2026 Mazda CX-5 Road Test and Review

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives as an all-new third generation compact crossover SUV with seating for five and a gas engine. It has a noticeably larger body with more rear seat room and cargo room, bolder styling that ties in with the CX-70 and CX-90, and tech upgrades with Google built in, making the interface feel natural and easy. It suits drivers who love engaging handling, families wanting extra comfort for daily drives and trips, or anyone seeking premium touches at a manageable starting price.

The CX-5 keeps the fun spirit we expect from Mazda while opening up the cabin and dialing down noise for a more relaxing experience. The updates make it more versatile and enjoyable without losing what makes it special.

The Evolution of Kodo Design

The new CX-5 looks more confident right away with its evolved Kodo design, holding onto the familiar shape while adding sharper lines and a wider stance that feels planted and stable. Up front the signature sing grille sits between angular LED headlights with two-tiered daytime running lights, while the rear gets updated taillights and Mazda lettering that replacing the traditional badge. The new CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer and a bit wider, giving it better presence on the road.

Colors include favorites like Soul Red Crystal Metallic with roof rails and 19-inch wheels on higher trims adding to the vibe. It mixes sleek urban style with adventure-ready attitude in a way that feels fresh yet completely recognizable as a CX-5.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

Roomier Refined Cabin

The interior is a welcoming space with thoughtful materials and a two-tone layout that brightens things up while staying durable for real life. Base models use cloth, but higher trims step up to leather with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats for cozy comfort. Improved insulation really cuts wind and road noise so the cabin stays peaceful even at speed.

Rear passengers pick up over two inches of knee room with more headroom and wider doors that make entry and exit smoother, especially with car seats or for taller folks. It works beautifully for families or road trips, turning the CX-5 into genuinely comfortable space for everyone.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

Smooth, Responsive Drive

Power comes from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration is strong and eager, especially when merging onto highways or pulling away from stops with smooth refined delivery. It handles everyday driving exactly as it should, blending quick responses in traffic with relaxed cruising.

Fuel economy sits at 24 city, 30 highway, and 26 combined, keeping things efficient for commutes or longer hauls. Drive modes let you switch from normal (for better mileage) to sport (for sharper shifts or off road for extra grip), making it adaptable to whatever road conditions you face.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

Composed and Engaging Ride

The ride feels smooth over most surfaces, soaking up bumps comfortably while the longer wheelbase brings noticeable stability at higher speeds. On a drive through twisty roads, it turns sharply with precise steering and minimal body roll, staying planted so you can enjoy the ride. A new shock and tire setup keep it composed without any top-heavy feel.

It balances passenger comfort with that signature Mazda handling, making city drives easy and scenic routes rewarding. Every trip feels lively yet relaxed, striking the perfect mix for a compact SUV. It’s quiet, composed, and fun whether you’re behind the wheel or in the passenger seat.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

Extended Cargo Versatility

Cargo space grows this generation with 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to 66.5 cubic feet when those seats are folded. The flat floor has plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or weekend gear. The low load floor and wide liftgate opening make loading simple even with bulky items or full hands. The 40/20/40 split seats add flexibility for odd shapes or partial folding.

Smaller things tuck away easily in pockets, bins, and underfloor storage while 1500-pound towing handles light trailers or bike racks fine. It shifts effortlessly from family errands to spontaneous adventures while keeping practicality front and center.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

Intuitive Connected Tech

A major tech upgrade includes Mazda Connect powered by standard Google built-in, bringing Google Maps voice assistant and apps right to the screen for natural hands-free control. Most trims feature a 12.9-inch touchscreen (15.6 inches on the Premium Plus) with controls for climate and volume. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on the Select trim and up along with USB ports and wireless charging.

Steering wheel controls and voice commands keep distractions low while top trims add hands-free cruising with traffic support and lane change assist. It feels modern and is easy to use, making navigation, music, and calls straightforward and safe.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

Advanced Safety Suite

Safety starts strong across the lineup with standard cruise control including speed limit assist plus forward Smart brake support with pedestrian detection and rear cross traffic braking with alerts. Blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, emergency lane keeping, and head-on collision mitigation help keep you out of trouble. Traffic sign recognition and vehicle exit warnings add another layer of safety.

Higher trims bring front cross traffic braking and driver attention monitoring. The package feels thorough yet unobtrusive, building real confidence in traffic, tight parking, or long drives. It stands out as solid protection that fits the class well to help keep everyone safe.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

An Affordable Price Range

The lineup begins with the 2.5 S at $29,990 followed by Select at $31,990 which adds leatherette seats and wireless charging. Preferred reaches $34,250 with heated seats, roof rails, and 19-inch wheels. Premium climbs to $36,900 and adds leather, Bose audio, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. The Premium Plus sits at the top with a price of $38,990 and includes the larger infotainment screen, advanced safety, and a hands-free liftgate.

It’s a well-priced offering that feels premium even in its base trim. Keeping it all under the $40K mark gives you plenty of choices to find a CX-5 that fits your budget.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda

A Strong Overall Choice

The CX-5 now has a roomier, quieter cabin, beautiful details, and still-fun handling but its towing capacity drops to 1500 pounds. The lack of a hybrid version may deter those who prioritize fuel efficiency, but the gas engine still gets fuel economy that’s easy on your wallet. Acceleration is strong, and higher trims include nice perks like heated rear seats.

Anyone who wants an engaging and practical compact SUV that delivers an upscale feel at a competitive price will find this one hits the mark. It raises the bar in the segment with thoughtful updates that make every drive more enjoyable.

2026 Mazda CX-5 ・ Photo by Mazda