Electric Cars

The Mazda CX-5, a prominent contender in the compact SUV segment for over a decade, has received its second substantial overhaul for the 2026 model year. This latest iteration introduces a host of notable modifications, distinguishing it significantly from the outgoing model. Key improvements include an enlarged chassis, a refined engine selection that will soon feature a hybrid variant, updated exterior aesthetics, and enhanced technological functionalities. These strategic upgrades are poised to bolster the CX-5's appeal and competitiveness within the fiercely contested SUV market.

The Evolving Mazda CX-5: Dimensions, Powertrain, and Technology

Mazda has meticulously engineered the 2026 CX-5 to offer a more spacious and sophisticated experience. The vehicle's wheelbase has been extended by 4.5 inches, with a corresponding increase of 4.5 inches in overall length and an additional 0.5 inches in width. This expansion directly translates into greater comfort for rear-seat occupants, providing improved legroom, knee room, and headroom, along with wider door openings for easier access. The cargo area has also seen substantial growth, boasting a two-inch longer floor and a one-inch deeper space, coupled with a reduced liftover height for effortless loading. Consequently, cargo capacity has risen to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats upright and an impressive 67 cubic feet when folded, a considerable increase from the previous 29 and 59 cubic feet, respectively.

Under the hood, the 2026 CX-5 undergoes a significant powertrain revision. The previously available 256-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine has been discontinued. Drivers now have a sole engine option: a 187-horsepower naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. For those seeking a turbocharged Mazda compact SUV, the similarly sized CX-50 will continue to offer that configuration. Looking ahead, Mazda plans to introduce a hybrid version of the CX-5 in 2027, featuring a newly developed in-house hybrid system. While specific specifications for this hybrid setup are yet to be revealed, it is anticipated to offer greater power output than the current 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Visually, the 2026 CX-5 presents a more contemporary exterior with redesigned headlights and taillights, complemented by fresh wheel designs. Despite these updates, the vehicle retains its signature silhouette, albeit with perceptibly elongated proportions. The interior has also been thoroughly modernized, now featuring larger display screens. A 12.9-inch touchscreen comes standard, with an optional 15.6-inch touchscreen available for the center dashboard. These new screens operate exclusively via touch input, as the traditional rotary control knob in the center console has been removed. The trim lineup for the 2026 CX-5 has been streamlined to five options: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. The base model's price has seen a modest increase of $940, now starting at $31,485, while other trims are priced between $1610 and $3310 higher than their predecessors. Although these increases are partially offset by additional standard equipment, the top-tier 2026 CX-5 Premium Plus, priced at $40,485, falls within the same cost bracket as the previous turbocharged models, despite offering considerably less horsepower.

The extensive updates to the Mazda CX-5 for its 2026 model year underscore a broader industry trend towards balancing performance with sustainability and enhanced user experience. The decision to discontinue the turbocharged engine in favor of a future hybrid option reflects Mazda's commitment to evolving emission standards and consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles. While the loss of the powerful turbo engine might disappoint some enthusiasts, the promise of an in-house developed hybrid system suggests a robust and efficient alternative on the horizon. Furthermore, the focus on increasing interior space and integrating larger, touch-controlled screens aligns with contemporary automotive design philosophies that prioritize comfort, connectivity, and intuitive technology. The price adjustments, though notable, are presented alongside a richer feature set, indicating that Mazda aims to deliver increased value despite the higher entry point. This comprehensive redesign positions the CX-5 not just as an updated model, but as a thoughtfully re-imagined vehicle ready to meet the evolving expectations of the modern compact SUV buyer.

The Future of Driving Pleasure: Miata's Electric Crossroads

The Lingering Question: What Powers the Next Miata?

The current Mazda MX-5 Miata, known internally as the ND, has been a market presence for over ten years, leading to natural questions about its successor. While a new generation is confirmed to be in development, its arrival is not imminent. Discussions with European Mazda executives, reported by the Dutch publication AutoRAI, indicate that the fifth-generation Miata, code-named NE, will likely incorporate substantial modifications to meet evolving emissions standards. A primary focus for Mazda's design head in Europe, Jo Stenuit, is the powertrain, with electrification appearing to be an inevitable component of the next model.

Electrification's Dilemma: Weight Versus Environmental Compliance

Despite the push towards electrification, Mazda is not ready to abandon the internal combustion engine entirely. A hybrid powertrain is seen as a straightforward method to comply with emissions regulations. However, this poses a significant challenge for the Miata's design philosophy. The vehicle's core attributes—fun, lightness, and affordability—are paramount. Adding battery weight for electric assistance, while beneficial for acceleration, directly contradicts the lightweight principle. Stenuit emphasized that if any of these three defining characteristics are lost, it ceases to be a Miata. Even mild hybrid systems, such as those utilizing a 48-volt setup for engine assistance without full electric propulsion, are considered a less ideal option due to the inherent weight increase.

Synthetic Fuels: An Ideal, Yet Challenging, Solution

Ideally, Mazda would prefer to keep the Miata's powertrain free from electrical components, opting instead for an internal combustion engine powered by synthetic fuels. Christian Schultze, Mazda's European head of R&D, views synthetic fuels as the simplest path to reducing the MX-5's emissions. He argues that CO2-neutral fuels would allow the continued use of existing combustion engine technology, avoiding a complete redesign of the car's fundamental concept. This approach aligns with the Miata's heritage while addressing environmental concerns.

The Infrastructure Hurdle for Alternative Fuels

Despite the potential of synthetic fuels, their widespread adoption faces a significant obstacle: a lack of infrastructure. Several automakers, including Porsche, have explored or even begun producing limited quantities of eFuel. However, the absence of a comprehensive refueling network hinders broader market acceptance, creating a classic "chicken and egg" scenario. For a smaller company like Mazda, establishing an engine dependent on synthetic fuels would necessitate a pre-existing and robust infrastructure to support it, a condition currently unmet.

The Inevitable Integration of Electric Power

Ultimately, Mazda anticipates that some form of electrification will be necessary for the next Miata. Stenuit confirmed that a project exploring possibilities for the MX-5 NE in 2024 indicated that the upcoming model would definitely feature electric power assistance. The critical task for Mazda is to integrate this technology seamlessly, ensuring it enhances, rather than detracts from, the Miata's pure, driver-centric experience. Schultze highlights the complexity of finding a technically sound solution that balances performance, weight, and regulatory compliance—a formidable undertaking for the beloved roadster.