Mazda CX-5 (2026)

Consumer Reports is disappointed that the 2026 Mazda CX-5 loses some of the character that once made it special. The redesigned SUV gains genuinely useful rear-seat and cargo space, a comfortable ride, strong visibility, standard safety features, and still-better-than-average steering. But cost-cutting is obvious inside, with more hard plastic and frustrating touchscreen-only climate controls, while the seats proved uncomfortable on a 150-mile drive. The familiar 187-hp engine and six-speed automatic feel noisy and dated, and lane centering is limited to the top trim. It remains practical and reasonably sporty, but feels more ordinary than its predecessor.

Alex on Autos is notably skeptical of the 2026 CX-5, despite appreciating its handsome styling, much-improved rear-seat room, practical 40/20/40 cargo setup, polished cabin, and excellent infotainment. The bigger body finally makes it more family-friendly, and its steering and suspension remain engaging, but the unchanged 187-hp engine and six-speed automatic are glaring weaknesses: acceleration is slow, fuel economy trails hybrids, braking is merely average, and the ride can feel busy. He views the CX-5 as attractively priced and thoughtfully redesigned, but recommends waiting for Mazda’s 2027 hybrid unless value and driving feel outweigh efficiency.

Redline Reviews is positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, calling it a substantial, long-overdue upgrade. The larger cabin, far more usable rear seat, improved cargo space, polished build quality, and exceptionally quick Google-based infotainment make it a strong value, especially with standard i-Activ AWD. However, the reviewer is disappointed by the discontinued turbo engine, sluggish 8.5-second acceleration, mediocre fuel economy, firm seats, road noise, and retreat from physical controls. Overall, it feels more refined and practical but less sporty, making the mid-level trims especially appealing while the hybrid remains highly anticipated.

MotorWeek is clearly positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, viewing it as a thoughtful evolution rather than a dramatic reinvention. The larger cabin, flexible 40/20/40 rear seat, smooth new infotainment, stylish design, and engaging handling earn strong praise. Testing found performance unchanged from the previous generation: adequate rather than exciting, with an 8.5-second 0–60 time, predictable six-speed shifts, secure braking, and impressive highway fuel economy. MotorWeek misses the turbo engine and finds the oversized screen and missing volume knob questionable, but ultimately considers the CX-5 efficient, premium-minded, practical, and still one of the segment’s most enjoyable SUVs.

Savagegeese is strongly positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, calling it a remarkably complete family SUV. The longer wheelbase finally brings generous rear-seat and cargo space, while quieter ride quality, confident handling, natural steering, and thoughtful ergonomics preserve Mazda’s distinctive character. The naturally aspirated engine feels undeniably slow beside hybrids and turbocharged rivals, and fuel economy, storage, interior design, and safety technology trail competitors. The large Google-based touchscreen works well but removes too many physical HVAC controls. Even so, Savagegeese considers it an excellent $35,000–$38,000 all-rounder and a major improvement over the outgoing CX-5.

Tommy is impressed by the 2026 Mazda CX-5 overall, especially its smoother ride, precise handling, premium materials, and much-improved rear-seat and cargo space. He calls the 40/20/40 rear seat, lower lift-over height, standard safety equipment, and Google built-in technology smart upgrades. Still, his enthusiasm is tempered by the unchanged, merely adequate 187-hp engine, lost turbo option, oversized screens, frustratingly screen-based controls, dated driver assistance, piano-black cargo trim, and awkward steering-wheel airbag. His verdict is positive but conditional: the CX-5 belongs on shoppers’ short lists, provided they drive it first.

Ryan Douthit is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, appreciating its roomier, more luxurious cabin, excellent visibility, comfortable ride, and genuinely capable AWD system. He especially likes the trail-view camera and strong hill-descent performance, while his testing found the CX-5 more competent off-road than expected. Still, the 187-hp engine feels merely adequate, acceleration is noisy, handling is softer and less playful than the outgoing model, and cabin noise is disappointing. He also criticizes the touchscreen-only controls and inconsistent wheel-braking behavior. Overall, it’s a sensible, reliable-feeling mainstream SUV, but not the sporty Mazda upgrade enthusiasts may want.

Sarah-n-Tuned is moderately positive, especially about the 2026 Mazda CX-5’s driving character. She praises its multi-link rear suspension, crisp steering, enjoyable manual mode, strong braking, quiet mechanical simplicity, and significantly roomier back seat. The naturally aspirated engine sounds good but feels slow for the SUV’s weight, and she regrets losing the turbo option. Her biggest criticism is the oversized touchscreen and voice-first controls, which make the cabin feel less elegant and intuitive than older Mazdas. She sees the CX-5 as a practical, economy-oriented value—particularly in lower trims—rather than a convincing premium SUV.

Tom Voelk is strongly positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, calling it a refined, genuinely enjoyable compact SUV. He praises its direct steering, comfortable ride, standard AWD, expanded rear seat, flexible 40/20/40 cargo area, attractive cabin, and capable light off-road performance. The naturally aspirated engine is smooth but merely adequate, with weaker passing power and no hybrid option yet. His biggest reservations are the frustrating all-touchscreen interface, frequent CarPlay reconnections, limited seat adjustability, average fuel economy, and missing premium touches. Overall, he sees the CX-5 as a compelling, family-friendlier evolution that preserves Mazda’s driving character.

