2026 Mazda CX 5: Bigger, Smarter, Still Familiar
Table of Contents
The Mazda CX-5 has been Mazda’s backbone in the United States since it replaced the old Tribute in 2012. For years, it sold more than 150,000 units annually and quietly became the brand’s bestseller.
Now, for 2026, Mazda has launched the third generation CX 5. It is larger, more tech heavy, and positioned to feel more premium than ever. The big question is simple. Has Mazda done enough to keep up with rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester?
Let’s break it down properly.
Engine and Performance: Same Heart, Small Tweaks
Mazda did not reinvent the wheel under the hood.
The 2026 CX 5 continues with the familiar 2.5 litre Skyactiv G naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Key specs:
2.5L direct injection four cylinder
187 horsepower
186 lb ft torque
6 speed automatic transmission
Standard all wheel drive
Cylinder deactivation
Auto start stop
Mazda says it refined the engine for better smoothness, quieter operation, and improved efficiency. Power delivery does feel smoother, but this is not a fast SUV.
Mazda claims 0 to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds. Real world testing shows it can dip to around 8.5 seconds on level ground. That is acceptable, but nothing exciting.
Top speed is about 116 mph.
The old 2.5 turbo is gone. Mazda confirms that around 87 percent of buyers chose the base engine, which explains this decision. A new hybrid powertrain using Mazda’s upcoming Skyactiv Z tech is expected in 2027.
If performance matters to you, wait for the hybrid.
Fuel Economy and Range
EPA ratings:
24 mpg city
30 mpg highway
26 mpg combined
That is actually 2 mpg lower than the previous model.
With a 15.3 gallon fuel tank, total range is roughly 395 miles.
Compared to hybrid rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which delivers around 40 plus mpg combined according to EPA estimates, the CX 5 cannot compete on efficiency yet. This is one area where Mazda needs that hybrid badly.
Exterior Design: Evolution, Not Revolution
Mazda calls it an evolution of its Kodo design language.
You still recognize it instantly as a CX 5, but it looks sharper.
Highlights:
Enlarged signature grille
Slimmer LED headlights with red accent detail
Larger gloss black lower trim on higher trims
Dual chrome exhaust outlets
New Mazda script badge at rear
The Premium Plus trim rides on 19 inch gloss black wheels with 225 55 R19 Toyo all season tyres. Ground clearance is 8.2 inches, slightly improved over before.
No dedicated off road version here. For that, Mazda pushes buyers toward the Mazda CX-50.
For the first time ever, the CX 5 gets a panoramic sunroof on higher trims. Many owners had asked for this for years.
Bigger Dimensions, More Practical
Mazda stretched this SUV where it mattered.
Size changes:
Wheelbase increased by 4.5 inches to 110.8 inches
Overall length now 184.6 inches
About 2.3 inches wider
This directly improves cabin and cargo space.
Cargo Space and Boot Capacity
The 2026 CX 5 now offers:
33.8 cubic feet behind second row
66 cubic feet with seats folded
That is roughly 5 cubic feet more than before.
It even edges out the CX 50 in maximum cargo volume, which is surprising. However, some rivals still offer more total space.
A temporary spare tyre is included under the floor. No tyre repair kit drama here.
Interior: Finally Modern
This is where Mazda spent serious money.
The highlight is a massive 15.6 inch touchscreen. It is one of the largest in the segment.
Tech features:
Google built in
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
360 degree camera
Head up display
7 color ambient lighting
12 speaker Bose audio
The system feels fast and responsive. Mazda finally caught up in infotainment.
But there is a catch. Physical buttons are reduced. There is no traditional volume knob. Seat memory controls sit inside the screen menu. Some buyers may miss those hard controls.
Seat Comfort and Quality
Mazda redesigned the seats completely.
10 way power driver seat
8 way power passenger seat
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Softer padding
Previous CX 5 seats felt firm. These are noticeably more comfortable.
Rear legroom now measures 39.9 inches, which is a clear improvement. Doors also open wider, making child seat installation easier.
Ride and Handling
Mazda kept the independent rear suspension.
That matters.
Ride quality feels more controlled and refined compared to the CX 50. Steering is light and somewhat numb, but the SUV feels stable and composed.
Road noise is present, especially with the Toyo tyres, but overall refinement has improved.
Mazda’s driving matters philosophy is still visible. It just feels calmer now.
Towing and Weight
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
Around 3,900 pounds curb weight
Towing drops by 500 pounds compared to the older model. If towing is important, check this carefully.
