The new 2026 Mazda CX-5 benefits from an exterior makeover, one that better aligns with Mazda’s current design language. Headlights and tail lights are sharper, more distinct. The body is more exaggerated overall. Mazda has been creating some strong design and the new 2026 CX-5 is no exception. Oddly, the CX-5 feels much larger from behind the wheel than it appears from the outside. Overall the CX-5 looks more serious, angrier, and you can definitely tell more emphasis was put on increasing rear passenger space. The rear doors are now massive with wide-angle openings.
The most significant interior addition is the new optional 15.6-inch center infotainment screen – a 12.9-inch screen is standard. Integrated into the new system is a Google-based interface. The new system works quickly, and is easy to navigate. I think of it as turning a giant smart phone sideways landscape style. The great news here, is, unlike some competitors who have removed Apple CarPlay, in lieu of the Google-based system, Mazda has decided to keep CarPlay as an option.
The screen itself is bright, high in contrast, and features a set of HVAC buttons at the bottom in a dedicated bar that always remains on-screen. This is very helpful considering there are almost no physical buttons left to operate the CX-5’s infotainment/cabin functions. There is no dedicated volume knob, for those wondering.
Driver Assistance Tech is Top-Notch
Speaking of unexpected tech, the “driver’s model” in the segment is now somehow a serious authority in semi-automated highway driving. Mazda’s system worked nearly as well as GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise, despite being less technically advanced. While using Mazda’s driver assist, it didn’t once yell at me, even when I might have taken my hand off the wheel for a bit to adjust my seating position. This SUV was once a bare-bones vehicle, even available with a super-analog manual transmission. Now it can handle a lot of highway driving itself. Times have changed.
[Ed. Note: every driver assistance system on sale today is “Level 2” ADAS, which requires the driver to pay attention and be ready to take over at any time. There are no self-driving cars on sale today.]
When I did actually do more of the driving myself, I decided it was worth the small side quest to stop at Julian Pie, a local bakery famous for their variety of homestyle pies. You can even order a slice of American cheese on top and a side of ice cream. When in the Encinitas area, Julian Pie is a must. The roads to get there were conveniently winding and conducive to spirited driving.
Not only do the doors of the CX-5 open wider in the second row, but there’s more overall space in the cabin, making way for additions like child car seats. The rear cargo hatch is electrically operated opening up to a larger space with a lower floor than before. I particularly liked the option for a cargo area liner, which was specifically designed for the CX-5, turning a traditionally plastic-lined area into a soft, removable, and easily cleanable space.
Headroom is more than ample, giving the CX-5 more of a mid-size SUV feel while in the cabin. Overall the interior of the CX-5 feels premium with ample stitched leather-wrapped surfaces and a minimal-ish design. Mazda points out that leather isn’t an option in some competitor models.
While the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four engine of the CX-5 is wonderfully linear in it’s power delivery, I simply wanted more of it. The CX-5 is not quick and the old turbocharged engine is not available on this new model. I went into the drive hoping for some real old-school Mazda zoom-zoom, but there just wasn’t a ton of power to work with. I enjoyed the non-turbocharged nature of it. The growl of a large inline-four is oddly satisfying.
Thankfully, what the CX-5 lacks in power, it more than makes up for in the handling department. This family crossover corners flat, and I do mean flat! The chassis offers more handling prowess than the seats can handle. More bolstering is definitely needed if drivers want to fully exploit the handling abilities of the CX-5. This means, like its MX-5 cousin is famous for, the CX-5 operates successfully, as a momentum car. There’s still some zoom-zoom left for those who really want to explore and bring it out. Steering weight is just about perfect and very precise.
Overall I walked away impressed by the CX-5’s overall feel of a slightly elevated option within one of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry. It may be significantly down on power with the lack of a turbocharged powertrain or hybrid options (a hybrid is coming later), but that doesn’t hold Mazda back from giving the CX-5 an extensive re-design including some segment-exclusive features and a more premium feeling interior.
It also remains one of the most affordable options coming in at just under $30,000. For the price, it’s certainly a compelling option. Thank you to Mazda for having us out in beautiful Encinitas, California for the launch of the new CX-5.