2026 MAZDA CX-5

Mazda is giving its best-selling model a makeover, as the CX-5 marks the 2026 model year by entering its third generation. Some aspects are familiar, including the overall design and powertrain, but this new CX-5 is larger than its predecessor and features Mazda-first technology like an available 15.6-inch touchscreen and Google built-in. We’re still awaiting details on other aspects of the CX-5 to assess how well it will compete against rivals like the Honda CR-V and also-new Toyota RAV4 in the cutthroat compact SUV segment. As with all of Mazda’s SUVs, the 2026 benefits from standard all-wheel drive (AWD). A hybrid variant is in the works, but not until 2027.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is all-new and now in its third generation.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $31,485, including the $1,495 destination fee. That’s just $940 more than the 2025 model, and a welcome value proposition against its rivals. The CX-5 remains highly competitive with the benchmark Honda CR-V and a bit above rivals like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Chevrolet Equinox. Notably, though, those rivals charge extra for all-wheel drive, and the CX-5 has it standard.

These prices include the $1,495 destination fee.

We’re eager to officially test the 2026 Mazda CX-5, but we’ve had plenty of experience driving prior models that use the same powertrain. The CX-5’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is one of our favorites thanks to its verve and snappy character. Its 187 horsepower is now at the lower end of the segment, but we’ve always found the power good, especially when we switch to Sport mode. We’ve also long been fans of Mazda’s 6-speed automatic transmission. In a world of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), it always feels like a breath of fresh air. That said, in a world of 8- and 10-speed setups, we’re a bit surprised Mazda is sticking with six in 2026.

The Mazda CX-5 retains its 2-row/5-passenger configuration, but brings more room for 2026, along with what the automaker dubs a “calm, yet functional” space. The new CX-5’s door openings are larger, which means it should be easier to get in and out, similar to the wide-opening doors of the Nissan Rogue. Once inside, Mazda says its new CX-5 offers increased rear leg, knee, and headroom. How much more we don’t know just yet, as specs are still TBA.

From the first images we’ve seen, the interior looks starker and sleeker. We do like that Mazda has kept a traditional gear lever in the CX-5. No buttons, dials, or switches here to get into drive, reverse, neutral, etc.

Taking center stage in the dash is an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest ever fitted to a Mazda. And if you love some ambient lighting, Mazda will offer seven colors of it in the cabin.

The Mazda CX-5 is all-new for 2026, but the design has clear lineage to prior versions. This third-gen CX-5 retains the model’s signature curves and athletic stance. Mazda leaves the macho stuff to the more adventurous CX-50. Our eyes like it.

What’s not subjective is the new CX-5’s increased size. Mazda says the 2026 model is 4.5 inches longer than the former model, which should put this one at 184.6 inches. That’s enough to give this SUV presence, yet still keep it firmly in the easy-to-park compact SUV class. The wheelbase is three inches longer, which should translate to smoother ride quality, and the width increased by over half an inch.

Mazda says it has also made the CX-5’s cargo area more useful, which we commend since the past model’s was fine but hardly the roomiest out there. Again, we’re still awaiting complete specs, but the automaker says the new CX-5 has a lower load floor and larger aperture.

Not everything is new about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, most pointedly its powertrain. It carries over the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. It is still paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and has all-wheel drive standard. Gone, however, is the former turbo option, which was a zesty little powerhouse that made up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Mazda says the CX-5 will eventually offer a hybrid powertrain, but apparently not the one that’s currently offered in the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid and sourced from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. This new one is called SkyActiv-Z and set to join the lineup in 2027.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Mazda’s new vehicle warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers, although Hyundai and Kia do better.

Safety Ratings

The 2026 CX-5 has yet to be crash-tested, but it’s good to know the past model earned top scores and that this new one is fitted with a bevy of safety systems and active driver assistance features.