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2026 Mazda CX-5.

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These new illustrations show the “all-new” Mazda CX-5. The new Mazda SUV has been testing for a while and is right around the corner. It will be a very important model for Mazda since it will go head-to-head against the all-new Toyota RAV4. As well as an upcoming new Nissan Rogue.

I have to say, these illustrations don’t look like good news to me. Just another proof that Mazda seems to be stuck in a design spiral, and is having a hard time getting out of it. The Mazda CX-50 was an almost refreshing take on the CX-5. But these new CX-60/CX-70/CX80/CX90 all look like they came out 10 years ago. There is also no difference between the North American and European models.
The idea of selling 2 SUVS that are exactly the same except for 5 or 7-passenger capacity (CX-70 and CX-90) for the exact same price in the US is also pretty insane.

This “new” CX-5 looks almost exactly the same as the current, 9-year-old model. And it’s pretty sad. After 9 years, only current owners will be able to tell the difference between the new one and the one they’ve been driving for years…

Of course, it’s probably not the same car. You can already see a few differences. However, these are so minute, even if Mazda claims an all-new design.

That front end with the big grille has to go. Something new has to replace it after all these years on all Mazda designs except the Miata.

I just cannot imagine this design luring new customers into a Mazda showroom if they were not interested in the current model.

The big news will be the new Hybrid powertrain. Which, for some odd reason, will be an in-house unit and not the Toyota one used in the CX-50 Hybrid. That also seems like a lot of money wasted.

I think Mazda is great and deserves much better than this.

Conversation 13 comments

  1. Mazda is all about interior styling over exterior design. And they have done an excellent job so far.

  2. I seriously think that they need to catch up to the Subaru cross trek model for 2025 with the installment of the exact same infotainment console and systems that Subaru has for all of their vehicles ..and that Mazda needs to seriously update its body styles ..this is the same one that came out ten years ago ..Mazda needs to do some serious changes because its current model is not out selling the Subaru cross trek

  3. Seriously Mazda needs to do some serious changes .they need to get onboard and follow the lead as Subaru has done by installing equipment that’s not boring as heck ..Subaru has got a really decent plan in place …sorry Mazda you’re just not making the cut

  4. Holy shit how this op couldn’t be more wrong.
    You’re telling me this looks like the 2014-15 model??? You’re nuts. The engine, the transmission, the interior design, the exterior design is so far improved, you’d be nuts to relate the two. Mazda isn’t lacking with old designs, nor designs over multiple models, they have a very specific design language and obviously you’re not used to that because you think Honda(fords) have a great design just cause they changed it. Not everything needs to be changed massively. Especially something that works. And this new design shows the cx5 maturing. I couldn’t see how you’d hate it.

  5. Evolutionary, and constantly improving.
    Like Porsche 911.
    Forget about any comparison to Subaru.
    Mazda has Zoom-Zoom feel on the road, unlike the other Japanese and Koreans.

  6. I don’t agree with you at all. When you have a winning design you don’t need to change it. I will refer you to the Porsche 911. No I don’t agree at all. Yes you improve and tweak but that’s it. I actually like what Mazda is doing. If you want a redesign every couple years then get a Korean vehicle…or a Honda, Toyota or Subaru. Leave Mazda alone!

  7. That’s why I used to drive Mazda for years – I like how it’s designed inside and outside and don’t like the changes.

  8. This vehicle is boring and is lacking style. All they did was change the front and back. Its the same vehicke no matter how you look at it. Redo this ASAP!

  9. I totally disagree with the author, the GRILL is definitely STAY. It’s the Mazda’s signature of their Kodo design. Just like the BMW, regardless how the design evolved over the years, it’s a BMW because of the “kidney-grilled” design.
    Thank you Mazda not to follow those stupidly trends.
    Next, I want to see the most hideous “black rims/wheels ” trending. It doesn’t show shortness but silliness instead. Why spending thousands of dollars for a set of wheels that couldn’t even illustrate the wheels. Let gets real, anyone wants dark wheels, just grabs basic steel wheels and called it a day since no one can tell the differences anyway.

  10. I disagree as well. The kia Sportage looked dated 6 months after it came out. Change for the sake of change is not always progress. I can see Mazda taking away what made the current cx5 so great just for the simple fact that they have to go more mainstream to stay profitable.

  11. Couldn’t disagree with this article more. Bought my 2025 CX-5 Turbo Signature in May, and have been loving it ever since.

    Interior features more upscale materials than most in its class, and the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint job is gorgeous/turns heads. The way it handles on the road makes it such a blast to drive.

    Mazda wants to introduce its own hybrid drivetrain for 2027, and I say good for them, just don’t change the Kodo styling too much, you’ve already got a beautiful ride.

  13. No one mentioned the body is supposed to be larger. A good change if true. Also, get rid of those ugly black wheel arches and the rear black bumper.

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