- A leaked photo reveals the redesigned exterior of the next-generation Mazda CX-5 SUV.
- The updated crossover will offer a hybrid powertrain option developed entirely in-house.
- An official debut is expected soon, with the SUV likely arriving as a 2026 model year in America.
Mazda’s best-selling SUV is getting a major overhaul, and it’s not trying to keep it a secret. The third-generation CX-5 brings updated styling, new tech, and — for the first time — a hybrid option. A leaked photo may have jumped the gun, showing the new model in full, without any camouflage, and hinting that the official reveal could be just around the corner.
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The image surfaced on Cochespias, with the Instagram page of Car Design News cited as the original source. It looks legitimate, especially since the model closely resembles the camouflaged prototypes spotted during testing. The overall proportions and window shape remain familiar, echoing the outgoing CX-5, but the body panels have been entirely reworked.
Sharper Details, Familiar Shape
What stands out first is the headlight design. The new units curve into the grille, not unlike what we once saw on the now-discontinued Mercedes-Benz EQC. The grille itself keeps its signature shape but introduces a fresh pattern and thinner chrome accents. The bumper is still cleanly sculpted, free of faux side vents, though the lower intake has grown noticeably, giving the front end a more pronounced look.
Around the wheel arches, unpainted plastic cladding gives the crossover a slightly more rugged appearance, although higher trim levels could swap it out for body-colored panels. The rear isn’t visible in the leaked shot, but earlier spy photos suggest slimmer LED taillights, which bring to mind BMW’s concept cars, along with a pair of exposed exhaust pipes.
The overall design doesn’t feel like a carbon copy of Mazda’s larger CX-60, 70, 80, and 90 SUVs. Nor does it step on the toes of the similarly-sized CX-50, keeping the CX-5’s identity intact while evolving its look.
It’s a safe bet that the new CX-5 will bring improvements to the interior, likely borrowing materials and tech from Mazda’s more upscale models. Expect a bump in quality, a larger infotainment system, and maybe even a few design cues from the CX-90. A modest increase in size could also make it a more practical choice for families.
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Hybrid Setup With A New Engine
Mazda has confirmed that the upcoming CX-5 will offer a self charging hybrid variant developed entirely in-house. This version will also introduce the new SkyActiv-Z gasoline engine, which aims to deliver better fuel efficiency and stronger performance. But don’t expect it right away, as the engine won’t join the lineup until late 2027, so the hybrid will likely launch with an existing powertrain before switching over later.
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The current-generation CX-5 arrived in late 2016, so this redesign is overdue. The new model could land in the US as a 2026 model-year vehicle, with a global debut expected within weeks.
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Mazda’s long-standing rival, the Toyota RAV4, recently got a full redesign for 2026. The updated CX-5 will also go head-to-head with the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, both of which already offer hybrid powertrains. In a segment where efficiency and tech are more important than ever, the new CX-5 will need more than just good looks to stand out.