The all new 2026 Mazda CX-5 Hybrid is Redefining the Future of Hybrid Technology
Valerie Raskovic
Jul 15, 2025
Mazda has always had a reputation for making fun to drive cars, but in recent years they have also put a lot of emphasis on developing fuel efficient drivetrains. With the recent announcement of an all new 2026 CX-5 Hybrid, the brand is proving that efficiency and excitement can go hand in hand. This isn’t just another hybrid SUV; it’s Mazda’s first gas-electric CX-5 featuring an all-new hybrid powertrain. Mazda has developed this new in-house hybrid system to show that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.
The Mazda CX-5 2026 hybrid model will come with a more efficient as well as more powerful drivetrain. Under the hood, the new CX-5 Hybrid combines a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine with an electric motor and a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, producing a combined 225 horsepower (HP). That is 38HP more than the standard naturally aspirated model. That’s plenty of punch for passing on the highway or cruising through the mountains. At the same time, this hybrid setup delivers up to 38 MPG city and highway combined, a major leap from the regular gasoline versions of 28 MPG average. In short, you’re getting more power and better fuel economy—a win-win for drivers.
Mazda’s goal when designing this new hybrid system is for it to feel natural without the driver feeling the disconnect that sometimes happens when hybrid vehicles switch between modes. Additionally, they want the drivetrain to feel responsive even when the engine is outside its optimal power band. This new Mazda CX-5 can even run in electric-only mode for short trips, which is great for city driving and uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery whenever you slow down. This means you’re getting the benefits of electrification without the range anxiety that often comes with a full EV.
This new hybrid technology also exhibits Mazda’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases. The 2026 CX-5 Hybrid cuts CO2 emissions by about 25% compared to its gas-only sibling. That’s a significant reduction without forcing buyers to jump straight to an all-electric car. For many drivers, this is the perfect middle ground between performance, efficiency and sustainability.
The all new CX-5 is also getting a complete redesign. The new design language is the evolution of Mazda’s Soul of Motion design language with an emphasis on Jinba-Ittai (driver and car as one) driving performance. The new design is supposed to evoke feelings of excitement and elegant style. However, the improvements do not stop on the exterior; the vehicle has an all-new interior with improved ergonomics, ride comfort, technology and sound dampening. With this model release comes an all-new Human Machine Interface; this technology enables enhanced connectivity and introduces new apps and features. Further enhancing the driver and passenger experience and comfort are the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standard on all CX-5 models. Safety has also been improved with an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) with a variety of driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and a 360-degree camera.
The timing of this new release could not be any better as, Hybrid SUVs are hot right now. Industry analysts expect sales in this segment to grow by 20% or more each year through 2028. Competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid have dominated this space for years, but Mazda is aiming to shake things up. By focusing on driving enjoyment alongside efficiency, the CX-5 Hybrid could be the game-changer many drivers have been waiting for.
The new CX-5 will arrive in the US in 2026 and in European markets it can hit the showrooms as early as this year.
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