What Car Shoppers Need to Know
- Mazda’s redesigned 2026 CX-5 compact SUV features a fully modern multimedia system, more interior room and standard all-wheel drive — but it didn’t lose its sporty character despite its bigger footprint.
- Only two areas stand out as faults with the new CX-5: The otherwise excellent multimedia system lacks a simple volume knob, and fuel economy has not improved.
- With a bigger backseat and cargo area, the CX-5 becomes totally competitive with the best in the compact SUV class, and despite only making 187 horsepower, it’s still a lot of fun to drive.
All Japanese automakers make sports cars, but Mazda’s MX-5 Miata has been influential to the rest of that marque’s offerings in so many ways — always with Mazda telling the media how its sedans, SUVs and hatchbacks have the Miata’s essence baked in and emphasizing the automaker’s massive attention to driving dynamics in everything it makes.
So it was weird when I went to drive the redesigned 2026 CX-5 SUV that no mention was made of the SUV’s driving dynamics in the automaker’s presentation to the assembled media. Instead, Mazda focused on how the new CX-5’s backseat is much roomier than the last one, how its new Google-based multimedia system is fully updated and competitive, how the cargo area is bigger and how it has exceptional value pricing. You know, the areas that family SUV customers truly care about and drive their purchase decisions — and the things we’ve dinged the Mazda CX-5 on in our previous comparison tests.
Related: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Promises More Space, Greater Efficiency
It did make us worry that Mazda had turned its sporty small SUV into a generic SUV, one built to chase sales at the expense of character. But it didn’t: Mazda kept all of the inherent sportiness of the last CX-5, and with the changes that have been made, the 2026 version of the Mazda CX-5 might just be the best it’s ever been.
How Much Does a 2026 Mazda CX-5 Cost?
The new 2026 CX-5 will be available in five trim levels, each incorporating additional features instead of Mazda offering a lot of individual options. All prices below include a $1,495 delivery fee:
- 5 S: $31,485
- 5 S Select: $33,485
- 5 S Preferred: $35,745
- 5 S Premium: $38,395
- 5 S Premium Plus: $40,485
Each trim level has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 hp and 186 pounds-feet of torque, a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. Yep, AWD is standard on the CX-5, boosting its value proposition right off the bat. Premium paint is $595, which is … pretty much every paint color that isn’t black or blue.
The Big News: That New Screen!
- Takeaway: The CX-5’s updated interior is nothing short of momentous for the model and the brand, as it brings the SUV up to date with the best in the category.
Normally we don’t get excited about more touchscreens these days. But the one that appears in the CX-5’s updated interior is nothing short of momentous for the model and the brand, as it brings the SUV up to date with the best in the category in terms of multimedia interaction.
The new Google-based multimedia system replaces Mazda’s old, reviled control-knob-based system with a 12.9-inch touchscreen on all trims except the top Premium Plus trim, which gets an absolutely massive 15.6-inch touchscreen. It behaves pretty much like all of the latest Google-based multimedia systems, with big, easy-to-see icons; quick transitions between functions and screens; and access to the Google Play store for downloading all manner of apps. If you have a Google account already, you can link it up and see everything from the rest of your Google technosphere, including map searches, music preferences and more.
The new multimedia system addresses perhaps the biggest thing that held the previous CX-5 back versus the competition: that deal-killer old multimedia unit. I do wish the climate controls hadn’t also been incorporated into the touchscreen, but they’re easy enough to use and don’t require much fuss.
But there is one thing that keeps this new system from being a total home run: no volume knob. You use a slider in the touchscreen controls or the buttons on the steering wheel to adjust the volume. A simple volume knob to quickly turn down the audio system when needed is the only finishing touch the new CX-5’s top-notch multimedia system needs; let’s hope it’s an easy update that appears in a year or two.
Bigger Where It Matters
- Takeaway: The old CX-5’s backseat was on the small side for the class, but the increase in rear-seat space for 2026 is dramatic and notable.
The other big problem area with the old CX-5 was its inadequate legroom and knee space in the backseat. While front-seat room was always plentiful (and the new CX-5 maintains excellent comfort and outward visibility thanks to a reasonably low beltline and dashboard), the old SUV’s backseat was on the small side for the class. No such issues with the new ‘26 CX-5; the increase in rear-seat space is dramatic and notable. Mazda says that there’s 2.3 inches more “knee clearance” in back over 2025, and this is very easily proven out by me being able to set the driver’s seat where I’d drive, and then be able to very comfortably sit behind that seat with room to spare. It’s a remarkable improvement, and it immediately makes the CX-5 fully competitive with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan, all of which are notable for copious backseat space.
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The cargo area also gets a boost to usable space, as well, with a 1.8-inch increase in cargo space depth and even more when the backseat is folded. The cargo area opening has also been redesigned with a higher ceiling for easier loading of taller items.
