The Mazda CX-5 has long appealed to shoppers who want a compact SUV that feels more polished than basic transportation. For 2026, Mazda has addressed two of the model’s biggest weaknesses: rear-seat room and cargo capacity. The redesigned CX-5 is more practical, although its screen-heavy dashboard will divide opinions. This Mazda CX-5 review considers those trade-offs during an ordinary week, not just a brief test drive.
What’s New in the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 CX-5 is a full redesign, not a minor styling update. It stretches about 4.5 inches longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and more room for passengers and luggage. The exterior retains Mazda’s restrained appearance, but the cabin has been thoroughly reworked.
Model year matters. Used 2025 CX-5 models and older reviews describe a smaller vehicle, a different infotainment controller, and an available turbocharged engine. Those details do not carry over unchanged to 2026. Compare specifications for the actual vehicle you’re considering.
Driving Feel: Refined, Not Especially Quick
Every U.S.-market 2026 CX-5 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The previous generation’s optional turbocharged engine is gone. Acceleration is adequate for commuting and highway merging, but drivers expecting a powerful punch may be disappointed.
Steering is a strength. It responds naturally and feels more engaging than the detached steering found in some crossovers. Suspension tuning balances control with comfort: the SUV stays composed through corners without feeling excessively harsh on imperfect pavement. On a test drive, try a bumpy street and a highway on-ramp; those reveal more than a smooth loop around the dealership.
For drivers prioritizing acceleration, a Mazda CX-50 vs. CX-5 comparison is worth exploring, especially with the CX-50’s available turbo engine.
Mazda CX-5 Interior and Daily Comfort
The redesigned Mazda CX-5 interior looks thoughtfully finished. Its uncluttered dashboard, supportive front seats, and available upscale upholstery create an inviting place to spend time. The driving position is easy to adjust, and visibility is generally straightforward.
Rear Seats Are More Family-Friendly
Rear passengers benefit from the longer wheelbase, while larger door openings make getting in and out easier. That’s meaningful for families: fastening a child into a rear-facing car seat can be frustrating when the door opening is tight. Adults also have more room than in the previous CX-5.
Bring your actual child seat to the dealership. Install it behind the passenger seat, move the front seat into a comfortable position, and check how much space remains. A published legroom figure cannot tell you whether your family’s arrangement works.
Mazda CX-5 Cargo Space: A Useful Improvement
For 2026, Mazda CX-5 cargo space measures approximately 34 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 67 cubic feet with them folded. That improves on the previous generation’s roughly 29 and 59 cubic feet. A lower loading height also makes lifting bulky items easier.
Those figures suggest useful space for groceries, luggage, sports gear, or a stroller. Object shape matters, though. A stroller with awkward wheels can occupy more usable floor area than a suitcase of similar volume.
Bring the stroller, cooler, or golf bag you use most often. Load it with the second row upright, then check whether the liftgate closes without rearranging everything. That exercise can be more revealing than comparing cargo numbers alone.
Mazda CX-5 Features and Technology
The biggest technology change is the center touchscreen. A 12.9-inch display is standard, while upper trims can have a 15.6-inch display. The interface supports modern smartphone connectivity and Google-based functionality. Depending on trim, available equipment includes a panoramic roof, head-up display, premium audio, and a surround-view camera.
There’s a catch: Mazda removed the older console-mounted control dial and moved many functions, including climate adjustments, into the touchscreen. The cabin looks cleaner, but navigating menus may be less convenient than reaching for a physical button. Published long-term testing has also reported infotainment glitches, so check the software and controls in the vehicle you’re driving.
Before choosing a trim, try changing the temperature, entering a destination, adjusting audio, and connecting your phone while parked. Bigger screens are not automatically easier to operate.
Mazda CX-5 MPG and Ownership Costs
EPA-estimated 2026 Mazda CX-5 mpg is 24 city, 30 highway, and 26 combined. That’s reasonable for a gasoline-only, all-wheel-drive SUV, but not class-leading beside hybrid rivals. Consumption varies with traffic, weather, and driving habits.
At 12,000 miles per year, 26 mpg translates to roughly 462 gallons of fuel. Multiply by your local gasoline price to estimate annual spending, then compare the EPA combined figure with rival models. A compact SUV fuel economy guide can help clarify gasoline-versus-hybrid trade-offs.
Mazda has announced a CX-5 hybrid for the 2027 model year. That does not make the 2026 gasoline model a hybrid, and buyers willing to wait should compare official specifications when available.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The 2026 CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Standard driver-assistance equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane support, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add assistance and parking technology.
These systems help reduce workload but cannot replace driver attention. On your test drive, evaluate how clearly alerts appear and whether assistance feels predictable. A compact SUV safety comparison can provide broader context for families.
Is the Mazda CX-5 Good Value?
The 2026 CX-5 starts at about $30,000 before destination charges, taxes, and dealer fees, with better-equipped trims priced higher. Standard all-wheel drive strengthens its value for shoppers who would otherwise pay extra for that capability.
A middle trim may be more sensible than the most expensive version. Prioritize equipment you’ll notice daily—seat comfort, parking assistance, or a power liftgate—before paying for decorative upgrades. Compare itemized out-the-door quotes rather than advertised starting prices.
The CX-5 makes its strongest case to drivers who appreciate composed handling and an upscale cabin while still needing a useful family vehicle. Those seeking maximum fuel economy, stronger acceleration, or physical controls should cross-shop carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 bigger than the 2025 model?
Yes. The redesigned model is longer, with additional rear-seat space and a larger cargo area. Older reviews may not reflect the new dimensions.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All-wheel drive is standard on U.S.-market 2026 CX-5 models.
What is the 2026 Mazda CX-5’s fuel economy?
Its EPA estimates are 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Real-world results vary.
Is there a hybrid Mazda CX-5?
Mazda has announced a hybrid CX-5 for the 2027 model year. The redesigned 2026 U.S. model is gasoline-powered.
Final Verdict
The redesigned CX-5 is easier to recommend than its predecessor to people who use the back seat and cargo area regularly. It retains enjoyable steering and an upscale atmosphere while fixing a genuine everyday limitation. Modest acceleration, middling fuel economy, and touchscreen-dependent controls deserve a close look. Test the features you will actually use, then decide whether its blend of comfort, handling, space, and price fits your life.
