other hand, the fully digital experience might be short-lived for the brand with customer pushback, regulatory pressure, and safety concerns. We will have to give our assessment once we get to review the 2026 Mazda CX-5 for ourselves. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile
The Drive
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
The New Mazda CX-5 Hybrid Was Delayed to Avoid a Repeat of the CX-50
The latest car news, reviews, and features. 2026 marks the first model year for a new generation of the Mazda CX-5, but the redesigned crossover's most noteworthy new offering is still in development. Unlike the current CX-5, which is available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, the new car will launch with only the former; a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter unit that carries over from the 2025. Extra oomph this time around will come in the form of a hybrid powertrain that we won't see for at least another year. Why? Simply put, it's not ready yet. 'The Skyactiv Z with our in-house Mazda hybrid development? Well, quite frankly, the technology is still in development and our hope is really to develop a hybrid solution that reflects our driving DNA as much as possible,' said Stefan Meisterfeld, Mazda's North American Vice President for Strategic Planning, in an interview with The Drive . Mazda sells the CX-5's sibling, the CX-50, with a Toyota-sourced hybrid system, which, while functional, falls flat in terms of driving engagement. Our reviewer called the powertrain 'so coarse, and so unenjoyable to use' that it actually bummed him out to drive it. He did get within 1 mpg of Mazda's claimed fuel economy figure, but at the end of the day, it felt 'like something Mazda is forced to make, rather than something it wants to make.' This time, Mazda wants to imbue the system with the sort of sporting character that its buyers expect. The trick, of course, is not compromising its efficiency in the process. 'It should really be something that on the one hand is very efficient, but on the other hand it's also extremely fun to drive,' Meisterfeld added. You'll just have to wait for it. The CX-5 is due to hit showrooms early next year as a 2026; the hybrid isn't due to land until the 2027 model year. 'We will launch with this SkyActiv-G engine and this is 90% of our customer base. I think that's an important reference here. So we are quite confident that this will be a great engine for the first year,' said Meisterfeld. And what about a plugin? 'At the moment, we are only talking about Skyactiv G and the hybrid system, not a plug-in hybrid system yet,' he said. Hmm. Yet . Got a tip? Send it our way at tips@
Auto Blog
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2026 Mazda CX-5 Gallery: The Future Of All Mazda Designs In Pictures
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. A Closer Look At Mazda's Stunning Future The all-new Mazda CX-5 has arrived for the 2026 model year, and it's got good looks, great tech, and the promise of a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-Z hybrid powertrain. What's more, Stephan Meisterfeld, VP of Strategic Planning for Mazda North America, reveals that this take on Mazda's 'Kodo' design language will find its way to other models in the range. Let's take a closer look. 1 The 2026 CX-5 is longer by 4.5 inches, within which the wheelbase has been stretched by three inches, and the crossover is wider by half an inch. These expansions make the CX-5 a slightly different proposition to the CX-50, says Mazda. The addition of a panoramic sunroof also makes the 2026 CX-5 slightly more appealing than before. 2 The CX-5 now looks a little more like the CX-90, feeling more upmarket. One of the big changes is the removal of the badge logo on the trunk, now replaced by a bold MAZDA wordmark. This is part of Mazda's push to become a more premium brand, rivaling the likes of BMW. 3 One of the most significant changes is to the headlights, where a stepped daytime running light graphic gives the CX-5 an aggressive but upmarket feel. We'd love to see how this translates to something like the next Miata. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 4 The front three-quarter angle does an especially good job of hiding the CX-5's increased length, where a forward slant on the hood and a small crease at the bottom of the driver door convey a sense of motion even when static. The slightly squared wheel arches add a hint of off-road utility to the look, though this is strictly a pavement pounder. 5 With just a slight change in angle, the Soul Red Crystal paint shifts again. This remains a highlight of any Mazda, and we challenge anyone to find a better crimson in the car world. From the profile view, the CX-5 still looks like a big hatch, but now it's a hottie. 