At Kelley Blue Book, our editors aim to test almost every new car for sale today, a number that usually tallies over 300 makes and models. Our time with each is usually one to two weeks, which gives us the opportunity to drive each car hundreds of miles, put it through its paces, and test everything from cargo capacity to the infotainment system’s responsiveness.
For a select few cars, however, we have the opportunity to evaluate them much longer – sometimes for as long as a year. This gives us time to literally live with the car, get to know it deeply, then use that wealth of experience to share with those shopping for the model or researching it.
The latest addition to our long-term fleet is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV in top-line 2.5 S Premium Plus trim. Of all the hundreds of new cars out there, why did we choose this one? Here are the five main factors that went into the decision.
1. It’s All-New
Any time a model appears on the scene or is totally revamped, it’s a prime opportunity to test it thoroughly. The CX-5 debuted for the 2013 model year, and this 2026 version represents its third generation. Not surprisingly, this version is the roomiest, most technologically sophisticated, and largest CX-5 yet. How will this translate to everyday usability? Will the new tech help or hinder? And though it uses a familiar and proven powertrain, will it remain competitive? These are just a few of the questions we intend to answer over the 12 months we have it.
2. It’s a Best-Seller
The Mazda CX-5 is the brand’s top-selling vehicle. So sure, while the enthusiast in us might love to have an MX-5 Miata roadster in our long-term garage, the reality is that far more car shoppers will be deciding whether the CX-5 compact SUV is the right vehicle for them. The more people we can help inform in making smart buying decisions, the more effectively we accomplish our mission. In 2025, in the last year of the CX-5’s second generation, Mazda moved over 136,000 units. That’s a sizable figure, and with an all-new version for 2026, we expect high interest in the model.
3. It Brings a Ton of Tech
One of the biggest headlines of the CX-5 is totally revamped tech. In addition to larger screen sizes, for the first time, Mazda is going all-in on touch controls rather than the polarizing dial control in the center tunnel used in prior CX-5 models. The new CX-5 comes standard with an impressive 12.9-inch touchscreen. Exclusive to our top trim is an even larger 15.6-inch unit. Mazda has decided to jettison physical controls – even a volume dial – in favor of touch or voice control. Speaking of the latter, this Mazda is smarter than ever with Google built-in.
4. It Has a Familiar Engine
One thing that isn’t new is the engine. For 2026, the CX-5 offers just one: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower. It is again linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission and has all-wheel drive (AWD) standard. Mazda says a hybrid CX-5 is coming next year, but in the present, will this sole powertrain still satisfy the needs of most drivers? That’s a big question for us, too, and a major factor in why we are so interested in this model as a long-term test vehicle.
5. It’s Fun
Yes, car reviewers are allowed to be subjective. And if we are going to live with a vehicle, there’s a good chance we want it to have an ounce of fun. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings several pounds of it. As we found in our initial test of the CX-5 earlier this year, Mazda’s compact SUV remains the segment’s athlete. It doesn’t have the most power, but it retains the magical finesse that Mazda seems to imbue every car with.
For us, driving a vehicle with engaging handling is enjoyable, and we think many other drivers would agree. We’ll continue to bring highlights and details of our experiences in the 2026 CX-5 throughout the next year.
