Goodbye Buttons, Hello Giant Screen! Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior Brilliant or Bonkers?

Wow, my friends, get ready for what’s coming! The Mazda CX-5 has always been a cornerstone of the automaker, a true sales champion that, frankly, seemed a bit forgotten in recent years. With the rise of its bigger siblings, the CX-50 and CX-70, many of us wondered: what would be the next step for our beloved CX-5?

Well, the answer has arrived, and with force! The 2026 Mazda CX-5 isn’t just an update, it’s a complete reinvention, promising to be bigger, bolder, and, to many people’s surprise, almost button-free. But will this risky gamble pay off? Let’s dive into the details and find out what Mazda has in store for us.

Evolved Design: Did a Monster Grow?

The first thing that catches the eye on the 2026 CX-5 is its size. It has grown, and not by a little! With a 3-inch longer wheelbase and an overall length 4.5 inches greater, the new CX-5 approaches heavyweights like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. This expansion isn’t just for show; it addresses one of the previous model’s biggest complaints: rear-seat access.

The doors now open wider, making entry and exit easier, which is a blessing, isn’t it? And the interior space? Mazda promises that the second row is one of the most spacious in its class, something that, for those who travel with family, is a luxury. The trunk also gained an additional 2 inches of cargo length and 1 inch of height, with a wider and lower opening, making life much easier for those who need to haul stuff. Believe me, every inch makes a difference, especially when you’re trying to fit luggage for a long trip. If you’re looking for an SUV that combines design and functionality, it’s worth taking a look at how other models have evolved, like the 2025 Volvo XC60 facelift, which also focuses on more style and space.

Visually, the 2026 CX-5 showcases an updated version of Mazda’s acclaimed Kodo design language. The front end is unique, with stacked headlights that give it an even more aggressive and modern look. The “Wing” grille is sharper, and additional bumper details accentuate the SUV’s wider stance. At the rear, the “MAZDA” emblem extends across the tailgate, and the taillights are sharper, reminiscent of the CX-70’s style. There will also be an option for 19-inch sport wheels on the top trims, adding a touch of sophistication and aggression. It’s a design that will surely turn heads, a true advancement from what we’ve seen before. Mazda truly knew how to maintain the Kodo essence while elevating it to a new level, proving that good design can, and should, be timeless. For those who appreciate the return of iconic models with innovative design, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is also a notable example of how the past and future can meet with mastery.

Performance and the Hybrid Promise: Is the Wait Worth It?

At launch, the 2026 CX-5 will retain the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: “More of the same?” And I agree that for a “reinvention,” this might seem a bit disappointing. But wait, there’s a big “however.”

Mazda’s real game-changer will arrive in 2027: a new hybrid powertrain. Unlike the CX-50, which uses a Toyota hybrid system, the 2026 CX-5 will be the first Mazda model to feature its brand-new, in-house developed Skyactiv-Z engine, complete with its own hybrid system. Mazda has already dubbed the Skyactiv-Z “the ideal internal combustion engine,” promising “even greater thermal efficiency and an overwhelmingly wider range” than the current Skyactiv-G. Hell, if they deliver on their promises, this could be a game-changer!

This is Mazda’s bet for the future, and it’s a high one. In an increasingly electrified market, having its own optimized hybrid system is crucial. If the Skyactiv-Z truly delivers on its promises of efficiency and performance, the CX-5 could become a benchmark in its class, combining the driving dynamics we love with impressive fuel economy. It’s interesting to see how other Japanese automakers are also investing heavily in electrified solutions, like the Nissan Ariya NISMO, which combines electric performance and luxury.

The Button Hell: A Giant Screen and the Farewell to Physical Controls

Now, my friends, we arrive at the most controversial point, the one that might make many scratch their heads and exclaim, “What the heck is this?”. The most significant changes in the 2026 CX-5 are on the inside. The SUV boasts an impressive 15.6-inch touchscreen display, the largest ever seen in any Mazda product. It runs a new user interface with Google Built-In technology, including features like Google Assistant and Google Maps. So far, so good, looks modern, right?

The problem is that there isn’t a single physical button on the dashboard or near the gear shifter. The 2026 CX-5 ditches the old command controller and volume knob, both located near the shifter, in favor of controls exclusively on the touchscreen and steering wheel. This is hell! Who in their right mind thinks controlling the volume or temperature on a screen while driving is safe or practical? It’s a “strategic reduction” of buttons, as Mazda Europe put it, aiming for a cleaner look. Clean, yes, but functional? I highly doubt it. Thankfully, the steering wheel controls are physical buttons; at least we won’t have to deal with flimsy touch controls there. The transition to increasingly digital interiors is a trend, but not always a welcome one, and the discussion about battery technologies and user interfaces is constant in the automotive world.

