Tech Drive: The New Mazda CX-5 and the Evolution of Kodo Design
Next-Gen Mazda CX-5 Tech Drive: Design
Mazda has sculpted the next-gen CX-5 with the essence of Kodo, the Soul of Motion.
Mazda introduced its Kodo – Soul of Motion design language with the original, first-generation CX-5. Now, two model generations and almost 15 years later, the new CX-5 wears the latest vision of Mazda’s sporting and elegant style.
The exterior of the new CX-5 inspires a mood-boosting sense of freedom and confidence, echoing the flexibility and adventure that make this SUV so popular with Australians.
The next-generation CX-5 is now larger, exuding greater strength with its firm stance and dynamic proportions.
A new lighting style at the front and rear will catch your eye, as will the sculpted exterior styling.
Karl Reindler brings to life some of the Japanese-inspired design principles behind the new CX-5.
Karl Reindler: Welcome back to another Mazda Tech Drive. Today we're in Shoreham on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, taking a closer look at the exterior design of the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Let's explore some of the key design changes that help define the next generation of Mazda's popular family SUV.
A Bolder, More Confident Exterior
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is longer and wider than its predecessor. Combined with a higher bonnet and redesigned lighting signature, the new CX-5 has a stronger, more confident presence on the road.
These changes not only enhance the vehicle's appearance but also contribute to a more substantial and refined overall design.
Japanese Craftsmanship in the Details
Kagome-inspired wheel arches
One of the more distinctive design details can be found in the wheel arch treatment. Its trapezoidal shape draws inspiration from Kagome, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique where individual pieces fit together seamlessly without visible joints.
This design influence reflects Mazda's approach to craftsmanship, combining strength, precision and thoughtful design in a subtle but meaningful way.
A new rear wordmark inspired by the Mazda Cosmo Sport
At the rear, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 introduces a fresh new look that balances modern styling with Mazda's design heritage.
The traditional rear badging has been replaced by a new Mazda wordmark. The lettering takes inspiration from the original Mazda Cosmo Sport [Steve's 1971 Series 2 Mazda Cosmo Story], creating a connection to the brand's history while delivering a contemporary and distinctive appearance.
The result is an SUV that is more sophisticated, more expressive and more refined, while remaining unmistakably Mazda.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The next-generation CX-5 is longer and wider than its predecessor, with a higher bonnet and a redesigned lighting signature. Together these give it a stronger, more confident road presence and a more substantial, refined overall design — while remaining unmistakably Mazda.
Kodo – Soul of Motion is Mazda's design philosophy, first introduced on the original CX-5. It emphasises elegant, dynamic styling that captures a sense of motion even at rest. The 2026 CX-5 wears the latest evolution of Kodo, some 15 years and two generations on.
The CX-5's distinctive trapezoidal wheel-arch treatment draws inspiration from Kagome, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique in which individual pieces fit together seamlessly without visible joints. It reflects Mazda's approach to craftsmanship — combining strength, precision and thoughtful design in a subtle way.
The traditional rear badging has been replaced by a new Mazda wordmark. Its lettering takes inspiration from the original Mazda Cosmo Sport, creating a connection to the brand's history while giving the CX-5 a contemporary, distinctive appearance.
It blends modern styling with Mazda's design heritage: the evolved Kodo language, the Cosmo Sport-inspired rear wordmark and Japanese craftsmanship cues like the Kagome wheel arches all link the new CX-5 to the brand's history while feeling sophisticated and expressive.