I’m happy to announce that the revamped 2026 Mazda CX-5 still holds the title many of us in the industry gave to its predecessor: “It’s the affordable crossover that doesn’t disappoint when driving.” More importantly, it has significantly evolved in its aesthetics, functionality, and safety features.
I experienced both the first and second generations of the CX-5 when they debuted—it’s been a joy observing this model subtly yet steadily advance over the years. The first version was good; the second made great strides. The latest CX-5 preserves the standout traits of its predecessor, such as enjoyable driving dynamics and appealing pricing, while introducing truly practical features.
The Essentials
Regarding interior feel, the 2026 CX-5 positions itself between compact and mid-sized, comfortably accommodating four adults along with ample cargo space; the trunk expands significantly with the back seats folded down. Notably, the rear seating can be split three ways, allowing you to fold down the center seat for long items like skis or surfboards without losing a full-sized passenger seat.
While the new model appears quite comparable to its predecessor, it is actually 4.5 inches longer, primarily translating to improved rear passenger legroom and rear access (or cargo space, based on seat configurations).
The CX-5 now offers five trim levels, with prices ranging from around $30,000 to $40,000 (destination fee to be announced):
- CX-5 2.5 S ($29,990)
- CX-5 2.5 S Select ($31,990)
- CX-5 2.5 S Preferred ($34,250)
- CX-5 2.5 S Premium ($36,900)
- CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus ($38,990)
I suggest opting for the middle trim, S Preferred, for optimal value—I’ll elaborate on that at the review’s conclusion.
All 2026 CX-5 models are equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower, a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive. The powertrain largely mirrors the SkyActiv-G technology Mazda has utilized over the years, with subtle enhancements like a slightly smaller exhaust-gas cooler for improved throttle responsiveness and refined transmission programming to optimize shifting patterns.
The new model’s extended wheelbase permits a larger torque coupling in the all-wheel-drive system, enhancing resistance to overheating. The practical implication is that the vehicle doesn’t need to engage torque to protect the coupling, even in deep snow or other slippery scenarios.
Key Under-the-Radar Enhancements
The new CX-5 features an upgraded steel structure designed to boost your chances of exiting a collision unscathed. Moreover, it comes equipped with a more comprehensive suite of standard safety features than the previous model, lowering the likelihood of an accident occurring at all.
All trims, even the base variant, now include:
- Cross Traffic Turn and Head-On Collision Mitigation
- Rear Smart Brake Support (SBS) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Pedestrian Detection
- Emergency Lane Keeping, including:
- Blind Spot Assistance,
- Road Keep Assistance,
- Head-on Traffic Avoidance
- Driver Attention Notification
- Vehicle Exit Warning
- Speed Limit Assistance
- Traffic Sign Recognition
Upgrading from the base model adds front and rear parking sensors, and the top-tier Premium Plus model utilizes its extensive central display screen effectively, offering a high-resolution 360-degree camera view for low-speed navigation.
Innovative New Displays
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 S Premium Plus currently boasts the largest screen in its class—it measures an impressive 15.6 inches. Though it’s sizeable enough to inspire memes about contemporary interior design, it’s mounted at a low position that doesn’t distract from the driver’s line of sight. Mazda’s revamped UI is quite functional now, but this display could easily be halved in size without sacrificing meaningful usability.
The interface features a very gentle learning curve. For instance, if you wish to adjust the temperature, you can either press the blue or red arrow for cold or hot, tap the displayed temperature number to display a slider, or slide across the number—all these methods are effective ways to modify the temperature.
Mazda positioned the stereo volume control on the right of the screen; their PR team endorsed it as practical since it’s more accessible for the passenger, while the driver can manage it using the steering wheel controls. Personally, I found myself reaching for a non-existent volume knob several times during my test drive. The steering wheel controls represent an ergonomic shortcoming—they’re so widely spaced on the spoke that I had to adjust my hand position to access the inner buttons, somewhat undermining the purpose of helm buttons.
The gauge cluster display is quite impressive. It appears to me that the Mazda team took cues from BMW’s layout (with external dials wrapping around information like parentheses), yet simplified it considerably.
You can customize your display with a variety of widgets, though I’m not sure why you’d want to. Do you truly need a calendar glaring at you while driving? And when parked, there’s a vast array of apps to engage with, but again, when are you likely to initiate YouTube here? During the five minutes you’re idling outside a friend’s place picking them up? Regardless, I managed to use Mazda’s internal functionality (Google Assistant is embedded) alongside Apple CarPlay from my phone collaboratively.
