2026 Mazda CX-5 First Drive: This Fan Fave’s Much-Needed—and Well Done—Makeover
The new multimedia system and cabin experience are just the start of what's new in Mazda's best-selling SUV
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is on everyone’s must-see list of new cars, and for many, on the dream car list — at least in Soul Red Crystal, one of the most beautiful car colors ever made. In fact, the glowy foil-red paint color alone may be what puts the Mazda CX-5 on so many wish lists; it’s sublimely beautiful, glows in any light and looks vibrant—even when it’s dirty.
Thankfully, that is one thing that Mazda didn’t change about the 2026 CX-5. Nearly everything else is new or improved, and all for good: This lovely mid-size SUV just got a major overhaul, adding necessary updated tech, features and function while preserving many of the things owners have loved about it. I
In addition to the Soul Red Crystal paint, the CX-5 is still roomy, comfortable and filled with safety and tech features, all at a price that ranges from very affordable to reasonable considering all you get for the price.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. Additionally, I was Mazda’s guest for this test drive, but all opinions are my own.
What’s New in the 2026 Mazda CX-5
If you’ve test-driven a Mazda CX-5 and comparison shopped it against other brands, you may be one of those people who said, no way, I can’t ever get used to a dial-controlled media system without a touch screen. And you would not be alone. Mazda has heard this complaint loud and clear. The 2026 CX-5 includes either a 13” touch screen and in the top-of-the-line Premium Plus model, a 15.6” touch screen.
The new multimedia screen and the new operating system are the biggest news in the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and it leads to other news: a newly redesigned center console, a new steering wheel and a lack of … buttons. Which is new for Mazda’s infamous analog and formerly antiquated interiors.
Mazda, it seems, went all-in on the screen and included quite a few features that in the past would have been a button or a dial. That includes climate controls, radio volume (there’s also a volume control button on the steering wheel), seat heaters and the camera quick-access button. Mostly these are “set it and forget it” functions, and those that need constant attention, such as climate settings or radio volume, are in a fixed toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
More Safety Features Define the 2026 Mazda CX-5
And then there’s an expanded suite of standard safety tech and features in the 2025 CX-5. Mazda, like many carmakers, has conceded that safety is not a competitive field, but instead, wants to make its cars as safe as possible and include those features as standard equipment. Mazda has added features like blind spot monitoring and lane keep warning as standard features in its models over the last few years.
For 2026, Mazda increased its commitment to this with new cameras to enable the system to see further down the road, up to 200 feet. The new system also adds more sensors and cameras to add forward crash mitigation and emergency braking, as well as front and rear pedestrian detection and braking.
The top-of-the-line Premium Plus model adds a 360-degree surround camera with under-vehicle view, an advanced adaptive cruise control system with traffic support, lane centering and lane change assist and a driver assist with an emergency notification system that will even stop the car, turn on the emergency flashers, and call 911 if the driver becomes unresponsive. It’s easy to see this system at work on the center screen and driver’s display; the display options allow you to see all the cars around you, a handy feature to keep tabs on cars, trucks, and other vehicles around you on a busy highway.
A New Exterior Look Defines Mazda’s Future
Looking at the 2026 Mazda CX-5, you’ll see an entirely new vehicle, top to bottom. Though if I hadn’t told you that, you might not notice immediately, the changes are distinct and follow the design journey the brand has been on lately. The headlights are sleeker and the front face is a bit more detailed. In all, though, its Kodo silhouette, defined by a perky front end and muscular lines that lead to an integrated rear spoiler and liftgate, remains similar and familiar.
Look more closely, though, and you’ll find the rear end is missing the iconic Mazda badge; instead, the Mazda name is spelled out across, framed by new, sleeker tail lights. Lower cladding still surrounds the CX-5 on the front and rear, over the wheels and along the door panels; some trim options include matte cladding and others include glossy cladding.
More Interior Room and Wider Doors For Easier Entries and Exits
The 2026 CX-5 is 4.5” longer and most of that extra space is found in the cargo area—there’s marginally more legroom and shoulder room. The increased cargo space adds up to an additional 4.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and more than 8 extra cubic feet of space with the center seats folded. To make things even more flexible, the rear seats are now fold 40/20/40.
Mazda also increased the lift gate opening and lowered the rear lip of the cargo area to make loading things in and out much easier; now there’s no need to lift something over that lip, and for hauling large things like tables or big coolers, there’s plenty of room to slide them in.
More Room For Installing Kids and Their Car Seats
Mazda showed off the rear seat by installing a rear-facing child car seat, which fit nicely behind a tall passenger; I set the driver’s seat for me (I’m 5’8”) and found that I had more than 30” of space between the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat for installing a car seat.
