Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Feature Overview
Explore trim options
Explore trim options
REVIEWS AND RATINGS
What others are saying
Overview
2026 Mazda CX-5
Mazda
What's New for the 2026 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 gets a complete redesign for 2026, marking the beginning of its third generation. While it retains much of its graceful styling and its drivetrain, it's longer and slightly wider, resulting in a much-needed increase in cargo capacity. Technology also gets a massive upgrade, with an all-new infotainment system and a few additional advanced safety features.
The previous CX-5 generation made a long-lasting mark in the compact SUV class with its eye-catching exterior styling, near-luxury interior, and sharp driving feel. The 2026 model aims to build on these strengths while improving its weaker areas: cargo space and technology.
Pros
- Elegant styling inside and out
- More space inside than the last generation
- Large touchscreen and a new infotainment system
Cons
- Some rivals offer faster zero-to-60-mph times
- Slightly below-average cargo capacity
- No hybrid option yet
Mazda
2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a five-passenger compact SUV available in five trim levels: base, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
- Base
This entry-level version of the new CX-5 starts you off with 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, push-button engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth seat upholstery, and 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats. Tech features include a 10.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration.
- Select
The CX-5 Select upgrades to a more advanced keyless-entry system, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, and dark-tinted rear windows. On the inside, the additions include synthetic-leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat, rear-seat air conditioning vents, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a wireless charging pad.
- Preferred
This midrange model adds 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, roof rails, and a windshield wiper deicer. Interior additions include a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory functions, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
- Premium
The Premium trim gets upgraded exterior lighting, gloss-black exterior trim, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, there's leather seat upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front-passenger seat, heated rear seats, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
- Premium Plus
This range-topping model rounds out the features list with adaptive headlights, hands-free liftgate operation, paddle shifters, and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The new Mazda Driver Personalization System is also included, which uses your height and weight information, along with camera data, to automatically adjust the seating position and mirrors.
Mazda
2026 Mazda CX-5 Cargo Capacity and Towing
Behind the rear seats, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 can accommodate up to 33.7 cubic-feet of cargo. With the rear seatbacks folded down, that volume expands to 66.5 cu-ft. A powered liftgate is standard on Preferred trim and above, and the top CX-5 Premium Plus adds hands-free activation. Properly equipped, the CX-5 can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Fuel Economy
As of publication, the EPA has listed fuel-economy for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD at 26 mpg. According to the automaker, all 2026 Mazda CX-5 models are expected to return up to 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving.Â
Mazda
2026 Mazda CX-5 Safety Ratings and Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published crash-test results for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 as of publication. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the vehicle its highest score of "Good" in all three of its crashworthiness tests.
All CX-5 models come with standard advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and safe-exit warning.
Upgrading to the top Premium Plus trim gets you a surround-view camera and a semi-autonomous hands-on driver-assistance system combining the adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist.
Mark TakahashiMark has been in the automotive space for more than two decades and has reviewed thousands of vehicles for outlets that include Edmunds, Car and Driver, Autoblog, CarGurus, Capital One, and J.D. Power. He has a background in advertising, design, and fabrication, as well as open-wheel and motorcycle racing. Mark's video reviews can be seen on YouTube, and he has been featured as an automotive expert on regional and national news broadcasts. He is a North American Car of the Year juror and a third-generation Los Angeles native, where he keeps his classic 1957 Thunderbird and two motorcycles.
