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2026 Mazda CX-5 - Still the King of Compact SUVs? Full Review, Features & Pricing

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2026 Mazda CX-5 - A compact SUV that’s built a strong reputation for sporty handling, upscale interiors, and everyday practicality. In a sea of crossovers, does the CX-5 still stand out in 2026?

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The 2026 CX-5 gets a subtle but stylish refresh to keep it modern and sophisticated:

  • Updated front grille with a more sculpted frame and 3D mesh texture
  • Sleeker LED headlights and taillights with a sharper light signature
  • Available new color options like Titanium Gray Metallic and Zircon Sand
  • Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on trim
  • Sportier accents and gloss black trim on Carbon Edition and Turbo models

The CX-5’s design continues to reflect Mazda’s “less is more” philosophy, elegant and timeless.

INTERIOR & TECH

Inside, the 2026 CX-5 continues to blur the line between mainstream and luxury:

  • Standard 10.25-inch infotainment display with an intuitive rotary controller
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard
  • Available Bose 10-speaker premium audio, head-up display, and wireless charging
  • Upscale materials like Nappa leather, wood accents, and soft-touch surfaces
  • Heated front seats are standard, with available ventilated seats and heated rear seats
  • Cargo space: 30.9 cu. ft. behind the second row, expandable to 59.6 cu. ft. with seats folded

The layout is clean, functional, and driver-focused, very Mazda.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

Mazda keeps the proven engine lineup for 2026, but fine-tunes both for better efficiency and responsiveness:

  1. 2.5L Naturally Aspirated 4-Cylinder
    • 187 hp, 186 lb-ft of torque
    • Estimated fuel economy: 26 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
  2. 2.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (on Turbo trims)
    • Up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque (with premium fuel)
    • 0–60 mph in about 6.1 seconds
  • All trims now come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD)
  • Smooth 6-speed automatic transmission tuned for linear response
  • Great ride quality thanks to G-Vectoring Control and improved suspension damping

This is one of the best-handling crossovers in its class, no question.

SAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE

Mazda doesn’t skimp on safety. The 2026 CX-5 comes loaded with its full i-Activsense suite:

  • Standard features:
    • Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
    • Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection
    • Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
    • Blind Spot Monitoring
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Available features:
    • 360° View Monitor
    • Driver Attention Alert
    • Traffic Sign Recognition
    • Adaptive front lighting system

It’s a Top Safety Pick in the making, again.

TRIMS & PRICING

The 2026 CX-5 offers several well-equipped trims for a wide range of buyers:

  1. 2.5 S Select – Strong base with AWD, key safety tech (~$30,000)
  2. 2.5 S Preferred – Adds sunroof, power seat, and heated front seats (~$32,000)
  3. 2.5 S Premium – Bigger wheels, paddle shifters, and upgraded audio (~$34,000)
  4. 2.5 Turbo – More power, black accents, and sport-tuned drive (~$37,000)
  5. 2.5 Turbo Signature – Nappa leather, wood trim, 360 cam, HUD (~$40,000+)

All models include Mazda’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

So, is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 still worth it? Absolutely. It remains one of the most refined, best-driving compact SUVs on the market. With updated tech, premium interior upgrades, and Mazda’s signature focus on driving experience, the CX-5 holds its ground, and then some. 

 

 

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