But maybe the biggest news here is not the extra space, but the wider door openings to access that space. The rear doors now open a full 90 degrees and the door openings have been enlarged to make getting in and out, or getting your kids in and out, easier. If you’ve ever been that one who hit your kid’s head on the door frame trying to lift her out of her car seat, you’ll appreciate this.
What’s Not New for 2026
Mazda didn’t change everything, and that includes the engine in the CX-5. It’s still powered by the same 4-cylinder engine that generates 187 HP and 186 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is still standard across the entire lineup—Mazda made that standard in 2022. And it’s still a fun-to-drive compact SUV with great visibility, comfortable seats, and premium features.
It delivers a lot in the base model S trim and a premium feel in the top-of-the-line Premium Plus model.
Google Built-in and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: The Good and Bad
Along with all that great new technology comes the mixed news about Google Built-in: yes, it’s included, but it’s only a one-year subscription and $120 a year afterward.
The nicest thing about Google Built-in is that it comes with voice-activated assistance and up-to-the-minute Google Maps. The downside is the added cost of a subscription.
However, in all but the base S model, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can just connect your phone and voila, you have Siri, Google Maps and anything else you need at your fingertips.
I am a fan of the Google Built-in system, but I’m also fatigued by all the monthly subscriptions. At least there’s a year to decide.
No Turbo, Hybrid or Meridian … Yet
If you’re looking at the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and wondering… where’s the turbo option? Where is the Meridian off-road model? And no hybrid???
Well, Mazda was mum on these details, but we suspect that, as popular as the CX-5 is, we’ll see those on offer in the coming months. A hybrid would no doubt deliver a very popular option and probably about a 10-12 MPG improvement over the average 27 MPG that the gas-only model is estimated to earn.
And a turbo model that brings HP up to 227 using regular gas and 250 with premium? It’s proven to be quite popular, and the added power is great for people who fill every seat and the cargo area with gear.
What We Loved
There’s a lot to love in the 2026 Mazda CX-5, aside from the modernized interior and exterior. Here’s what we loved:
- AWD is standard across the entire lineup
- All the new standard safety features
- The new multimedia system with touch screen controls and voice assistance
- The new wider door openings and lift gate opening
- Still roomy front and rear seats
- More cargo space with 40/20/20 split seats
- Head-up display is included in S Preferred and above trims
What You Need to Know
As with any car, the Mazda CX-5 comes with a few caveats, such as:
- Google Built-in is complimentary for a year, $120 a year afterward
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is wired in the base model and wireless in all other trims
- Rear seat air vents are on S Select and above
- The lack of buttons presents a learning curve, especially with new software
- Soul Red Crystal is not available on the base S trim
- If you want a more powerful engine option, you’ll have to wait
- Destination and delivery fee is $1,495
What This Car Costs
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is available in 5 trims that represent a price upgrade between $950 and $3,300 over the 2025 model, depending on the trim. Here’s how it shakes out:
- S Trim starts at $29,990 and includes a 10” digital driver display, 12.9” multimedia touchscreen with Google Built-in, wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, steering wheel controls, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, cloth seats, 40/20/40 split rear seats, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, 911 emergency notification, 17” wheels, 1-year trial of Mazda Connected Services via the Mazda app, four color options and sport and off-road drive modes
- S Select starts at $31,190 and adds leatherette seats in black or white, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear seat air vents, power driver’s seat, and seven paint color options
- S Preferred starts at $34,250 and adds 19” wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, heated steering wheel, head up display, roof rails, windshield wiper de-icer
- Premium starts at $36,900 adds a moon roof, power lift gate, premium LED tail lights, leather seats, heated and vented front seats, 12-speaker Bose sound system, Sirius XM with a 3-month subscription
- Premium Plus starts at $38,990 and adds a larger 15.6” multimedia touchscreen, 19” wheels, leather seating, HUD, advanced driver assist with driver monitoring, heated rear seats, driver personalization system, paddle shifters, exclusive leather interior in sand
While this is just the first taste of the future of the Mazda CX-5, it was a good one. The changes inside really do bring this popular SUV solidly into the modern era. I love that head up display is included on 3 of the 5 trims, that the rear seat is now designed to better accommodate kids and car seats, and that the interior continues to feel smart and sophisticated. I like the new steering wheel controls and the screen design, which is quite good.
And of course, we love this car in Soul Red Crystal… I just can’t imagine it in any other color. And with the changes to the 2026 model, I can’t even picture what this car looked like before.
More About:Car Reviews