Under that sleek hood sits the familiar 2.5-liter SkyActiv‐G inline-four, now tuned with subtle software tweaks for smoother throttle response and a hint more punch in midrange. It still delivers 187 horsepower directed through a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic to Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, and the result is lively acceleration on highway slips and reassuring grip in wet corners [1]. You don’t get the turbocharged excitement some competitors offer at launch, but there’s a refined, almost euro-style steadiness in the chassis that makes daily driving feel both composed and spirited. Inside, Mazda has overhauled the cockpit with an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, crisp graphics, and an intuitive rotary controller at the center console—an interface I found less distracting than most pinch-and-zoom systems. Enhanced driver-assist tech such as intersection-stop assist and adaptive cruise with curve speed management now come standard on higher trims, so you can tackle packed highways with a bit more confidence [3]. If you’re curious how this update stacks against Mazda’s other SUVs, check out our 2025 CX-60 price cut review.

The cargo area also grows noticeably, and loading groceries or weekend gear feels way less like a Tetris puzzle. Overall, Mazda’s redesign hits that sweet spot between everyday usability and a hint of driving flair—something I never expected to find in a “run-of-the-mill” compact SUV. And while purists might lament the lack of a launch-year hybrid, there’s enough here to satisfy drivers who crave both substance and style.

Where Is The Hybrid?

It’s a genuine head-scratch to see the 2026 CX-5 roll out without an electrified option—especially when rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have been offering hybrids for years. I mean, in an age where eco-minded buyers routinely prioritize fuel economy over outright power, Mazda’s decision feels almost contrarian. Sure, the current gas engine holds its own, but the market context has shifted dramatically: most shoppers expect a hybrid or plug-in variant as part of the basic compact-SUV package. Without that, some buyers will hesitate, wondering if Mazda simply dropped the ball [1][2][3]. If you’ve been eyeing a green ride but love the Mazda demeanor, you might feel stuck—until next year, at least.

The silver lining: Mazda has confirmed the in-house SkyActiv-Z hybrid system will debut on the CX-5 for 2027, likely boosting combined output beyond the base 187 horsepower and nudging fuel economy north of the current 28 mpg combined figure [1][2]. And if patience isn’t your virtue, you can get a taste of real-world hybrid performance in our six-month real-world hybrid performance review of the Hyundai Tucson. Honestly, I can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement at the thought of Mazda’s own hybrid tech finally arriving to marry that beloved driving feel with far better mpg.

Market Context

The decision to postpone the CX-5 hybrid to 2027 comes at a time when every month a brand delays electrification can translate directly into lost sales. Hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V account for roughly 60 percent of its sales, and Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid has been a top seller since launch [2]. Meanwhile, eco-minded consumers are comparing brands online, checking carbon footprints, and weighting incentives. It’s not just about fuel savings anymore; buyers want to know they’re part of a company’s sustainability story. Delay too long, and they move on—often to other compacts or crossovers with electrified choices baked in from day one.

Industry analysts warn that while the extra development time for SkyActiv-Z could yield a more refined hybrid, it also risks Mazda ceding mindshare to rivals with fully electrified lineups. And consumers rarely give second chances—when they find a brand that ticks all their boxes, they tend to stick. Ultimately, Mazda’s gamble is that brand loyalty and driving enjoyment will keep customers in line until the hybrid arrives. But in a market that prizes immediate green credentials, that patience may wear thin.

Summary

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 emerges as a roomier, tech-rich compact SUV, stretching length and wheelbase to deliver class-leading passenger comfort. Under its hood sits the trusty 187-horsepower SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter engine, paired with a smooth six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda has upgraded the interior with a larger touchscreen—up to 15.6 inches—new driver-assist features, and more cargo space, making daily life feel less cramped and more refined [2]. Where some buyers might expect hybrid power right out of the gate, Mazda is holding its SkyActiv-Z system until 2027, promising a leap in both performance and fuel economy over today’s 28 mpg combined rating [3]. This delay could cost the brand momentum in the increasingly cutthroat hybrid compact-SUV arena, but for those who can wait, Mazda’s in-house electrified answer may be worth it. Below, check out a closer look at how Mazda’s upcoming hybrid might reshape what buyers expect from a compact crossover.

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