Few vehicles are so popular and so well loved that they can’t be replaced—but the Mazda CX-5 is part of that very exclusive club. That’s why the Japanese automaker is introducing the third generation of the model for 2026.
Mazda’s lineup has changed significantly in recent years. The CX-3 gave way to the CX-30, and the same goes for the CX-7 and CX-9, which were replaced by the CX-70 and CX-90. In short, you can see the trend here. However, there’s one exception to the rule: the CX-5. While Mazda did add a CX-50 to its lineup, the CX-5, unlike the other SUVs whose names feature just a single digit, was never pulled from the market. Instead, the Japanese manufacturer has decided to offer an even better CX-5 than the previous model.
A Third Generation
The Mazda CX-5 debuted in 2012, replacing the Tribute in the compact SUV category. The model quickly built a strong reputation thanks to its sleek styling, fuel efficiency, and dynamic driving experience, earning its place among the most popular vehicles in its segment. Since 2012, no fewer than 300,000 CX-5 units have been sold in Canada, with more than 4.5 million sold worldwide—a truly impressive figure.
Although the Japanese SUV maintains a familiar silhouette for this third generation, the 2026 CX-5 benefits from a host of updates. The exterior features a more prominent front end, with sharper headlights and a more aggressive bumper design. The model has inherited the same level of elegance seen in the CX-70 and CX-90, which is great news.
Inside, the cabin is modern and refined. It genuinely feels like you’re sitting in a luxury vehicle. Mazda engineers have improved legroom, knee room, and headroom for rear passengers. The trunk is also more spacious. Some versions offer a massive 15.6-inch display for the infotainment system.
Under the hood, the CX-5 retains its legendary 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. It still delivers 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission—something of a surprise in this segment. Still, this combination remains efficient and effective. For now, it’s the only available powertrain, but an upcoming hybrid version is expected to join the lineup eventually. No mention has been made of the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
