One of the more unique lineups in the SUV market comes from Mazda, which offers a pair of compact SUVs — the CX-5 and CX-50. For the past 15 years, the CX-5 has been a huge seller for Mazda, and the CX-50 is a newer addition to the lineup starting in 2023.

Differences between the two vehicles include design elements, size, tech setup, engine offerings, and level of off-road capability.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2026 Mazda CX-50 (a 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition), which mostly carries over from the 2025 model year. 

Read on to find out how it stacks up against the busy competition in the compact SUV market (Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape and many more), as well as its in-house Mazda competition.

The Mazda CX-5 is a sharp-looking and fun-to-drive compact SUV. 
There’s never been a question about that, and it’s true once again for the 2025 model year offering.

The question is whether to wait for a 2026 model, or pick up a 2025 model.

Read on to learn 5 things you need to know about the 2025 CX-5, which I recently tested, and some previews of what’s to come on the 2026 version of the CX-5, which is getting a major redesign that improves roominess, cargo space and tech features.

1. Upscale design, size will grow in 2026

One thing that Mazda has done in recent years is deliver a design that approaches luxury quality despite not being a luxury brand. Especially on the interiors, materials are of a quality that makes you feel like you’re in a much more expensive and upscale ride.

As the 2025 model year ends and the model prepares to launch in 2026, one change that we know is coming is that the CX-5 will be getting a bit longer, specifically gaining 4.5 inches in length. That’s a welcome bit of news, as any extra length is beneficial in the class of compact SUVs, where leg room is often hard to find in the back row. The current model is not super-tight, but I’ll always appreciate more space. And cargo space should also improve in 2026 due to the vehicle’s larger size.

Other exterior changes expected for 2026 include a 3-inch larger wheelbase, and an overall styling update that will draw inspiration from the looks of the larger CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs. Changes are coming to the lighting design, grille design and more. I was always a fan of the current generation of CX-5, but the updates promise an even sleeker and more stylish vehicle.

Whether you choose a 2025 or wait for the changes in 2026, you’ll be getting a vehicle that’s pleasing to the eye. And if you want for 2026, you’ll have a roomier interior.