Written byOut in the open! Mazda has now officially teased its next-generation 2026 CX-5, and while it might not reveal much (in fact, you might find it a little frustrating), it has certainly got tongues wagging. Featuring a striking design and muscular, road-hungry design cues borrowed from Mazda’s stunning CX-90, the brand-new compact SUV is set to be another standout in Mazda’s expanding SUV lineup. The full unveiling is scheduled for July 10, but the teaser is already generating plenty of excitement — and speculation.
A Stylish Step Forward
Based on what we’ve seen from Mazda, the 2026 CX-5 will be very much inspired by the CX-90’s premium design and styling. A bigger grille featuring a presence-giving gloss-black mesh pattern, slimmer LED headlights, and sculpted body lines all suggest that Mazda is striving to elevate the CX-5 further upmarket. So much so that many people are referring to it as a “baby CX-90″—and that’s not just in terms of its appearance, but also its intended performance.
The teaser released by Mazda showcases an aggressive, wide-hooded design and a strong rear shoulder line, which effectively emphasizes its sporting nature. The complete exterior and interior details are being kept under wraps until the official reveal. Still, a more premium interior, new technology, and a potential third-generation Skyactiv hybrid powertrain may be in the mix.
New Platform, New Power?
Mazda hasn’t confirmed the full specs yet, but there’s speculation that the 2026 CX-5 will be built around an all-new rear-wheel-drive-oriented platform. Based on other Mazda products, it would make sense for this new platform to underpin what will be the upcoming CX-60 and CX-90. If so, that would represent a significant departure in driving dynamics from the current front-wheel-drive-based format.
Industry analysts agree that when the Mazda comes to market, there will be more than one powertrain option to choose from, they say, and what else could hide under the hood?
Under the hood, industry analysts suggest we may see multiple powertrain options, including:
- A 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
- A plug-in hybrid setup (PHEV)
- Maybe a six-cylinder choice for the top trims (stolen from the CX-90)
If it’s true and Mazda successfully implements those options in production, the CX-5 would compete with luxury compact SUVs like the BMW X3 and Lexus NX.
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Packed with Tech and Safety
Mazda has been gradually updating its infotainment and safety technology throughout its lineup, and the 2026 CX-5 should be no exception. The cockpit will likely feature a broad digital display, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Mazda’s latest i-Activsense driver-assistance suite.
High-end trims may also feature:
- A 360-degree camera system
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane-centering assist
- Heads-up display
Mazda is trying to give drivers the feeling of a nearly premium experience without entering the luxury market’s price range.
Official Reveal Set for July 10
The 2026 CX-5 will make its complete debut on July 10, including more information about performance, pricing, and trim levels. Insiders expect the truck to reach dealers in early 2026, most likely built alongside Mazda’s related vehicles in Japan or North America.
Final Thoughts
It’s difficult to say much at this point about how the 2026 CX-5 will perform, but the teaser suggests an SUV that’s elevating in both appearance and performance potential. From its inspired-by-CX-90 exterior styling to the tech upgrades that should be headed its way, it appears that Mazda could make the next CX-5 a true live wire in the compact-SUV segment.
Watch this space — and mark your calendars for July 10, we’ll be bringing you all of the launch details as they come in.
Source: Mazda
