2026 Mazda CX-5 Operates a Revolution Inside, Check It Out!

The Mazda CX-5 is “all-new” and entering its third generation, hoping to making up lost ground in the most popular and most competitive automotive segment in the country. We’ll see it at the 2026 Montreal International Auto Show before it lands in dealerships next spring.

Truth be told, the exterior doesn’t change much, with Mazda simply refreshing its Kodo design. The main highlight is a new headlamp signature and revised front bumper enhancing the CX-5’s appearance. But inside? There’s arguably a revolution going on. While the pictures speak for themselves, let us explain.

Mazda has always been about fun driving. On the flip side, it has repeatedly faced criticism for its frustrating multimedia system and reluctance to embrace touchscreens, supposedly to limit driving distractions. Well, the new CX-5 is available with a Tesla-like, 15.6-inch touchscreen—the largest display ever offered by the company—complete with a digital instrument cluster.

Mazda promises smartphone-like usability, including a customizable home menu with quick access to frequently used features. What’s more, Google is built directly into the infotainment system, basically eliminating the need for users to turn to Android Auto. Brilliant.

On the other hand, some drivers probably won’t appreciate the loss of physical controls for temperature and ventilation, which is bound to turn their attention away from the road. By the way, the large rotary controller on the console has also disappeared. Oh, and if you’re looking for the wireless charging pad, it’s well out of sight of the driver, near the new split-opening centre armrest.

Furthermore, the revolution inside the 2026 CX-5 translates into extra space, effectively addressing one of the main complaints about its predecessor. The vehicle is 11.5 cm longer, including some 7.6 cm in the wheelbase. The result is more legroom (and headroom), especially for rear occupants. In addition, the door openings have been considerably enlarged, something that parents installing a child seat will like.

More good news: the trunk is now almost 5 cm longer and over 2.5 cm higher, with a lower lift-in height that drops over 1.3 cm from the outgoing model. Exact cargo capacity is not specified, but all of this will allow for easier loading, even with larger items. The icing on the cake? Mazda has once again raised the bar for fit and finish, while new seven-colour ambient lighting jazzes up the cabin.

In the absence of the CX-50, whose imports into Canada have stopped due to the new tariffs, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 can’t arrive soon enough!