Bigger, Better, And More Tech-Savvy

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 marks the third generation of Mazda‘s best-selling crossover with over 1.6 million examples sold in the United States since 2012. This is a competitive segment with lots of choices, so Mazda worked to ensure this new CX-5 isn’t just a slight change, but a massive step up from the previous generation.

It gets more refined styling that puts it in line with models like the CX-70, along with practical enhancements to make everyday life with the family easier. Those changes don’t come at the expense of driving dynamics. The CX-5 combines the features you need with the power and handling to make the journey fun.

Base Trim Engine

2.5-L Inline 4

Base Trim Transmission

6-speed automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

187 hp

Base Trim Torque

185 lb-ft

Make

Mazda

Model

CX-5

Segment

Compact SUV

Pros & Cons

• More rear seat room
• Large infotainment touchscreen options
• Extensive suite of safety features
• Sleek design that stands out from the pack

• Towing capacity is reduced
• Too many plastic interior trims
• Power is strong, but not exhilarating
• The turbo is gone

2026 Mazda CX-5 First Impressions

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 shows off the latest evolution of the brand’s Kodo design with a chiseled front end, wider stance, and angular rear lighting, tying it to the CX-70 and CX-90. It’s not a drastic departure from the prior generation, but a measured move forward.

Changes include new Mazda lettering on the liftgate instead of the traditional badge, which gives it a contemporary look. There’s an extra 4.5 inches in length with a 110.8-inch wheelbase that gives it more presence and more interior room. It looks good, a little sexy even, defying the bland crossover stereotype.

Exterior Dimensions

Driving Impressions And Performance

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The 2026 CX-5 is quieter and more comfortable on the highway. The longer body and updated shocks smoothed out bumps and broken pavement nicely, and the all-wheel drive gave me solid grip when changing lanes at speed. We had a bit of rain that made for slick roads, but the CX-5 stayed composed through it all.

It’s not an outright aggressive drive, but when you mash the gas, it is more than capable of getting out of its own way with a smooth six-speed transmission. It gives you the power you need for quick lane changes and passing slower vehicles. Leave the highway, and it’s composed and fun on winding roads. Choose Sport mode for the best experience in the twisties. Even when the driver is having fun, the ride is composed enough that your passengers will stay comfy, and kids in the back can peacefully slumber.

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Braking And Acceleration

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

This is not a sporty car like the Miata, but it is a Mazda, which means performance is part of the package. It has strong acceleration that is smooth and quiet. No harsh shifts or intrusive noise. Just calm power that gets you up to speed and lets you comfortably cruise. It’s responsive yet controlled, making it ideal for family life. The turbo engine was discontinued for this year, but the naturally aspirated engine that remains is quite good.

Braking is confident, bringing the CX-5 to a smooth stop in panic braking. Taking to the side roads outside San Diego, it was easy to modulate the brakes going through the corners so that the ride was smooth rather than rough. While some vehicles make braking constantly through the corners a chore, the CX-5 made it easy.

Performance Specifications

2026 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Economy

The EPA rates the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at 24 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined. Those are solid numbers, but not outstanding. If fuel economy is a priority, there are hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V that deliver better numbers, but they’re not as fun or as stylish as the CX-5.

Interior Design And Comfort

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

The front seats provide good support and comfort over long highway stretches, with ventilation available on select trims. Rear seats boast an extra 2.3 inches of knee clearance, so there’s more room for adults, car seats, and kids with their backpacks. Mazda even made the door sill wider so it serves as a better step for kids getting in on their own.

There’s a mix of soft-touch materials with some harder plastics that felt slightly less upscale. The new Mazda lettering on the steering wheel is unique, but it also doesn’t create the upscale vibe normally present in a Mazda. Overall, it’s a comfortable and attractive cabin that’s impressively quiet, so road trips are easier on everyone.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

Infotainment gets a major upgrade. The old rotary dial controller on the center console is gone, replaced by a combination of touchscreen functionality, steering wheel controls, and voice control. The system features Google built-in with sharp graphics and responsive performance on a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen. The top trim gets a 15.6-inch touchscreen, making navigation even easier to follow. Touch controls for climate and volume allow for quick adjustments, and steering wheel inputs keep interactions hands-free, reducing distraction. It is far more intuitive than the old system.

There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all but the base trim. The goal here was to make everything as smartphone-like as possible with the ability to pinch and zoom, swipe through menus, and reconfigure the screen to your tastes. It’s straightforward with a minimal learning curve, so even passengers will quickly be able to get a grasp on how it works.

Cargo And Storage Space

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

There’s an additional1.8 inches of cargo depth for stowing longer items and a larger liftgate opening with a lower floor. This makes for easy loading when you have bulky cargo. The rear seats split-fold 40/20/40 for added versatility. This isn’t a huge vehicle, but there’s a surprising amount of cargo room that lets you manage everything from groceries to runs to the home improvement store.

Our Recommendation For Which Model You Should Buy

Nicole Wakelin/TopSpeed

Pricing for the full lineup comes in at under $40K, so there are options to fit almost every budget. The base 2.5 S starts at $29,990, but we’d aim for the middle with the Preferred at $34,250. It adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The top Premium Plus at $38,990 adds even more comfort as well as that larger touchscreen, but the Preferred is the sweet spot for its combination of features at a great price.