The CX-5 is Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S., known for its peppy performance. This compact crossover gets a makeover for 2026 bringing notable improvements in size, technology and versatility. While these changes address some shortcomings, notably cramped rear seating and a clunky infotainment system, the redesign shifts the CX-5 toward a more mainstream vehicle rather than a driver-focused model.
Base Price: $38,990
As Tested: $41,080
Horsepower: 187
Mileage: 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined
The 2026 CX-5 is now in its third generation, completely redesigned on a new platform. It’s larger than before with more rear-seat space and cargo capacity. The infotainment system gets a needed upgrade, available with a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen or available 15.6-inch touchscreen, and Google-based software for navigation and voice control. This system replaces the old cumbersome infotainment system that was controlled with a rotary dial between the two front seats.
The 2026 CX-5 is offered in five trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Starting prices range from $29,990 to $38,990. These prices are similar to many rivals, but the CX-5 comes standard with Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel drive on all trims.
There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
Unlike many competitors, the CX-5 is not currently available with a turbocharged engine or as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid. Mazda says a hybrid version is planned for the 2027 model year.
All trims have the same powertrain: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a six-speed automatic. The previous turbo-charged engine is no longer available.
This set up is rather modest in power compared to many rivals. Acceleration is relatively pokey, taking 8 to 9 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. Still, the CX-5 is one of the more enjoyable compact SUVs to drive. It may not have the same “zoom zoom” of older models, but it still boasts smooth power delivery, responsive braking and steering, confident cornering with little body roll, and a quiet and composed ride on the highway. This new CX-5 is more about prioritizing comfort over sporty handling, but it’s still the best performer in the class.
Fuel economy is a little less than some rivals, but the CX-5 has standard AWD. EPA ratings are the same for all trims at 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. I got 26 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
When properly equipped, the CX-5 can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The interior has always been a strong selling point for the CX-5 with its premium look and feel. That continues for 2026. The cabin has a modern, minimalist design and is larger than before, offering more legroom in the second row and more cargo space. Cloth upholstery is standard. Higher trims have leatherette and microsuede, or real leather. Front row passengers enjoy good leg- and head room, and the second row is now roomy enough for adults.
All trims have a digital instrument cluster display. The infotainment system is much improved. Gone are the smallish screen and old rotary dial. The CX-5 now comes standard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen on the lower trims, and a 15.9-inch touchscreen on the top trim. The operating system is Google Built-in, and includes native Google apps such as Maps. Graphics are crisp and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are corded on the base trim, and wireless on all the other trims.
One of the complaints of the older CX-5 was its puny cargo space. It has expanded to 33.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and 66.5 cubes with the second row folded. The rear hatch is bigger and the second-row seats split 40/20/40 and fold flat, providing flexibility in hauling passengers and gear. A power liftgate and hands-free power liftgate are available.
Here are the trims of the 2026 CX-5:
2.5 S – MSRP $29,900. This base trim comes well-equipped and offers strong value with many standard features.
- Keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cloth upholstery
- 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
- 12.9-inch touchscreen with Google Built-in
- Eight-speaker audio system
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Many driver assistance systems
- 17-inch wheels
2.5 S Select – MSRP $31,900. This trim is a popular choice offering more tech and comfort features.
- Proximity keyless entry
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Heated side mirrors
- Synthetic leather seating
- Synthetic suede inserts
- Six-way power adjustable driver’s seat
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless device charging
2.5 S Preferred – MSRP $34,250. This trim adds more luxury-oriented features.
- Head-up display
- Heated front seats
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated steering wheel
- Driver’s seat and side-view mirror memory settings
- Universal garage door opener
- Power liftgate
- Roof rails
- 19-inch alloy wheels
2.5 S Premium – MSRP $36,900. This trim adds more niceties and premium features.
- Leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated rear seats
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Satellite radio
- Upgraded exterior lighting
- Panoramic moonroof
2.5 S Premium Plus – MSRP 38,990. This top trim competes with entry-level luxury SUVs with many luxury amenities at a competitive price.
- Surround-view camera system
- Paddle shifters on the steering wheel
- 15.6-inch touchscreen
- Ventilated seats
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Adaptive headlights
Standard driver assistance technologies include
- Forward collision warning
- Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring with steering assist
- Head-on collision mitigation
- Head-on traffic avoidance with steering assist
- Intersection assist
- Speed limit assist
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Reverse automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Driver-attention monitoring
Available driver assistance technologies include
- Surround-view camera system
- Head-up display
- Front cross-traffic alert with automatic braking
- Lane-change assist
- Unresponsive driver support
- Camera-based driver monitoring and attention assist
- Adaptive headlights
The good:
Excellent handling for the class
Smooth ride
Standard AWD on all trims
Upscale cabin
Many standard and available features and tech
User-friendly, modern infotainment system
The not-so-good:
Less sporty than before
No hybrid option yet
Pricing info:
My 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus test vehicle starts at $38,990. Rhodium White Metallic paint is $595. The delivery fee is $1,495, bringing the grand total to $41,080.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is stylish and comfortable with added space and features, making it more practical and technologically advanced than the outgoing model. It continues to be an excellent option in the super competitive compact SUV class. But the 2026 CX-5 loses a little of the edge it had in the driving experience.