The downsides: the stylish interior diminishes somewhat upon closer inspection—you can tell the designers have refined tastes but a constrained budget for materials. Additionally, the oversized screen is somewhat unnecessary. Despite one of Mazda’s executives explicitly stating, “it’s not just large for the sake of being large,” I believe that’s precisely the case.
Lastly, and this is somewhat minor, but I wish to highlight it—the screen displays an animation of a CX-5 mimicking whatever your car is doing (doors opening, lights and turn signals syncing) in certain display modes. It’s a bit charming, but the animation quality resembles something from the Xbox 360 era rather than the latest high-resolution graphics.
Experiencing the 2026 Mazda CX-5
It’s time to address the question some of you may be pondering since the introduction of this review: “How on earth is it feasible that a 4,000-pound crossover with 187 horsepower doesn’t turn out to be unpleasant to drive?” The brief answer lies in suspension and chassis tuning. Additionally, transmission gearing plays a role.
I also appreciated the straightforward, traditional lever shifter—no delays from an electronic system engaging a gear after pressing a button. It keeps the engine revs where you desire them in Sport and Normal modes (I didn’t delve into the “off-road” mode), and you can manually shift using the +/- option as well.
Make no mistake, this is not a speedy vehicle. It’s the manner in which it consistently glides through turns and offers just enough steering feedback to be satisfying while emphasizing comfort that makes it remarkable in its segment. To my genuine surprise, it produces a decent exhaust note at full throttle (my iPhone mic failed to capture it, unfortunately).
You’ll experience considerable suspension travel when you connect turns, but you feel the vehicle beneath you—that’s the point I intend to convey. The CX-5 excels at communicating its actions and direction, a hallmark of Mazda’s engineering that persists beyond just the Miata models.
Dave Coleman, Mazda’s Manager of Vehicle Dynamics, expressed some of the how-and-why quite effectively in an engineering presentation, which I’ll share with you here:
“…from the overarching perspective of the driver, we’re always striving to balance these three conflicting elements: being enjoyable to drive, feeling confident, and being comfortable. Our goal was to maintain the same level of ‘fun to drive’ as before, slightly enhance comfort, and really focus on instilling confidence so that it feels precise and you know exactly how it will respond in any scenario.
“So we started with the same basic geometry of the previous model—the same MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear. That suspension served us well. However, we made significant changes to its tuning. In tuning the suspension, we took cues from the MX-5 (Miata). The MX-5 is among our best-riding vehicles on rough terrain. This offers you confident control, smooth motion, and the capability to absorb substantial inputs.
“Another element we aimed to ensure with this vehicle is that the steering transparently communicates how the car is going to respond. We’ve incorporated algorithms, like G-Vectoring Control, which shifts a bit of weight to the front tires when turning the wheel. By transferring weight to the front tires, it causes the tires to produce more grip, resulting in a tangible force that you sense in the steering. Similarly, with the all-wheel-drive system, we calibrate it to preload the torque coupling, ensuring that as you turn, you feel a bit of resistance from the car attempting to move straight while the front and rear wheels aim to maintain the same speed. That resistance is genuine force from the vehicle. So, what you feel in the wheels is not simply derived from the software, but a real force.”
Cost and Rivals
Regardless of size, the crossover market is an intense battlefield within the automotive industry. The CX-5 goes head-to-head with the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson—essentially, the most sought-after non-pickup vehicles in the U.S. A separate article could thoroughly compare these models, but here’s a quick overview to assist in your preliminary research.
Mazda definitely emphasizes design and driver engagement. It also underprices its competitors. However, I still believe Honda and Toyota maintain a meaningful advantage in build quality. Observing a ’26 RAV4 Limited next to a ’26 CX-5 (Mazda had both prepared for our inspection), the paint finish on the Toyota was noticeably superior (smoother, deeper). While the CX-5’s cockpit is visually appealing, the materials are good but not exceptional.
Nonetheless, the CX-5 presents an enticing package for under $40,000. With the new 2026 model incorporating a slightly refined version of a reliable powertrain, combined with significantly upgraded safety features, there’s no reason to hesitate transitioning from another brand if you appreciate its aesthetics.
Worth and Summary
The 2026 CX-5 S Premium Plus stands out as a terrific value at its listing price of $38,990, and you must upgrade to this model to access the substantial screen visible in these images, paddle shifters, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and advanced driver aids. That’s a phenomenal offering for under $40,000.
