The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Ditches Fun for Family, and Thats a Good Thing
There are SUVs that get you from A to B. And then there are machines that make you invent reasons to drive. For years, the Mazda CX-5 was the latter, a feisty crossover that valued a twisting road over a spacious cargo hold. But for 2026, the script has been flipped. The all-new CX-5 is bigger, comfier, and more focused on practicality than ever before. Some might call it a compromise. We call it growing up.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dramatically improved rear-seat and cargo space
- Still one of the best-handling SUVs in its class
- Upscale interior design and materials
- Large, modern touchscreen infotainment system
Cons
- No more optional turbocharged engine
- Reduced physical controls for climate and other functions
- Fuel economy is only average for the segment
Overview
The Mazda CX-5 has long been the darling of drivers who need the space of an SUV but crave the soul of a sports sedan. For 2026, Mazda has taken that successful formula and stretched it—literally. The new CX-5 is longer and wider, with a wheelbase extended by 4.5 inches. This directly addresses the biggest criticism of its predecessor: a cramped rear seat and limited cargo area. While the athletic spirit remains, the priority has clearly shifted towards everyday usability, making it a more formidable competitor to stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Performance and Engine
Under the hood, the 2026 CX-5 plays a familiar tune. The standard powertrain is the tried-and-true 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. While some rivals have moved to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), the CX-5 sticks with a traditional automatic, which provides a more engaging and predictable driving experience.
Engine Specs
The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Its a smooth and linear power plant, but it wont set your pulse racing. Acceleration is adequate for daily driving, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of around 8.2 seconds. The big news for performance enthusiasts is what’s missing: the punchy 2.5-liter turbocharged engine from the previous generation is no longer an option. Mazda is saving that for the more rugged CX-50, and a new hybrid variant is slated to arrive for the 2027 model year.
Driving Experience
Heres where the CX-5 still shines. Despite its larger size, it retains the sharp steering and agile handling that made its predecessor a driver favorite. It carves through corners with a confidence that is rare in this segment. The suspension is brilliantly tuned, soaking up bumps and road imperfections for a comfortable ride without feeling floaty or disconnected. Its a vehicle that feels just as at home on a winding back road as it does in a Target parking lot.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside, and the 2026 CX-5 continues to impress with a cabin that punches well above its price point. The design is clean, modern, and utilizes high-quality materials throughout. The longer wheelbase pays huge dividends for passengers. The rear seats finally have ample legroom and headroom for adults, and the cargo area has grown significantly, making it much more competitive with the class leaders.
Infotainment
Dominating the dashboard is a new, large touchscreen infotainment system. A 12.0-inch screen is standard, but a massive 15.6-inch display is available. The system is powered by Google, which means it has Google Maps and Google Assistant built-in, and it’s a huge improvement over Mazda’s previous, often-criticized infotainment software. The one downside is that many physical buttons for climate control and other functions have been moved into the touchscreen, which can be a step backward in terms of usability while driving.
Cargo and Passenger Space
The numbers tell the story. The 2026 CX-5 offers approximately 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 67 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is a significant improvement and puts the CX-5 on nearly equal footing with the most practical vehicles in the segment. The larger rear door openings also make it easier to get in and out, or to install a child seat.
Safety and Reliability
Mazda has always made safety a priority, and the 2026 CX-5 is no exception. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. New for 2026 are features like lane-change assist and an improved 360-degree camera system. While official crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS are not yet available, the previous generation CX-5 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and we expect the new model to perform just as well.
Pricing and Value
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is offered in a variety of trims, with pricing that remains competitive for the class. The base model starts in the low $30,000s, while a fully loaded Premium Plus trim will push $40,000. For most buyers, the sweet spot will be the mid-range Preferred trim, which offers a great balance of features and value.
| Trim | Base Price (est.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| S | $31,485 | 12.0-inch infotainment, AWD, 17-inch wheels |
| Select | $33,485 | Leatherette seats, rear USB ports, keyless entry |
| Preferred | $35,745 | 19-inch wheels, power liftgate, heated front seats |
| Premium | $38,395 | Bose audio system, leather seats, 15.6-inch screen |
| Premium Plus | $40,485 | Ventilated front seats, head-up display, 360-degree camera |
Verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a different beast than the one that came before it. It has traded a bit of its youthful exuberance for a healthy dose of maturity. While we will miss the thrill of the turbocharged engine, the trade-off is a vehicle that is vastly more practical and comfortable for the realities of daily life. It still drives better than almost anything else in its class, the interior is top-notch, and its now spacious enough to handle the rigors of family duty without compromise. For the first time, the CX-5 is not just a great SUV for drivers; its a great SUV for everyone. And thats a recipe for success.
– Jake Ryder
Written by Jake Ryder
Jake Ryder is the founder and lead reviewer at Road SUV. He has spent more than a decade behind the wheel of everything from subcompact crossovers to full-size 4x4s, logging thousands of highway and off-road miles across the United States. His reviews focus on what actually matters to real drivers: cargo space you can use, safety features that work, and honest talk about fuel economy and pricing.
