America's Most Popular Mazda Enters the Next Generation

Hey there Mazda fans,

Welcome to this month’s Classic Mazda newsletter. Catch up on past issues at news.classicmazda.com.

Here’s what we’ve got for you this month:

• The All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5

• Eight Mazda models awarded IIHS Top SAFETY Pick+

• this past weekend’s Mazda MX-5 Cup results!

• the latest Mazda News

America’s Most Popular Mazda Gets an Upgrade

The Mazda CX-5 has been winning the heart of America for almost a decade now. Known for its sleek looks, fun driving dynamics, and Mazda’s iconic colors, the Mazda CX-5, to me, has always felt like it punched above its own weight class.

Competing in a very crowded crossover SUV segment, the CX-5 has continued to thrive by distinguishing itself with more upscale refinements and Mazda’s sensational ability to make each of their cars a true joy to drive.

And at last, we’ve been given a great look on what The Next Generation (had to do it) All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5 is all about!

As we can see here, the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is both longer and wider, giving passengers and cargo some more breathing room. And this is a genius move by Mazda because the biggest drawback against the competition was typically the cargo space.

From the front, the design has subtle changes that follow the recent design language seen in the larger (and more luxurious) Mazda CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs, such as new, slimmer headlights and updated front and back grilles.

In a small but fun change, the rear end “flying M” logo is gone and instead we get big, bold “M A Z D A” lettering so you don’t forget what you’re driving. The brake lights have slimmed down too to draw your eyes to the lettering.

Under the hood, the all-new Mazda CX-5 believes in the mantra “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, using their well-received 2.5L 4-cyl engine and Standard All-Wheel-Drive system from the previous generation CX-5.

And for those who wanted a CX-5 Hybrid, don’t fret! Mazda is promising to have their first in-house Hybrid option by the 2027 Model Year with an all-new engine!

But what about the interior? Good question, let’s get into it below!

Mazda’s modern interiors have always been a high point, and the All-New CX-5 interior is no different. Inside you’ll find more upscale soft materials, more legroom, and bigger openings to make it easier to get in and out.

The tech takes a step forward too, with a big ol’ 12.9-inch touchscreen standard, plus Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This is huge news—drivers and critics have been saying for years that Mazda’s rotary dial controls didn’t quite match the way people actually want to use the screen, preferring to tap it like their phone.

So, what did Mazda do? They listened to their customers. Smart!

Expect the All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5 early next year!

Nearly Every Mazda Gets Awarded IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Listen, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) doesn’t play around when it comes to Safety awards. They’ve made the criteria even tougher for the 2025 year, making a lot of 2024 models across car brands just barely miss out on top honors, but not Mazda!

Mazda has (count ‘em!) EIGHT different Mazda models selected as a 2025 Top Safety Pick+, the IIHS’s highest honors. That’s not just “good”. That’s the gold medal.

If you’re wondering why some model names get mentioned twice, that’s because of major body style differences and/or Gas vs. EV differences. Each Mazda model scored well in each of its tested configurations, which is great!

Did you know that’s NOT always the case for SOME car brands out there? I definitely didn’t.

We won’t name names but we will recommend you check out what New Mazda models have hit our lot recently!

Okay, so the Mazda CX-5 and the MX-5 Miata aren’t on the list, but we got good reason for that, I promise!

The CX-5 is still Mazda’s MVP when it comes to sales (accounting for nearly a third of Mazda’s U.S. total sales), and it already checks nearly every safety box.

The only holdup? The IIHS has NOT yet tested some of the revised criteria but once that happens, we expect the CX-5 to be awarded properly.

Plus, the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 will surely aim for the highest standard possible once it’s released and that will have to be tested too, right?

And as for the MX-5 Miata, the IIHS simply hasn’t tested one. No test = no award.

Yeah I know. What can you do? But let’s be honest, the Miata’s job is to put a smile on your face, not win a crash test.

The Mazda MX-5 Cup Nears it End with BSI Racing vying for Top Standings!

Another race weekend is in the books at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) as Jeremy Fletcher continued his hot streak, sweeping both races of the MX-5 Cup weekend.

In Saturday’s opener, Fletcher grabbed the lead late and held it through a caution-filled finish, making it three straight wins at VIR. #57 Tyler Gonzalez of BSI Racing looked set to challenge for the top spot with help from teammate Westin Workman, but the final yellow flag froze the order and left Gonzalez second at the line.

Sunday played out almost the same.

BSI Racing Rookie Helio Meza started from pole, but Fletcher wasted no time moving forward. He grabbed the lead early and never looked back, once again taking the win under caution.

Gonzalez fought hard but couldn’t break up Fletcher’s run, while Meza slipped back after some late contact but showed plenty of speed all weekend.

The MX-5 Cup season wraps up this October at Road Atlanta, where Fletcher, Gonzalez, Meza, and the rest of the field will fight it out one last weekend!

• Mazda EV patent looks like an electric Miata

• Award-Winning Mazda CX-90 PHEV Sets New Hybrid Benchmark

• Mazda CX-70 Named Best 2-Row Midsize SUV for Families

• 10/09 - MX-5 Cup Race Round 13 @ Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

• 10/10 - MX-5 Cup Race Round 14 @ Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

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