2026 Mazda CX-5

 

 

Test Vehicle: 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5S Premium Plus

Powertrain: 2.5L SkyActiv  naturally aspirated inline 4

Exterior Color: Rhodium White Premium 

Interior Color: Black Leather

Notable Options: Paint ($595)

Price as tested: $41,080 (with destination and delivery)

 

Pros: Standard AWD, Technology Updates, Ride/Handling

Cons: Touchscreen Controls, Interior Materials Downgrade, Fuel Economy

 

Mazda introduced the US Market to the CX-5 in 2013 as the first vehicle to launch their KODO design language. The design set a new bar for styling and transcended through their lineup. For 2026, Mazda has launched the third generation CX-5 with updates all around. The CX-5 is a 5-passenger compact crossover and happens to be Mazda's best-seller.  It sits in the middle of the Mazda crossover lineup as a bigger vehicle than CX-30 but is smaller than both the CX-70 and CX-90.  It is comparatively sized to the CX-50, but  the CX-50 rides lower and wider catering to more adventure lifestyles. 

 

The CX-5 is currently offered with a single engine option which is the 2.5L SkyActiv  naturally aspirated inline-4 that produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque.  Mazda eliminated the previous turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which had produced up to 256 horsepower on premium fuel. That’s likely the biggest disappointment for enthusiasts. A hybrid version is officially coming for 2027, likely to help Mazda better compete with the hybrid-heavy compact SUV segment. It is only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with AWD.

 

It is available in five trims for 2026 known as base, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. Starting prices range from $29,990 for the base up to $38,990 for Premium Plus. Competition continues to grow in the segment with models such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, GMC Terrain, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan. I spent time in the top tier Premium Plus model and here’s what stood out…

 

Exterior:

Mazda didn’t radically reinvent the CX-5’s appearance, but the redesign is more substantial than it first appears. The proportions are larger and more muscular, while still retaining Mazda’s elegant Kodo design language. The longer wheelbase and wider stance also give the SUV a more planted look. It is still 100% identifiable as a CX-5, but with a more aggressive front fascia that incorporates slimmer LED lighting and a wider grille. Its side profile is generally the same with some more bulk in the back half similar to the CX-70 and CX-90. Around back is where the most noticeable changers are visually with a cleaner surface, wider-set ‘M-A-Z-D-A’ badging across the hatch (in lieu of the traditional emblem), and slimmer, more sculpted 3-dimensional taillights.  

 

Compared with rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the CX-5 still looks more upscale and athletic. It avoids the rugged fake-off-road styling trend and instead focuses on clean, premium proportions. It is available in seven different colors and Mazda continues to showcase some of the best paint finishes out there. 17” painted alloys are standard, but 19” premium painted alloys are available on higher trims. The Premium trim specifically adds black-painted wheel treatments that complement its black exterior accents and panoramic-roof styling package.

 

Powertrain:

Mazda currently offers only one powertrain in CX-5 models that mates to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The engine is a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine that is tuned to make 187 horsepower. Once again, Mazda has built a vehicle that is fun-to-drive. Mazda has long been the “driver’s choice” in the compact SUV class, and the 2026 CX-5 still feels more engaging than most rivals. The quick-shifting six-speed is smooth off the line and goes 0-60 MPH in 8 seconds, which is a couple seconds slower than the outgoing turbo model that is no longer available. The loss of the turbo is unfortunate (for now) as it is noticeably less powerful in highway merging, passing at higher speeds, and full-throttle acceleration. Despite the modest acceleration numbers, the CX-5 still feels more polished and engaging than many competitors.

 

The steering is precise, body control remains excellent, and the suspension tuning strikes a strong balance between comfort and agility. The redesigned chassis and updated suspension improve ride composure, especially over rough pavement. In this class, it was an unexpected surprise to get a vehicle that could handle an autocross serpentine with ease. Despite being a crossover, it is agile and athletic with very little body roll. 