Pricing in the US
Starting price for 2.5 S trim: around 29,990 dollars.
Select trim: around 31,990 dollars.
Preferred trim: around 35,000 dollars.
Premium Plus test vehicle: just over 41,000 dollars.
Yes, it is more expensive than before. But Mazda added serious tech and equipment.
It undercuts some rivals while matching others like the Subaru Forester and Hyundai Tucson in pricing.
Should You Buy the 2026 Mazda CX 5?
The 2026 Mazda CX 5 is a big upgrade in tech, cabin space, and refinement.
What it does well:
Premium interior feel
Large and modern infotainment
Standard AWD
Better rear seat space
Panoramic sunroof finally available
Where it falls short:
No turbo option
Average fuel economy
Fewer physical controls
Lower towing capacity
If you want a compact SUV that feels a little more upscale without stepping into luxury brands, this CX 5 makes sense.
If fuel economy is your top priority, wait for the hybrid or look at competitors.
Mazda fixed the biggest complaint, technology. Now it just needs that electrified powertrain to truly challenge the class leaders.
For now, the CX 5 feels modern, grown up, and more complete than ever.
Sources and References
Official Manufacturer Information
2026 Mazda CX-5 Official Page
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-5
Mazda USA’s official product page covering features, trims, dimensions, and technology details for the 2026 CX-5.2026 Mazda CX-5 Press Release and Media Information
https://news.mazdausa.com/vehicles-2026-cx-5
Official Mazda North American Operations newsroom page with specifications, launch details, and confirmed equipment.CX-5 Trim Comparison and Specifications
https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-5/compare-vehicle-specs-and-trims
Official trim breakdown including engine output, AWD confirmation, interior features, and equipment differences.
Fuel Economy Data
EPA Fuel Economy Database
https://www.fueleconomy.gov
Official United States Environmental Protection Agency source for MPG ratings and fuel efficiency verification.2026 Mazda CX-5 MPG Overview
https://www.jclewismazda.com/2026-mazda-cx-5-mpg
Dealer-based summary reflecting EPA-estimated fuel economy figures for the 2026 model.
Independent Automotive Media Sources
Car and Driver – Mazda CX-5 Overview
https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
Independent review source covering performance data, specifications, and segment comparisons.Road & Track – 2026 Mazda CX-5 Pricing Details
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a69998654/2026-mazda-cx-5-pricing-details
Independent news coverage detailing pricing structure, design updates, and feature changes.
2026 Mazda CX-5 FAQs
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2026 model is the third generation CX-5. It replaces the second generation that has been on sale since 2016. Mazda has increased the size, updated the platform, redesigned the interior, and introduced a new 15.6 inch infotainment system.
What engine does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 use?
It uses a 2.5 liter Skyactiv G naturally aspirated four cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb ft of torque. It is paired with a 6 speed automatic transmission and comes standard with Mazda’s i Active all wheel drive system.
Is the turbo engine still available?
No. Mazda discontinued the 2.5 turbo engine for 2026. Around 87 percent of buyers previously chose the base engine, which influenced this decision.
Is a hybrid Mazda CX-5 coming?
Yes. Mazda has confirmed that an electrified hybrid version using new Skyactiv Z technology is expected in 2027. Full specifications have not yet been released.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 CX-5?
The CX-5 is rated at 24 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. It has a 15.3 gallon fuel tank, giving an estimated driving range of about 395 miles on a full tank.
How fast is the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
Mazda claims 0 to 60 mph in about 9.6 seconds. Real world testing shows it can achieve approximately 8.5 seconds on level ground. Top speed is around 116 mph.
How much cargo space does the new CX-5 offer?
The 2026 CX-5 offers 33.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. With the seats folded, maximum cargo capacity increases to 66 cubic feet. A temporary spare tire is included under the floor.
How much larger is the 2026 CX-5?
The wheelbase has increased to 110.8 inches, which is about 4.5 inches longer than before. Overall length is now 184.6 inches and the vehicle is approximately 2.3 inches wider, improving rear seat space and overall cabin room.
What are the key interior upgrades?
The biggest upgrade is the 15.6 inch touchscreen with Google built in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Higher trims offer a 12 speaker Bose audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting with seven colors, and a panoramic sunroof.
What is the towing capacity?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds, which is 500 pounds less than the previous generation.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 cost?
The base 2.5 S starts at approximately 29,990 dollars. The Select trim is around 31,990 dollars. Preferred models are near 35,000 dollars. A fully equipped Premium Plus model can exceed 41,000 dollars.
