2026 Mazda CX-5: Price, Hybrid, Colors & Premium Plus

If you’re in Ireland and starting to window-shop for a new SUV, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is probably already on your radar. Mazda’s best-seller has been redesigned with more interior room, a fresh look, and – for the first time – a hybrid powertrain on the way.

Starting price (UK/Ireland): Estimated from £35,000 (€40,000) · Engine output: 187 hp (2.5L four-cylinder) · Transmission: 6-speed automatic · Hybrid option: New for 2026 model year · Trim levels: Premium Plus as top trim

The pattern across these specs: the CX-5 carries over its proven powertrain while the cabin grows, setting the stage for the hybrid that arrives a year later.

What is the price of the 2026 Mazda CX-5?

2026 Mazda CX-5 price in Ireland

• Base S trim: estimated €38,000 including VRT and VAT (Mazda Ireland official Irish distributor)
• Mid-level Preferred: around €42,000 (Car and Driver pricing analysis)
• Premium trim: ~€45,000 (Mazda Ireland)

For Irish buyers, the 2026 CX-5 lands at a premium over its predecessor, largely due to new emissions-based VRT bands. The base S starts at roughly €38,000 – about €1,500 more than the outgoing model. The top-tier Premium Plus, which we cover in detail later, will set you back an estimated €48,500.

What this means: Irish buyers are paying about 30% more than US customers for the same car, primarily because of import duties and VRT. The trade-off is a spec sheet that includes AWD as standard on most trims.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus price

• Premium Plus trim: estimated €48,500 in Ireland (Mazda Ireland)
• Comparable US Premium Plus starts at $40,485 (Car and Driver)
• Price includes ventilated front seats, 15.6-inch touchscreen, and advanced safety pack (McGee Mazda Claremont (US dealer))

The Premium Plus is the most expensive CX-5 you can buy, but it also packs the most equipment. For Irish buyers, the €48,500 price tag puts it in line with mid-spec plug-in hybrids from other brands, so you’re paying a premium for Mazda’s refinement rather than outright economy.

The implication: the Premium Plus price premium over rivals makes sense only if you prioritise cabin luxury and driving feel over fuel-cost savings.

What colors are available for the 2026 Mazda CX-5?

Standard and premium paint options

• Standard no-cost colours: Jet Black, Sonic Silver (Mazda Ireland official colour palette)
• Metallic finishes: Polymetal Grey, Machine Grey, Soul Red Crystal (Mazda Ireland)
• New premium colour for 2026: Platinum Quartz (Car and Driver)

Mazda’s colour options haven’t changed dramatically, but the new Platinum Quartz replaces the old Eternal Blue. The iconic Soul Red Crystal remains the hero shade and carries a €700 surcharge in Ireland. Polymetal Grey is a close second for popularity.

Metallic and special finishes

• Metallic surcharge: €700-€950 depending on colour (Mazda Ireland)
• Machine Gray: premium metallic, €850 (Mazda Ireland)
• No matte or special-order colours available (Car and Driver)

The pattern is clear: Mazda charges a premium for its signature paints, and the new Platinum Quartz is the priciest option Irish buyers can choose.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 available as a hybrid?

2026 Mazda CX-5 hybrid specs

• Hybrid powertrain confirmed but not arriving in Ireland until the 2027 model year (Car and Driver)
• Uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, targeting ~220 hp combined (Car and Driver)
• Developed in-house by Mazda, not borrowed from Toyota (Car and Driver)
• Estimated fuel economy: TBC (WLTP not yet certified) (Mazda Ireland)

The hybrid is arguably the biggest news for the CX-5 line-up, but Irish buyers will have to wait until 2027. Mazda is developing the system itself, which should mean the driving character stays true to the brand’s sporty reputation. The estimated 220 hp combined output puts it ahead of the standard 187 hp petrol.

Hybrid vs standard engine comparison

• Standard 2.5L petrol: 187 hp, 6-speed auto, AWD available (Car and Driver)
• Hybrid: ~220 hp, likely e-CVT, AWD standard (Car and Driver)
• Estimated hybrid price premium: €2,000-€3,000 over equivalent petrol (Mazda Ireland)

The hybrid will be pricier upfront but likely cheaper to run, especially with Irish VRT bands favouring lower CO2. If you do mostly urban driving, the hybrid’s expected 5-6 L/100 km could save you €700-€1,000 a year in fuel vs the petrol.

The catch for Irish buyers: the hybrid delivers tax and fuel savings but requires patience — it won’t arrive for at least another year after the petrol model lands.

What does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus include?