It Hasn’t Lost Its Soul
- Takeaway: The CX-5’s engine feels far more peppy and responsive than its numbers would suggest, but fuel economy is still a downside.
The amazing thing about this dramatic interior space improvement is that Mazda has managed to do it without losing the CX-5’s sporting character. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine’s 187 hp doesn’t sound impressive at all on paper — especially when the prior CX-5 had an optional turbocharged engine that was truly a riot to drive — though its output is comparable to the standard engines of a lot of competitors.
But here’s the thing: The CX-5’s engine feels far more peppy and responsive than its numbers would suggest. In everyday commuting traffic, keeping the CX-5 in its Normal driving mode is the way to go, with the transmission providing acceptable downshifts, accelerator response coming in commensurately with pedal application, and the overall driving experience being comfortable and proper. Ride quality is better than the outgoing model, too, thanks in part to a wheelbase that’s 4.5 inches longer and a retuned suspension.
But use the steering-wheel drive mode switches to pop the CX-5 into Sport mode and the whole thing just wakes up. The transmission holds gears much longer and knows when to stay in a lower gear while decelerating toward a corner. The big four-cylinder also makes a sporty, snorty noise at higher rpm; it doesn’t sound strangled or struggling, but rather sounds raspy and sweet. The steering gets a bit heavier, but it also feels more communicative and responsive. It keeps the CX-5’s engaging, enthusiast-oriented demeanor front and center when you want it, making for entertaining commutes if your route involves twisty backroads and not just straight highways.
The downside of this powertrain is that it’s not one of the fuel-economy leaders in the compact SUV class. Mazda says the new CX-5 gets 24/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined (final EPA numbers are not yet available). That matches the EPA ratings for the gas-powered, AWD Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, and they’re a little better than the AWD VW Tiguan’s estimates, but it trails the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. Many competitors also offer more efficient gas-electric hybrid systems, though Mazda has announced the CX-5 will offer a hybrid system for the 2027 model year.
The CX-5’s comparatively lackluster fuel economy is a function of Mazda’s decision to stick with a six-speed automatic transmission when almost every other automaker has gone to either an eight-speed automatic or continuously variable automatic transmission. We won’t fault Mazda for not doing a CVT (they’re almost universally reviled by consumers and reviewers alike), but not having an eight-speed automatic in this latest CX-5 seems like a miss. At least it’s a well-behaved, well-tuned six-speed automatic with quick, quiet shifts up and down the gears.
More on the Mazda CX-5 From Cars.com:
- Is the Newly Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 Big Enough?
- These SUVs Are All-New or Redesigned for 2026
- How Much Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
- 2025 Mazda CX-5 Review: Pace Over Space
- Add Cars.com as a Preferred Source on Google
The Value Pitch
- Takeaway: Even loaded up, the top trim just flirts with the $41,000 mark — well below the nearly $50,000 average new-vehicle price in the U.S. market.
Like many competitors, Mazda doesn’t offer a lot of individual options for the CX-5, preferring instead to lump additional features into higher trim levels. But even loaded up, the top trim just flirts with the $41,000 mark — well below the nearly $50,000 average new-vehicle price in the U.S. market and coming in below the top trim of the 2026 Toyota RAV4. The RAV4 is hybrid-only for 2026, but when you go to a mid-grade level like the CX-5 S Preferred with its power liftgate, head-up display, heated steering wheel, power-folding side mirrors, large touchscreen and 19-inch wheels, it does outshine competitors like the Honda CR-V EX AWD in terms of equipment.
The improvements that Mazda has made to the CX-5 are transformative, turning the one-note compact SUV into a real contender. The only areas where it falls behind are in fuel economy and the lack of a simple volume knob; it’s hard to find fault with the ‘26 CX-5 beyond those two areas, as it performs beautifully in nearly every other way. Comfortable, newly roomy, still fun to drive, good looking and affordable, Mazda’s mainstream family hauler shows what can be done when the brand listens to what customers want while still keeping a solid eye on what the brand stands for.
2026 Mazda CX-5 FAQ
How Much Does a 2026 Mazda CX-5 Cost?
- Pricing starts at $31,485 (including a $1,495 delivery fee) and increases to $40,485 for a top trim. Premium paint colors are a $595 stand-alone option.
How Much Bigger Is a 2026 CX-5 Compared to a 2025 CX-5?
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer and half an inch wider, which creates a lot more room in its backseat and cargo area when compared to the 2025 model.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Available as a Hybrid?
- Not yet; there is no hybrid powertrain for the 2026 CX-5, but Mazda says a hybrid version is coming for the 2027 model year.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Have a Third-Row Seat?
- No, the CX-5 is a two-row SUV. Mazda’s larger CX-90 SUV has a third row.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Get Good Gas Mileage?
- The ‘26 CX-5 is at the bottom range of competitors for fuel economy, rated at only 24/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined.
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