When the Mazda CX-50 debuted, most people thought it would replace the CX-5 in Mazda’s lineup. However, one doesn’t simply kill your best-selling vehicle without being absolutely sure people will buy the new one. Whether or not the CX-50 was originally intended to replace the CX-5 remains to be seen. But in May 2023, Mazda confirmed that a next-generation CX-5 was in development. Thus, the two compact SUVs will coexist—at least for the foreseeable future.
The CX-5 is definitely due for an update, too. The current model debuted way back in 2016 (as a 2017 model) and received a modest facelift for 2021. The compact crossover is offered with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive and has two engine options: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 horsepower, or a 2.5-liter turbo generating 256 horsepower. Crucially, Mazda has no hybrid CX-5 available, but there is a hybrid option available on the CX-50 for 2025.
Mazda sold 134,088 CX-5s in 2024, significantly outpacing the similar-sized CX-50. However, it was still a down year with CX-5 sales sliding 13.4 percent. If buyers are growing weary of the current model, here’s what they can expect from the new one, based on everything we know so far.
Photo by: Mazda
You might be shocked to hear this, but the CX-5 will still be called the CX-5. That might cause some confusion with the CX-50, which is also in the compact SUV segment and similar in size. Think of the CX-5 as Mazda’s crossover-focused choice with a softer, on-road vibe. The CX-50 will hold station deeper in the chunky SUV realm—not a burly off-roader by any means, but more appealing to those seeking sharper edges.
Photo by: Motor1
2026 Mazda CX-5 Rendering
We’ve seen a few CX-5 camouflaged prototypes in public, and our rendering attempts to peer underneath the wrap. The next-gen model will not be a CX-50 copycat—the profile will remain conservative with smoother curves and a high beltline. Up front, the grille will be a tad wider but not quite as deep, presenting itself more upright and symmetrical. Thin headlights will angle upwards, while at the back, we expect some rounded styling cues not unlike the larger CX-70. That holds true for slim taillights extending into—but note entirely across—the hatch.
In profile, it will be familiar as a CX-5, but we expect the new model will be a bit larger, especially at the back. The large, broad doors and wheel arches will be well-suited for larger wheels, too. 19 inchers are the biggest Mazda offers now, but with competitors stepping up to 20s, we won’t be surprised to see dubs available on higher trim levels.
Photo by: Motor1
2026 Mazda CX-5 Rendering
Photo by: Motor1
2026 Mazda CX-5 Rendering
Photo by: Mazda
Here’s the news you’ve been waiting for. Mazda has confirmed the next-generation CX-5 will gain a hybrid powertrain. What kind of hybrid powertrain? That’s still a mystery, but we can tell you it will be designed in-house. That probably means it won’t share the hybrid setup from the CX-50, which leans on technology from Toyota. But never say never.
Plug-in hybrid versions of the larger CX-70 and CX-90 pair a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a single electric motor, developing 323 combined horsepower. That would be quite an offering in the compact CX-5, but it’s not a simple plug-and-play setup. The CX-5 will likely stay on its current transverse platform, which is oriented for front-wheel drive. The CX-70/CX-90 are longitudinal, and also, it’s unclear if the CX-5 will use a mild or plug-in hybrid setup. And there’s always the possibility of Mazda creating a completely new Skyactiv powertrain. Just know that electrification is coming.
Standard combustion engines are also coming. On that front, updated versions of the current 2.5-liter are a safe bet. It’s unknown if a new transmission will replace the seasoned six-speed automatic. All-wheel-drive will most certainly be offered.
2025 Mazda CX-70 Interior
We haven’t glimpsed the interior of CX-5 prototypes, but being one of Mazda’s oldest models, expect major changes. To the automaker’s credit, the CX-5 still looks attractive inside despite its age, but the small tablet-style infotainment screen is terrifically dated. Expect a larger screen in a similar landscape layout, positioned on the top of the dash in a style similar to the CX-70. We assume a digital driver display will join the party, but Mazda probably won’t nix all the buttons. Both the CX-50 and CX-70 still offer a plethora of physical controls and there’s no reason to think the CX-5 won’t have them.
You can also expect an upscale vibe, something Mazda has been pushing for quite some time now. Soft touch surfaces should be present even on lower trim levels, with range-topping CX-5s getting Nappa leather and luxuries like ventilated seats and multi-speaker stereo systems. As for technology, Mazda already offers advanced driver assists like traffic sign recognition and traffic jam assist. With this being the company’s best-selling vehicle, expect more standard features and the latest software suite running the show.
Here’s the tricky question. New car buyers are weary of inflation and high prices, and the CX-5 has generally been a comparative bargain in the compact SUV segment. The current model starts under $30,000 but exceeds $40,000 in its highest trim; in an ideal world Mazda would stick close to those figures. Realistically, Mazda could sneak in a base CX-5 just under $30,000, but seeing a $2,000 bump for other trim levels isn’t out of the question. Hybrid trims with a high-$30,000 MSRP seem reasonable.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is expected to debut later this summer and go on sale early next year. However, the hybrid likely won’t be part of the initial reveal. At this point, we’re hearing the hybrid will arrive sometime in 2026 as a 2027 model.