 

Unlike some competitors, the engine doesn't seem like it's working hard... it performs effortlessly and with control. The suspension tuning now leans more toward comfort and refinement, which better matches the vehicle’s more upscale mission. The CX-50 is now filling the sporty/adventurer crossover segment in the Mazda lineup. The updated CX-5 now offers better ride comfort, reduced cabin noise, and overall better refinement. While not as fun as it used to be, the CX-5 remains the most fun-to-drive compact crossover I've driven among the competition.

 

Unlike some of the competitors, Mazda does not offer separate modes for various driving conditions in its AWD models. Instead, Mazda includes its i-ACTIV AWD which is an intelligent and fully autonomous system. With this system, the vehicle will automatically distribute torque to the front and rear axles in real time as needed.  A built-in system of sensors will monitor acceleration, steering, brake pressure, road conditions, vehicles speed, and engine force to generate the best traction for any driving situation.

 

Fuel Economy:

When the CX-5 arrived with a full 15.3-gallon tank, it offered a driving range of around 430 miles.  EPA estimates are 26/30/28 MPG city/highway/combined. After a week of primarily suburban driving, I averaged 27 MPG. The fuel economy is competitive but not class leading. Hybrid competitors like the RAV4 Hybrid and CR-V Hybrid deliver much better efficiency.

 

Interior:

Mazda has always delivered one of the most refined and luxurious interiors among mainstream brands. While the CX-5 received an interior overhaul, I feel like it may have lost some of the unique quality that it previously had. The new interior has upgraded technology, but the materials used are harder plastics and feel more conventional than it used to. It’s still better than most competitors, but the gap in between has shrunk.  The new design is simple and modern with a minimalist layout centered around the new touchscreen. The biggest change inside is the move away from Mazda’s rotary infotainment controller toward a more touchscreen-focused interface. While the Google built-in system is more modern and feature-rich, the reduction in physical controls for climate functions is not my favorite.

 

Drivers face a new gauge cluster that replaces the previous partially analog setup with a fully digital instrument display on higher trims and an updated configurable display on lower trims. The design emphasizes simplicity and readability rather than flashy animations or overly futuristic graphics. Mazda’s approach is intentionally restrained compared with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage, which use more dramatic curved-screen layouts. 

 

The CX-5 also comes with an available heads-up display which continues to improve with its clarity and information. Steering wheel controls are well-placed and compliment the digital dial for the infotainment screen. Amenities such as a leather wrapped heated steering wheel, heated/ventilated seats, integration of layered wood trim, and brushed silver accents complete the luxurious vibe in the CX-5 cabin.

 

Seats: 

The CX-5 continues to offer seating for up to five passengers. The redesigned model improves comfort, rear-seat usability, and premium materials while maintaining the supportive driving position that has long made the CX-5 feel more upscale than many rivals. Standard are cloth seats, but leatherette and leather are both available. The front seats remain one of the highlights as this is a very comfortable vehicle to drive. The seats offer very good support, cushioning, and are easy to position for drivers of various sizes. Mazda engineers specifically tuned the seat structure to better support the pelvis and spine during extended driving. The seats strike an excellent balance between softness and support, avoiding the overly flat cushions common in many compact SUVs. The seats are available with all the amenities consumers have come to prefer such as heated/ventilated seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, memory seating, driver-position memory, heated steering wheel and more. As a bonus, it even offers heated rear seats and premium leather with contrast stitching on Premium Plus models. The redesigned rear seats also fix one of the biggest weaknesses of the previous CX-5 by making the SUV substantially more family-friendly.

 

The space inside the CX-5 feels a bit tighter than some of its competitors like the Rogue or RAV4. Looking back at my three kids in the rear seats made me feel bad for the one stuck in the middle. The seats were moderately comfortable, but others offer more comfort and support. If interior comfort and upscale ambiance matter to you, the CX-5’s seating experience remains one of the strongest reasons to choose it over mainstream rivals.

