2026 Mazda CX-5.
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These new 2026 Mazda CX-5 illustrations seem very close to the various spy shots we have seen recently. They also show how Mazda is just stuck in an endless design loop from Hell…
Yes, the CX-5 looks good. And it still does after almost 9 years. But this looks almost the same. Again, after 9 years. The CX-70/90 also looks like a larger version of the CX-5. That ghastly giant grille especially.
The CX-50 was almost a breath of fresh air a couple of years ago and gave us hope for some changes. These futile dreams were crushed hard when the CX-90 came out…
Of course that “new” CX-5 might still look fine against the current crop of sad-looking SUVs like the Honda HR-V or even the next-generation Toyota RAV-4. Others like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage it seems none is trying hard to stand out.
That old Mazda design language might still be OK but it really needs to be updated.
It seems every current Mazda design is still inspired by the gorgeous 2010 Shinari Sedan Concept. And yes, it still looks great. You can obviously see how it led to the last generation Mazda 6 sedan, but also everything else they have designed since. To this day, 15 years later.
Mazda doesn’t even have to create a brand-new design language. They came up with many good ones in the past before the Shinari. Like this Hakaze concept from 2007. Which in my opinion still looks much more modern than anything they have today.
We can even go back further in time and look at this Kabura concept from 2006. Again, something that still looks very modern and much more original than what’s on sale today from Mazda. I know they are not into selling sedans anymore, like everyone else these days. But many of these design cues would really improve their current SUV designs.
Dare I go even further back in time? Just look at this stunning forgotten Senku concept from 20 years ago in 2005. Still looking pretty futuristic, which is actually sad. And also has a wonderful and clean design that the 2026 CX-5 cannot even come close to.
This Washu concept from 2023 might look a bit dated to many. And sure, it could be. But again, very interesting design cues that would actually make the current Mazda designs much more interesting.
And why not go nuts and go back all the way to 2001 with that MX Sport Tourer concept? Which again, still looks very clean and modern. Something we haven’t seen from Mazda in many years.
A company that has produced all these concepts over the years has no excuse for coming up with that new CX-5 design in 2025…