Assistance and Technology Features: Where Mazda Gets It Right

Despite my frustration with the lack of buttons, the 2026 CX-5 promises a robust suite of driver assistance features, including some new options as part of the automaker’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance System. This is vital for today’s safety and convenience, and Mazda doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It’s good to know that while they’re messing with buttons, safety isn’t being neglected.

The Google Built-In integration is undoubtedly a strong point. Having Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store directly in the infotainment system offers connectivity and familiarity that many drivers will appreciate. Entry-level versions in Europe will have a slightly smaller, 12.9-inch screen, which is still quite generous. Additionally, Mazda promises improved seats and an available panoramic sunroof, which will certainly add a touch of luxury and comfort to the onboard experience. It’s always good to see automakers investing in technology that genuinely makes the driver’s life easier without sacrificing comfort. For those looking for an SUV that also offers an adventurous driving experience, the 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor is an example of how the market is expanding to meet different consumer profiles.

Price and Market Positioning: How Much Will This Gamble Cost?

There’s still much we don’t know about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, especially the price. The 2025 model starts at around $30,200 (or €28,000), including destination fees. The 2026 CX-5 shouldn’t be significantly more expensive than the current model, but a slight price increase could push the SUV closer to $32,000 (or €30,000) as a starting price. This would place it in a competitive range, but it also raises the question of sales cannibalization with the CX-50, which starts around $30,500 (or €28,500) with the same 2.5-liter engine. Mazda will have to be careful with its positioning to avoid confusing consumers.

The new Mazda CX-5 will likely arrive at dealerships before the end of the year. Expectations are high, and Mazda will need to clearly communicate the new model’s differentiators, especially the future hybrid system and interior changes, to justify any price increase and attract both loyal fans and new buyers. Pricing strategy is crucial in such a competitive market, where every dollar or euro counts. Success will depend heavily on how well Mazda balances innovation, tradition, and, of course, a price that makes sense to the global consumer. It’s a delicate dance that many automakers face, and Mazda is no exception.

Quick Comparison: 2026 CX-5 vs. Direct Competitors

• Interior Space: The 2026 CX-5 promises more second-row space and an enlarged trunk, aligning with leaders like the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue.
• Design: Evolution of Kodo with stacked headlights and a wider stance, seeking a more premium aesthetic than some rivals.
• Powertrain: Launch with the same 2.5L, but the big bet is the new Skyactiv-Z hybrid system in 2027, promising superior efficiency.
• Interior Technology: 15.6-inch screen with Google Built-In, but with the controversial absence of physical buttons, a contrast to the more traditional approach of many competitors.
• Safety: Robust driver assistance package, on par with the best in class.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Mazda CX-5

1. Where will the 2026 Mazda CX-5 be manufactured?
   Mazda has factories in various regions worldwide, and the production of the 2026 CX-5 will be distributed to serve global markets, ensuring an international approach from the outset.
2. What’s the difference between the Skyactiv-G and the new Skyactiv-Z?
   The Skyactiv-G is the current engine, focused on high compression. The Skyactiv-Z, arriving in 2027, is a new internal combustion engine with Mazda’s own hybrid system, promising thermal efficiency and a significantly wider operating range.
3. Is the button-less infotainment system entirely new?
   Yes, it features a new user interface with Google Built-In technology on the largest touchscreen ever installed in a Mazda. The major change is the near-total removal of physical buttons on the center console.
4. Will the price of the 2026 CX-5 be much different from the previous model?
   Mazda indicates that the increase won’t be significant, but there might be a slight rise, positioning the initial model around $32,000 or €30,000, depending on the region and specifications.
5. When will the new 2026 CX-5 be available for purchase?
   The new Mazda CX-5 is expected to reach dealerships in various regions before the end of the year, with the hybrid model arriving in 2027.

Look, in the end, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a car that leaves me with mixed feelings. On one hand, Mazda has finally given its sales champion the attention it deserved, with a bolder design and interior space that truly makes a difference. The promise of the Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine in 2027 is undoubtedly the cherry on top and could be what the CX-5 needs to truly stand out. It’s a smart move, betting on proprietary technology for electrification. On the other hand, this obsession with removing physical buttons from the interior is, for me, a step backward. The practicality and safety of touch controls are undeniable, and having to navigate through menus on a screen for basic functions is a real pain, especially when you’re focused on the road. I hope Mazda reconsiders this approach, or at least offers more user-friendly options. Overall, the 2026 CX-5 seems like a giant leap for Mazda, but with a small stumble in interior ergonomics. Time will tell if the market will embrace this button-less vision. But one thing is for sure: the CX-5 remains a car that deserves our attention, and with the hybrid on the way, the future looks promising, despite my grumbles about the buttons.

And you, what did you think of the news about the 2026 Mazda CX-5? Leave your comment and share your opinion!