 

Technology:

The biggest change inside is the infotainment system as Mazda has dropped the old system for the system that is currently in the CX-70 and CX-90.  It adds a larger touchscreen, 12.9” standard or 15.6” widescreen in upper trims.  It utilizes a full Google built-in infotainment system with a touchscreen instead of a jog dial in the center console. The Google system seamlessly integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play apps. The interface is clean, fast, and familiar for anyone who is used to a smartphone ecosystem. While the system is much more modern than the previous system with faster response times, clearer graphics, and better layout… it is more cumbersome to operate. The loss of physical control puts everything in the touchscreen which are not as easy to navigate. In the former model, it was easier to adjust climate controls at the touch of a button, but now they are buried in the infotainment system and more challenging to make quick changes. 

 

Mazda also improves everyday usability tech with a wireless smartphone charging pad, multiple USB-C ports (front and rear), remote vehicle monitoring via smartphone app, digital key capability (availability varies by trim/market), and connected navigation with live traffic updates. It works wirelessly to integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both systems provide full dashboard-style interface with maps, music, messaging, and more. The wireless connection works well with a faster and more stable connection. 

 

Higher trims offer a premium Bose audio system, tuned specifically for the CX-5 cabin. It delivers strong bass response,  clear vocals, and a balanced highway listening experience.

Combined with improved cabin insulation, the CX-5 feels noticeably quieter and more premium during long drives. The 2026 CX-5 finally catches up to modern expectations while maintaining Mazda’s signature simplicity. While it sacrifices some of Mazda’s old-school physical controls, it gains a much more capable and intuitive digital ecosystem that better fits today’s expectations for a compact SUV.

 

Cargo Space:

While it still isn’t the absolute cargo leader in the compact SUV class, it’s now far more competitive and noticeably easier to live with day-to-day. Mazda focused on improving usable space, not just raw numbers, so the cargo area feels more flexible, better shaped, and less compromised than before. There is 33.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 68 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These figures place the CX-5 closer to segment leaders like the Honda CR-V, though it still trails slightly in maximum total volume.

 

Among the changes are a lower and flatter cargo floor, wider opening for easier loading

slightly squared-off rear hatch for better box-shaped storage,  increased width between wheel wells, and more rear-seat recline/fold consistency for flatter load floor. These changes make it noticeably easier to load bulky items like strollers, suitcases, and small furniture compared with the previous generation.

 

Safety / Driver Assist Features:

Arguably, the most popular vehicle segment on the market, it is essential for manufacturers to offer an array of safety features. Standard on all CX-5 models is the brand's suite of i-Activsense safety features that include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with stop & go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support, Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. 

 

Opting for higher trim models offer even more safety technology such as a 360° Surround View Camera, lane-change assist, driver monitoring enhancements, expanded highway driving support functions, and improved visualization in digital gauge cluster. One additional feature that comes with the navigation system is traffic sign recognition which functions in conjunction with the heads-up display. This was a nice convenience feature to have, especially when in more urban areas.

 

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 delivers one of the most complete standard safety suites in its class, with strong real-world effectiveness in preventing collisions and supporting the driver in everyday conditions. It is not the most technologically aggressive system in the segment, but that is intentional. Mazda prioritizes driver engagement and predictability over automation, making the CX-5 feel reassuring rather than robotic.

 

Final Statement:

This category comes with a lot of options for buyers and mainstream competitors like the RAV4 and CR-V seem to dominate. The CX-5, though, should not be overlooked.  It stands out in my opinion as the most fun-to-drive so if driving dynamics are important, it will be hard to find a competitor that matches it. Outside its performance it offers stylish good looks, a sophisticated interior, and borders on luxury-level appointments. Mazda has made improvements in technology, but at the same time some of its unique interior appeal has lost some luster. The loss of the turbo powertrain is unfortunate, but rumors suggest a more powerful hybrid powertrain is in the works.