Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

The Mazda CX-5 has long been a popular choice with buyers looking for a compact SUV that’s more entertaining to drive than most competitors, along with having a nicer interior than what’s typically found in the class. A 2026 redesign keeps much of that appeal intact, while also bringing more interior room, standard all-wheel drive and other improvements.

Related: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Is Bigger and Better, But Still a Mazda at Heart: Review

A 4.6-inch increase in wheelbase brings a welcome increase in rear-seat room and added cargo space, aimed at making the CX-5 more competitive against rivals including the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan. There’s also a new Google-based multimedia system with a proper touchscreen in place of the old Mazda setup with its rotary dial. It all adds up to what may just be the best CX-5 yet.

Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman attended a media event where he was among the first to drive the redesigned CX-5. Tap the link above to read his complete, expert review; read on for a quicker look at five things we like about the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and two things we do not.

What Do We Like About the 2026 Mazda CX-5?

1. Google It

The old rotary-knob-based infotainment system has gotten a well-deserved boot in favor of a new Google-based system with a real touchscreen. The change is transformational, replacing a CX-5 weak spot with one of the best systems in the category. Base trims get a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while upper trims get a massive 15.9-inch touchscreen. Easy to master, the system features large icons and simple menus, and it’s quick to respond to inputs. Access to the Google Play store makes it easy to download additional apps.

2. Added Room

Another big improvement is interior room, particularly in the backseat. This is another area where the old CX-5 fell short of competitors. The difference is immediately obvious, with a claimed 2.3-inch improvement in rear-seat knee room. Front-seat room was never an issue and remains competitive for the class. Cargo room has also increased slightly, and a larger opening makes it easier to load tall items. Visibility remains good for the category thanks to a low beltline and dashboard.

3. Punchy Enough

The same 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine found in the old CX-5 soldiers on with the new version, but it feels more peppy and responsive than its relatively modest output might suggest. In normal driving, the engine delivers smooth and lively acceleration, making for easy merging and passing in spite of the redesigned CX-5’s larger footprint. The six-speed automatic transmission provides quick, positive downshifts even if fuel economy lags behind rivals with more gears or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

4. Still Fun

We’re pleased to report that any concerns about Mazda watering down the CX-5’s sporty demeanor were put to rest after driving the latest incarnation. The new model delivers the same sort of driving engagement as the outgoing one, making even grocery runs that much more interesting. That’s especially true when you drop it into Sport mode, which cranks up steering feel and response while enabling the transmission to hold gears longer for added performance.

5. Good Value

2026 Mazda CX-5 prices top out at about $41,000 (all prices include destination) for a fully loaded S Premium Plus trim. That’s not a bad deal, especially when the average price of any new vehicle these days is around $50,000. It’s also less than a comparably equipped 2026 Toyota RAV4. A mid-trim CX-5 S in Preferred S trim may be the sweet spot, checking in at $35,745 and including such niceties as a power liftgate, head-up display, heated steering wheel, power-folding side mirrors, large touchscreen and 19-inch wheels.

More on the Mazda CX-5 From Cars.com:

• Is the Newly Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 Big Enough?
• These SUVs Are All-New or Redesigned for 2026
• How Much Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
• 2025 Mazda CX-5 Review: Pace Over Space
• Add Cars.com as a Preferred Source on Google

What Do We Dislike About the 2026 Mazda CX-5?

1. Fewer Physical Controls

Much as we applaud Mazda finally retiring their rotary-control-based multimedia system in favor of a proper touchscreen, we’re not as happy about the loss of other physical controls for climate functions. Worse, the new CX-5 doesn’t even have an audio volume knob. Instead, your choices are either using a slider on the touchscreen, steering-wheel-mounted buttons or voice controls. Virtually all other adjustments must now be made through the touchscreen.

2. Poor Fuel Economy

With its normally aspirated four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Mazda can’t match the fuel economy of some competitors with more modern hybrid powertrains and either eight-speed or CVT transmissions. According to Mazda, the CX-5 gets 24/30/26 mpg city/highway/combined, which matches EPA ratings for AWD versions of the gas-powered Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. But the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester are all more frugal with fuel. (Mazda has promised a hybrid CX-5 for 2027.)

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