Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Mazda CX-5

You know…the Mazda CX-5 you’re seeing above looks vaguely familiar…

At a long glance, it looks almost exactly like our own 2021 CX-5 Touring with the Special Value package that we affectionately call the “V&R Machine.” Alas…it is not. 

This is the long-awaited third generation of Mazda’s most popular vehicle.

For 2026, the Hiroshima-based automaker developed their compact SUV by keeping what worked for the past two generations while enhancing a few key areas towards improvement. You can find those enhancements when you get closer to it. 

Before we dive in, we should ask ourselves whether this new 2026 CX-5 is better than the older one? 

We should start with the design. It is evolutionary, as most of the traits of the CX-5 seen on this new model dates back to the first generation. Certainly, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 

Actually, they did several things on the outside to create the enhanced look of the third-generation model. For one, the overall length and wheelbase grew by 4.5 inches. That is a significant stretch that resulted in a larger passenger area and expanded cargo space. The rear doors are actually longer, while retaining its near-90-degree opening aperture the CX-5 is known for.

The front clip has an evolutionary look. The combined LED lighting units are larger than the narrow ones found on the last generation model. Yet, they took away the approach angle the previous model enjoyed, while “squaring off” the front clip with a more prominent lower fascia. The grille shape has been modified to emulate the CX-70/CX-90. 

Out back, more of the CX-70/CX-90’s influence is seen in the extended horizontal rear LED taillight units. The winged M logo is gone from the liftgate, replaced by the Mazda name. Our Premium Plus test vehicle adds 19-inch black-finished alloy wheels, while dechroming the trim around the side glass area. 

The biggest change in the 2026 CX-5 is the interior. That starts with a new dashboard that has looks a bit cleaner, while rearranging the vents and incorporating a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The latter is customizable, which includes a cluster screen that almost looks like something from BMW some six years ago – and that’s a good thing. We also got the Active Driving Display (i.e. head-up display) on our test vehicle, too. 

The big news is in the infotainment department. The Mazda Connect dial and associated buttons have been eliminated from the center console. Instead, there is a large touchscreen housing audio, wireless smartphone mirroring, the climate control system, and some vehicle controls. On our Premium Plus test vehicle, the screen is measured at a whopping 15.6 inches diagonally. Other models get the smaller 12.9-inch version. Bose delivers 12 speakers of sound throughout the cabin of the Premium Plus model. 

Leather upholstery adorns the CX-5’s two rows of seats. You can now glance at the sky above you with the model’s first panoramic sunroof. The armrest has a split opening for the cubby below – also new for CX-5. One benefit of the longer wheelbase is improved rear seat legroom to go along with that excellent egress. 

Mazda also worked on the cargo space behind the back seats. They reshaped it to be squarer, while opening up more space between the wheel wells. All told, the cargo area is measured at 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. It expands to 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. 

For the 2026 model year, the only driveline available is a very familiar one. The Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine soldiers on with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends that power to all four wheels. 

In our time behind the wheel of the 2026 CX-5, we noted a lot of improvements in its driving experience. For example, the power band of the SKYACTIV-G engine may not have changed. It just seems happier when it is at a normal gait. Push the throttle, and there was a bit of hesitation. The transmission’s gearing seemed to shift a bit better than before. 

One thing we also expected was its fuel efficiency. We observed an average of 25.8 MPG.

There was also an improvement in ride quality. The longer wheelbase made a difference in smoothing out the dampers. Handling was fine overall. 

One drawback of the longer wheelbase was in a larger turning radius. While the on center feel and response has improved, there were times when we had to do a few turns to accomplish what we needed to do. 

On the plus side, the brakes felt much better. Pedal feel and response to wheels were good. Stops in normal and panic situations were also good, thanks to the improved action at the master cylinder, along with larger front rotors, and improved calipers. 

There are five trim levels available for the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Pricing starts at $29,990. Our 2.5 S Premium Plus test vehicle came with a sticker price of $41,080. 

It brings up the eventual comparison between the generations of the CX-5. In some respects, there is continuity where it looks familiar. Interiors have evolved, but this new 2026 version is cleaner and laden with technology. 

There were some welcome changes in the newer model over our own V&R Machine. Not just in content, but in some driving aspects. There will be a few things we will miss. The absence of the softer part of the door cards, Some other materials on the dashboard. The absence of the climate control system placed separately from the infotainment screen. 

An overarching question still loom – how well will the 2026 CX-5 compete in this hotly contested, high volume inducing segment? There is no definitive answer right now. We do not have enough sales data available to point to any trend. For loyal owners that love their CX-5s, they may have to learn the infotainment system. We can say that they’ll appreciate the larger rear seat area and cargo space. 

Maybe the upcoming hybrid system will attract more customers – both loyal and conquest types. 

Mazda had to evolve their most popular model. They are certainly on the right path. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Mazda North America Operations – our opinions are of our own

All photos by Randy Stern