If you prefer to be more budget-conscious without forgoing crucial features, I suggest the Preferred trim ($34,250). This opens up heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, along with a power liftgate—two luxuries I consider essential—plus some appealing elements such as 19-inch wheels and a digital gauge cluster. The marginally pricier S Premium variant adds a delightful panoramic sunroof, but the additional features in that package (leather seating, front-seat cooling) are less vital. The Bose audio system in S Premium and S Premium Plus is mediocre.
After a comprehensive day of driving the CX-5 on highways, urban roads, and through hilly back roads, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. It’s an attractive vehicle both inside and out, offering a high degree of practical functionality that’s also enjoyable to operate—hard to ask for a better evaluation than that.
The compromises made in paint quality and interior materials are a justifiable trade-off for the asking price. The CX-5 should certainly be on your radar if you seek a versatile, value-oriented machine.
Mazda covered travel arrangements, including airfare, meals, and accommodation, for this review. This is standard procedure for a new car launch.
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model Tested (S Premium Plus) | $29,990 ($38,990) + Destination & Delivery costs TBA |
| Powertrain | 2.5 I4 | 6AT | AWD |
| Horsepower | 187 @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 33.7 cu ft (seats in place) | 66.5 cu ft (seats folded) |
| Curb Weight | 3,856 lbs |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 24 city | 30 highway | 26 combined |
| Rating | 7/10 |
Brief Overview
Excellent combination of functional features, elegant design, and pleasant driving dynamics for the cost.
**2026 Mazda CX-5 Initial Drive Review: Major Updates and Enhancements**
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has made its debut, presenting a blend of aesthetics, performance, and technology that solidifies its position as a competitive player in the compact SUV market. With numerous significant updates and enhancements, the latest version of the CX-5 seeks to enrich the driving experience while staying true to the brand’s core attributes.
**Exterior Appearance**
The 2026 CX-5 maintains the sleek and refined styling that Mazda is recognized for, albeit with minor updates. The front design showcases a more significant grille and refreshed LED headlights, providing the SUV with a more commanding presence on the roads. The rear has undergone slight redesigns, including novel taillights that extend around the sides for a more unified appearance. The overall outline continues to be athletic, highlighting the CX-5’s sporty character.
**Interior Excellence and Comfort**
Inside, the 2026 CX-5 continues to amaze with its top-notch materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The interior is crafted with driver comfort in mind, offering supportive seating and an intuitive layout. A new aspect for 2026 is an enhanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and improved connectivity features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infusion of more premium materials throughout the interior amplifies the overall feel, lending a more upscale atmosphere.
**Performance Improvements**
Under the hood, the 2026 CX-5 provides a dual engine option: a refined 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a more robust turbocharged alternative. Both engines facilitate a responsive driving experience, with the turbocharged version offering an exhilarating surge in power. The suspension has been optimized for greater ride comfort and handling, enabling the CX-5 to handle urban streets and winding roads with assurance.
**Safety Features**
Mazda has emphasized safety within the 2026 CX-5, outfitting it with an extensive range of advanced driver-assistance features. The latest model incorporates standard amenities such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, the new 360-degree camera system enhances visibility, simplifying parking and navigation in confined spaces.
**Technological Integration**
The technology offerings in the 2026 CX-5 have experienced significant enhancements. The fresh infotainment system is more user-friendly, boasting a swifter interface and advanced voice recognition functionalities. The optional premium audio system delivers an immersive sound experience, while extra USB ports and wireless charging options keep devices charged while on the move.
**Driving Dynamics**
On the road, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 impresses with its engaging driving characteristics. The steering is precise, supplying excellent feedback, and the suspension strikes an admirable equilibrium between comfort and sportiness. The cabin remains quiet during highway travel, contributing to a more enjoyable ride. Overall, the CX-5 continues to encapsulate Mazda’s mantra of “driving enjoyment,” making it a pleasure to drive.
**In Summary**
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 builds upon its predecessors with thoughtful enhancements and updates that boost its appeal. With a chic design, a comfortable and high-quality interior, cutting-edge safety features, and an engaging driving experience, the CX-5 remains a prime selection for those in search of a compact SUV that balances performance and luxury effectively. As Mazda continues to refine its offerings, the CX-5 distinguishes itself as a well-rounded choice in a fiercely competitive landscape.