6 The MAZDA script also replaces the badge on the center of the steering wheel, alongside which a 15.6-inch touchscreen display resides – the largest on any Mazda to date. Google built-in runs the system, with a Gemini-based AI assistant, Google Maps, and access to the Play Store for apps. 7 The choice of a tan-and-black cabin is always welcome, but Mazda is elevating things further with exquisite stitching and materials that (mostly) would not look out of place in a Mercedes. 8 Exact dimensions for the cargo hold are yet to be announced, but Mazda promises that this area is 'larger and more useful,' thanks in part to almost two inches more length and over an inch in extra height. A lower lift-in height (by half an inch) makes it easier to load items or let your four-legged friends jump in. 9 Initially, the 2026 CX-5 will only be available with a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine delivering 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed manual. The hybrid SkyActiv-Z engine will arrive in 2027. 10 The new CX-5 will go on sale in early 2026. After that, we look forward to seeing how this cleaner, sharper, more exciting design language will translate to future models. Taste is subjective, but if the CX-5 were to be evaluated on looks alone, we think it'd be award-winning. Not that it's short of accolades – the CX-5 has been a habitual winner of the IIHS' most prestigious honor, the Top Safety Pick+ award, and with Mazda promising several new ADAS features, that legacy should be secure. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
The Drive
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Why the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Still Uses an 'Old-School' Six-Speed Transmission
The latest car news, reviews, and features. The Mazda CX-5 you're looking at here is new, believe it or not. Yes, the design looks a lot like the old one, but that isn't a bad thing. Even the powertrain is the same as before, right down to the six-speed automatic transmission. That makes it a bit of a rare bird, considering so many new vehicles have switched to eight speeds or more by now. We were curious about Mazda's decision to stick with the old-school gearbox, and since one of the company's executives had time to sit down with us ahead of the car's launch, we asked about it. 'The six-speed transmission works really well with our current Skyactiv-G engine, so we didn't want to change the recipe,' explained Stefan Meisterfeld, vice president of strategic planning for Mazda North America. 'It's very linear, very direct. The shift feel and the feedback we get from our customers, and also people like you in the press, is that this is a really good combination. So we didn't intend to change this, at least at the time of launch.' It's true that the CX-5 is and has long been a solid driver. It's no Miata, but it's clear that the same people who build the MX-5 are the ones behind this four-door, five-seater family hauler. The Skyactiv-G engine that Meisterfeld mentioned is an interesting part of the formula—or recipe, as he called it—given that its peppy nature is due to high compression (13:1) instead of a turbo. Because of that, there's not as much torque, and it makes sense to run fewer gears so it isn't hunting around for the powerband. Mazda Indeed, the 2026 Mazda CX-5's power figures are identical to the old one's at 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. That's… not a lot, and though the recipe worked fine in its predecessor, we'll have to see how it feels with the new CX-5 growing substantially in size (+4.5 inches in overall length) and putting on a few pounds. Just how many, Mazda hasn't revealed yet. Meisterfeld insists that it will still be enough. 'Our engineers, as I'm sure you know, they're very passionate about our driving DNA and the fun-to-drive aspect,' he explained. 'They're still fine-tuning the vehicle to ensure that it delivers the same performance as you're used to from the current CX-5, despite the vehicle being bigger. And yes, we can't fight physics, the car will also be slightly heavier, but our engineers, they do everything they can to keep our driving DNA in this vehicle, and I'm very confident you will be satisfied when you drive it.' If anybody knows how to make a slow car feel fast, it's Mazda. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt here. And as for the six-speed auto, I'm sure that it, too, will be fine. We'll see if it sticks around on the hybrid CX-5 coming in 2027 with the new Skyactiv-Z powertrain. When asked about that, and whether the six-speed's compatibility with the system was a consideration in keeping it on, Meisterfeld declined to share further details at this point. Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@
