Will the changes be enough to keep the CX-5 popular?
Mazda has revealed a brand-new CX-5, its sales-leading midsize SUV. Interestingly, there’s no mention of electrified options; instead the line is being led by a 2.5-litre petrol engine.
The 2.5-litre petrol has started to be fitted in other Mazda models, such as the smaller CX-30. Its 141hp output doesn’t sound particularly impressive, and that’s reiterated by the respectable but hardly astounding 0-62mph time of 10.5 seconds.
As before, most cars will be front-wheel drive, although an all-wheel-drive version will be optional. Maximum towing capacity has increased to a useful 2,000kg.
Perhaps the biggest change is inside, and specifically in terms of the infotainment. Two touchscreens are available – measuring either 12.9 or 15.6 inches – and these use built-in Google software. That means always-up-to-date sat nav info, while Mazda talks of a ‘smartphone-style’ interface with customisable menus.
There’s a new steering wheel with Mazda lettering rather than the logo, and a digital instrument cluster – which is finally giving up trying to look like traditional dials. But we’re glad to see proper steering wheel buttons.
The boot space has grown by 61 litres, to a much more competitive 583 litres, while the rear doors open wider and the rear seats all fold individually.
Mazda’s new CX-5 is certainly a case of evolution over revolution. The main bodywork looks largely the same as the outgoing car, with new front- and rear-end detailing inspired by the larger CX-60.
With the new CX-5 set to launch in summer 2026, it’s too early to know about prices and full specifications. We know that the lineup will remain as Prime-Line, Centre-Line, Exclusive-Line and Homura, and we’d expect prices not to rise too much from the current car’s starting price of £31,630.
The CX-5 is an alternative to the Hyundai Tucson, Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan, Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008.
Save thousands on a used Mazda CX-5 for sale at Motorpoint, or read our Mazda CX-5 review to see what’s great about it.