The Car Care Nut is highly enthusiastic about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, calling it nearly perfect for 2026. He praises its simple, accessible naturally aspirated engine, smooth six-speed automatic, solid underbody construction, comfortable interior, improved rear-seat space, spare tire, and refined driving character. His mechanic’s perspective makes the repair-friendly design—especially the accessible AC expansion valve and uncomplicated cooling system—a standout strength. Still, he warns that the heavier SUV feels underpowered, with the 187-hp engine sometimes roaring without much acceleration. He also criticizes the screen-heavy cabin, missing volume knob, questionable exterior styling details, and power-liftgate design, but considers these minor compromises.

Doug DeMuro remains positive on the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5, calling it an excellent compact SUV with impressive rear-seat room, a polished interior, responsive touchscreen, strong visibility, and a comfortable ride. His enthusiasm is tempered by the underpowered 187-hp engine, lack of a hybrid or turbo option, frequent engine noise, generic styling, and only average handling. He considers it a class-leading choice overall, but less compelling than Mazda’s CX-50 for buyers wanting stronger performance or better fuel economy.

Motormouth is highly enthusiastic about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, calling it a major improvement and a top choice among compact SUVs. The longer body brings noticeably better rear-seat and cargo space, while improved seats, quieter highway manners, sharper cameras, and Google-based infotainment modernize the cabin. They also praise its engaging steering and handling, with the reliable 187-hp powertrain viewed as a sensible choice despite losing the turbo. Criticisms include extra body roll, wired smartphone integration on lower trims, screen-heavy controls, no volume knob, limited sunroof availability, and modest power.

Yuri and Jacob are frustrated by the 2026 Mazda CX-5’s direction, despite respecting its strong driving character. They praise the smoother ride, more comfortable seats, standard AWD, improved rear-seat and cargo space, and responsive six-speed powertrain, calling it adequate rather than quick. Their biggest complaint is the touchscreen-heavy cabin: removing the rotary command dial, physical climate controls, and volume knob makes basic adjustments awkward and distracting, while some graphics and buttons feel unfinished. They also question the expensive top trim and modest engine, suggesting the CX-50 may be the better choice for buyers who prefer Mazda’s older, more intuitive layout.

Brian Makse is highly enthusiastic about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, despite its slower, turbo-free powertrain. He praises the naturally aspirated engine’s quietness and immediate throttle response, revised transmission, communicative steering, excellent brakes, preloaded i-Activ AWD, and notably smoother ride. The longer wheelbase also brings meaningful rear-seat and cargo improvements. Makse concedes the 187-hp engine loses straight-line performance and dislikes moving climate controls onto the touchscreen, though he finds the Google-based system usable. His central takeaway is that Mazda traded turbo speed for superior chassis composure and driving involvement, making the CX-5 especially appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy taking the long way home.

Dave Erickson is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, appreciating its added space, upscale cabin, and modern technology. His hands-on backseat demo suggests genuine improvement for full-size passengers, while the power liftgate, flexible 40/20/40 seating, and standard AWD bolster everyday practicality. He likes the large touchscreen and is glad Mazda dropped the rotary controller, though he acknowledges the reduced physical controls may divide buyers. The gas-only 187-hp engine and loss of the turbo are meaningful compromises, and he recommends comparing cargo space with the RAV4, CR-V, and Forester before choosing it.

Amanda Reviews Cars is positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5, concluding Mazda preserved its distinctive driving character despite the redesign. She praises its nimble handling, spacious rear seat and cargo area, clear backup camera, adaptive headlights, comfortable materials, and useful driver-assistance systems. However, the 15.6-inch touchscreen and removed commander knob frustrate her, especially because climate controls are less convenient, voice commands proved unreliable, and the screen can block airflow when large cups occupy the holders. The gas engine is merely adequate, but she considers it sufficient for daily driving and recommends experiencing the CX-5 firsthand before dismissing it.

Micah Muzio is cautiously positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5’s unchanged powertrain. He points out that the familiar engine produces no extra power, retains the six-speed automatic, and launches without the turbocharged option, making the update initially disappointing. Still, real-world driving changes his view: acceleration is adequate, downshifts are impressively quick, and the transmission shifts subtly in normal driving while Sport mode holds revs for quicker response. The CX-5 is not thrillingly fast, but Muzio finds its drivetrain more effective and better integrated than its carryover specifications suggest.

Car Confections is highly positive about the 2026 Mazda CX-5’s value and upgraded cabin. For roughly $32,000, it offers attractive styling, standard all-wheel drive, leatherette and cloth seats, wireless charging, a 12-inch display with Google Maps, digital gauges, and substantially more cargo room, now approaching RAV4 practicality. The 187-horsepower engine and 26-mpg rating are respectable, while the ride is more comfortable than before. The main omission is a hybrid option, which Mazda says is coming later. Overall, it feels like an impressively well-equipped, affordable CX-5, though the endorsement remains measured rather than exuberant.

Sean Chandler is strongly positive about the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5, especially its much-improved rear-seat room, larger cargo area, softer ventilated seats, and cleaner technology. He appreciates the 90-degree doors, generous footwell, panoramic roof, and useful storage details, while calling the exterior updates attractive. Still, the touchscreen-only controls can frustrate, the 19-inch wheels look undersized, acoustic glass is gone, and the heavier CX-5 loses its turbo while retaining a 187-horsepower naturally aspirated engine. Overall, Chandler sees a more spacious, comfortable SUV with meaningful compromises and hopes the promised 2027 hybrid arrives soon.