Mazda CX-5 Review 2026: The New Sweet Spot

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Mazda

CX-5

Enhanced | Mazda | SUV

A Mazda CX-5 Review is usually for one kind of shopper: someone who wants a compact SUV that feels a little more polished than the average option, without stepping up to a luxury badge. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is interesting because Mazda didn’t just tweak a few features and call it a day; it’s a meaningful update aimed at fixing the two most common CX-5 complaints: space and tech. Multiple first-drive impressions highlight that it’s bigger now, with noticeably improved rear-seat room and a more useful cargo area, so it should feel less “tight” when you have adults in the back, or you’re loading up for a weekend.

For day-to-day driving, the approach is also simpler. Mazda says the 2026 CX-5 launches with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. That means you’re not playing the usual game of “which trim gets AWD,” and it keeps the decision focused on features, comfort, and budget instead of drivetrain compromises.

The biggest lifestyle change is inside. Google built in, and major outlets note the switch to a touchscreen-forward setup (with larger displays available on higher trims), which is a clear break from the old dial-based system. If you liked how the previous CX-5 drove but wanted a more modern cabin and more breathing room, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is shaping up to be the version that finally brings those pieces together.

What’s New

2026 is a redesign year. Larger footprint, more interior and cargo space, a simplified gas powertrain strategy (2.5-liter four-cylinder at launch), and standard AWD across trims. Mazda is also pushing a new tech experience, including Google built-in and an available 15.6-inch center touchscreen. A hybrid has been signaled for 2027.

Infotainment and Connectivity

This is one of the biggest day-to-day changes. Mazda says the redesigned cabin reduces the number of physical buttons and highlights Google-built-in features with enhanced connectivity. Pricing notes a 12.9-inch touchscreen on the base trim and a larger 15.6-inch display on higher trims, plus wireless smartphone mirroring as you move up the ladder.

Engine and Performance

2026 CX-5 models use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Mazda says it made tuning updates for improved responsiveness and comfort.

If you care about straight-line numbers, Car and Driver’s compare tool references an 8.3-second 0–60 mph run from their testing (treat that as a benchmark-style datapoint, not a promise of what you will see every day).

Important note: multiple major sources report that the prior turbo engine is not part of the 2026 lineup, and a hybrid is expected later (Mazda has pointed to 2027 timing).

Fuel Economy

Mazda lists EPA estimates for 2026 CX-5 2.5 S models at 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

Some publications have noted fuel economy figures were not fully detailed at the time of early pricing coverage, so if you are shopping a specific trim beyond the “2.5 S” grouping, verify the exact EPA line item on Mazda’s site when final trim-level listings are live.

Safety Features

Mazda’s i-Activsense suite is typically the backbone here, and the 2026 Mazda CX-5’s move toward a more modern, screen-forward cabin with Google built in and updated connectivity often goes hand in hand with refreshed driver-assist packaging by trim.

For the most defensible “what’s standard vs available” breakdown on safety equipment by trim, use Mazda’s trim comparison page.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

The redesigned 2026 CX-5 has 39.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is a meaningful jump in day-to-day usability.

Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds. Think of that as “small trailer or light utility duty,” not a weekend boat solution.

Price and How to Choose

Mazda’s site shows the CX-5 family’s starting price point in the high $20Ks, but also notes a destination charge (commonly listed at $1,495) that is excluded from the MSRP in their disclaimers. Car and Driver’s pricing coverage lists the base at $31,485 and the top trim at $40,485, which aligns with “starting price plus destination” style math.

A simple way to pick:

Want the value play: start at the base 2.5 S and decide if you truly need the larger screen and premium audio upgrades.
Want the sweet spot for comfort: Preferred is often where you get the features that make the cabin feel “nice” without going all the way to top-trim pricing. Mazda’s model page lists Preferred and Premium as the big step-ups, with Premium Plus sitting at the top.
Want the full tech-lux vibe: Premium Plus is the “yes, I want the big screen and the nicer stuff” choice, but it is also where the price climbs the fastest.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Standard AWD across the lineup simplifies shopping.
Bigger cabin and cargo numbers address a long-time weak spot.
Modern tech direction with Google built in and a 15.6-inch screen available.

Cons

The turbo option appears to be gone for 2026, so there is no “quick” engine choice at launch.
1,500-lb towing capacity keeps it in the light-duty lane.
Some trim-by-trim final details (including mpg nuance) may require a last check on Mazda’s live trim pages.