- A prototype of the third-gen Mazda CX-5 was caught during development testing.
- The compact SUV and Mazda’s best seller is expected to debut in 2025 as a 2026 MY.
- The new CX-5 will be fitted with a hybrid powertrain, developed in-house.
Mazda is preparing to unveil the next-generation CX-5, nearly nine years after the current second-generation model debuted in 2016. Our spy photographers spotted the first prototype of the updated SUV driving around Los Angeles. The automaker has confirmed that its best-selling model will feature an in-house-developed hybrid powertrain, along with a range of other improvements.
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While still wrapped in camouflage, the prototype actually looks nearly production-ready, suggesting an official debut is just around the corner. While it retains the familiar silhouette and greenhouse of its predecessor, the 2026 CX-5 introduces a variety of fresh design elements that set it apart.
Fresh Styling with Familiar Roots
At the front, the headlights are slimmer and curve into the grille, evoking subtle Mercedes EQC vibes. Staying true to Mazda’s signature style, the sculpted bumper features a clean, minimalist design with a single cooling intake, avoiding unnecessary clutter. Along the profile, the squared-off wheel arches resemble those of the CX-50 but are paired with more understated plastic cladding—potentially body-colored on certain trims.
The rear design, however, is where things get more interesting. The third-generation CX-5 sports a pair of aggressive new taillights, shaped in a way that calls to mind recent BMW concepts, along with crisp LED graphics inspired by Mazda’s CX-60, 70, 80, and 90 series. A large tailgate dominates the back, complemented by an extra dose of plastic cladding on the rear bumper and prominently visible dual tailpipes.
Interior and Powertrain: Big Upgrades on the Horizon
Although our photographers couldn’t sneak a peek at the interior, it’s safe to expect Mazda will deliver a modern cabin design, high-quality materials, and the latest tech borrowed from the brand’s larger SUVs. Mazda has a knack for crafting interiors that punch above their weight, and the new CX-5 is unlikely to be an exception.
The real story, though, lies under the hood. The upcoming CX-5 will introduce a self-charging hybrid powertrain developed in-house. Unlike the Toyota-sourced hybrid found in the CX-50, this new electrified system is built around a more efficient combustion engine.
And there’s more: Mazda will also equip the CX-5 with its next-generation Skyactiv-Z powertrains, slated to debut by 2027. While details are scarce, the Skyactiv-Z promises a leap forward in efficiency and performance.
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The second-generation CX-5 originally debuted back in late 2016, with a mid-cycle update arriving in 2021. It’s been a consistent bestseller for Mazda, holding its own against domestic rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.
The new Mazda CX-5 is expected to debut in the coming months, with its U.S. market launch likely as a 2026 model year—unless Mazda decides to push it to a 2027MY.