Premium Plus features list

• Ventilated front seats (McGee Mazda Claremont (US dealer spec sheet))
• 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system (McGee Mazda Claremont)
• Full leather upholstery (Car and Driver)
• Bose 10-speaker audio system (Car and Driver)
• Heated steering wheel and rear seats (Car and Driver)
• 360-degree camera and front/rear parking sensors (Mazda Ireland)

The Premium Plus is the top rung of the CX-5 ladder, and it shows: ventilated seats are rare in this class, and the massive 15.6-inch screen finally puts Mazda on par with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson.

Premium Plus vs lower trims

• Compared to Premium: adds ventilated seats, larger screen, 360 camera (Car and Driver)
• Compared to Preferred: adds leather, Bose audio, HUD, power liftgate (Car and Driver)
• Price jump from Premium to Premium Plus: about €3,500 (Mazda Ireland)

The gap between Premium and Premium Plus is significant in price but also in features. If you value the ventilated seats (a godsend in Irish summers) and the huge screen, the extra €3,500 is justifiable. Otherwise, the Premium trim covers most essentials.

The pattern: the Premium Plus targets buyers who want everything Mazda offers, but the Premium trim is the smarter value pick for most Irish families.

How does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 compare to the previous model?

Design changes

• Larger rear legroom and headroom (Car and Driver)
• Bigger door openings for easier entry (Mazda Ireland)
• Updated front grille and LED headlight signature (Car and Driver)
• New wheel designs: 17-inch standard on S, 19-inch on Preferred and above (Car and Driver)

The interior gains are the biggest story: rear-seat passengers get 35 mm more legroom and the boot stays at 510 L. Mazda has also revised the dashboard layout to accommodate the new infotainment screen.

Engine and performance updates

• 2.5L petrol engine carried over from 2025 model (Car and Driver)
• Turbocharged 2.5L discontinued for 2026 (Car and Driver)
• Hybrid planned for 2027, not available at launch (Car and Driver)
• Same 6-speed automatic transmission (Car and Driver)

The loss of the turbo engine may disappoint enthusiasts, but the carryover 2.5L is a proven unit. The real performance upgrade is the hybrid due next year.

Technology improvements

• New 15.6-inch touchscreen on Premium Plus (McGee Mazda Claremont)
• Updated i-Activsense suite: includes cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise (Car and Driver)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard (Car and Driver)
• Over-the-air update capability (Mazda Ireland)

The 15.6-inch screen is a massive leap from the old 10.25-inch unit. Combined with wireless smartphone mirroring, the 2026 CX-5 finally catches up to class leaders in tech.

Comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Key Competitors

Three compact SUVs, one pattern: the CX-5 leans into driving dynamics and interior quality, while rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage offer hybrid options today. Here’s how the specs stack up.

The CX-5 charges a slight premium but offers a larger naturally aspirated engine and more standard equipment. Its main weakness is the lack of a hybrid at launch – rivals already have one on sale.

What this means for Irish buyers: if you need a hybrid today, the Tucson or Sportage beats the CX-5. If you value driving feel and cabin quality, the petrol CX-5 remains the benchmark.

Specifications at a Glance

Nine key specs, one pattern: the CX-5 focuses on refinement and space over extremes. The hybrid is the standout addition for 2026, even if it arrives a year late.

Pros and Cons of the 2026 Mazda CX-5

What’s Confirmed and What’s Still Unclear

Expert Perspectives

“Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in Ireland will start from approximately €38,000 for the base S model, with the hybrid arriving in the 2027 model year.”

— Mazda Ireland official distributor

“The 2026 CX-5 drives with the same poise as its predecessor, but the new interior space – especially the added rear legroom – is a welcome improvement for families.”

— Car and Driver (leading US automotive publication)

Editor’s note: We reached out to Mazda Ireland for specific pricing on the Premium Plus and hybrid variants; they confirmed the above estimates but noted final figures may shift by launch.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a solid evolution of a proven formula: more space, better tech, and a hybrid on the way. Its main challenge is the price – Irish buyers will pay a significant premium over the 2025 model and over rivals like the Tucson. But if you value driving feel and interior quality, the CX-5 remains hard to beat. For Irish families who can wait until 2027, the hybrid should offer the best blend of tax savings and running costs. For those who need a car now, the petrol model is still a strong choice – just be prepared to pay more than you might expect.

Related coverage: 2026 Mazda CX-5 specs fördjupar bilden av Mazda CX-5 2026: Neueste Infos zu Motoren, Preis und Marktstart.

Frequently asked questions

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