2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: Should Burnaby Buyers Wait for the New Model?

The timing question is a real one. The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 has been announced and is headed to dealerships in Spring 2026, and Burnaby buyers who are actively shopping right now are facing a genuine decision: buy the proven, available 2025 model today, or hold out a few months for the redesigned third-generation. Neither answer is wrong — but the answer that's right for you depends on which of the changes actually matter for how you use the vehicle.

This guide maps out exactly what's different between the two model years, based on documented specifications and press release details. No speculation, no filler — just the facts you need to make the call.

At a Glance: 2025 vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5

What Changes in the 2026: The Case for Waiting

Cabin Space and Rear-Seat Comfort

The most tangible upgrade in the 2026 CX-5 is dimensional. Adding 4.5 inches to both overall length and wheelbase is not a subtle change — it translates directly into rear-seat legroom, knee room, and headroom that passengers in British Columbia's longer family SUV trips will feel. The doors on the 2026 also open wider, making loading car seats and accessing the rear row easier on a daily basis.

The cargo area grows as well. It sits almost two inches longer and over an inch higher than in the 2025 model, and the liftover height drops by more than half an inch. For Burnaby families who regularly load strollers, sports gear, or groceries, that lower liftover is a practical improvement at every use.

Technology: Google Built-In vs. Mazda Connect

The infotainment shift is the headline feature of the 2026 generation. The 2025 CX-5 runs Mazda Connect with a 10.25-inch display, wired Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto as standard — a capable system, but one that requires a connected phone for navigation and voice services.

The 2026 brings Google built-in as standard, meaning Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store run natively on the vehicle's display — no phone connection required. The standard display grows to 12.9 inches, with a 15.6-inch screen available as an upgrade. For Burnaby drivers who spend significant time navigating on Highway 1, Trans-Canada, or Lougheed Highway, live traffic data running directly on the car's hardware rather than a mirrored phone is a meaningful step forward.

New ADAS Features

The 2026 CX-5 adds expanded Advanced Driver Assistance System technology beyond what the 2025 already offers. The 2025 generation includes a thorough suite of i-Activsense features — Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart City Brake Support Front, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert — all standard. The 2026 builds on this foundation with new ADAS features announced at reveal, with full details to be confirmed closer to the Spring 2026 launch.

Design

The 2026 exterior takes on a more angular character, with a wider-set front end, the Mazda Signature Wing grille, and rear lighting that ties visually to the CX-70 and CX-90. Bold "MAZDA" lettering replaces the traditional badge at the rear. Available 19-inch wheels further distinguish the stance. For buyers who find the 2025 design already strong, this is subjective — but the 2026 is a clear visual step forward for those who value design progression.

What the 2025 Still Does Well: The Case for Buying Now

The 2025 CX-5 is not a vehicle that needs defending — it's the best-selling Mazda in Canada for good reason. It achieved record annual sales in 2025 precisely because its value proposition is strong. Here's where the 2025 stands firmly on its own.

• Proven reliability: The 2025 Skyactiv-G 2.5L powertrain has an extensive track record. The 187 hp / 186 lb-ft engine is well-understood by technicians and has a long history of dependable operation in British Columbia driving conditions.
• Availability now: The 2026 is coming in Spring 2026, but a wait of several months is still a wait. If your current vehicle situation requires a change soon, the 2025 is on the lot today.
• Full trim choice: The 2025 lineup spans GX through Signature, including the Kuro, GT, Sport Design, Suna Edition, and Signature trims — a full range at known pricing. The 2026 trim structure and full feature set will be confirmed closer to launch.
• No first-year unknowns: New-generation vehicles occasionally carry minor first-year production adjustments. The 2025 is a refined, settled model in its second generation.

The 2027 Hybrid: Worth Factoring In

The 2026 CX-5 launches with the re-tuned 2.5L Skyactiv-G engine — the same displacement as the 2025, recalibrated for sharper throttle response and quieter operation. A hybrid powertrain is confirmed for the 2027 model year. The 2027 CX-5 will feature the new SkyActiv-Z engine with Mazda Hybrid System technology, targeting higher efficiency and performance.

For Burnaby buyers who prioritise fuel economy and are considering the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Honda CR-V Hybrid, this is worth knowing. The 2026 ICE CX-5 is not the hybrid — that comes in 2027. If a hybrid powertrain is your primary requirement, the decision timeline shifts again.

Who Should Buy Now vs. Who Should Wait

The decision isn't complicated once you're honest about your priorities.

Buy the 2025 now if: you need a vehicle in the immediate term, you want a proven powertrain without first-year uncertainties, or the current trim lineup and features fully meet your needs.

Wait for the 2026 if: rear-seat space matters for passengers in your household, you want Google built-in and the larger display as a meaningful day-to-day feature, or you're planning a longer ownership cycle and want the newer platform.

Consider waiting for the 2027 if: a hybrid powertrain is a firm requirement and you can hold your current vehicle through the coming year.

Talk It Through at Metrotown Mazda

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the incoming 2026 model are worth your time. Our sales team at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby can show you what's on the lot today and walk you through the documented differences between model years — so you make the decision that fits your timeline and your life in British Columbia, not the other way around.