2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss ENCINITAS, CA. – Every now and again, a first drive comes along where we're left thinking, "haven't we driven this car before?" In the case of the all-new third-generation Mazda CX-5, the answer is yes. Sort of. While the 2026 model does kick off a new generation for Mazda's global bestseller, it leaves in place many aspects that made it such a sales hit in the first place. So, fear not, current CX-5 owners, your favorite compact SUV is still very much the car you know-that doesn't mean, however, that there aren't a few big changes in store. In addition to new styling, Mazda has dropped the turbocharged variant of the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, leaving just the non-turbo 2.5 in place. Mazda reps told us that the non-turbo is the overwhelming choice for CX-5 buyers, so it is now the only engine on offer. To learn more about the 2026 CX-5, Mazda invited AutoGuide to spend a day sampling the crossover in and around Encinitas, California. 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss Quick Take: 2026 Mazda CX-5 The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is an exercise in not messing too much with a winning formula. This compact crossover accounts for about one-third of global Mazda sales, so it is vital that the company doesn't mess it up. As a result, the all-new CX-5 feels familiar. It is new inside and out, and there are some big changes, including the removal of the 2.5 turbo engine and the addition of an available 15.6-inch Google-based infotainment screen, but the new car feels more like evolution, not revolution. What's New: 2026 Mazda CX-5 The new CX-5 sports new styling all the way around. Headlights, taillights, front grille, front and rear fascias, you name it. It's all new. The new car rides on the same platform architecture as the old, but it's been stretched. It's 4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters) longer overall, and a half inch (12.7 mm) wider. Its longer form translates to more interior space. The new CX-5 has an extra 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) of rear seat knee room, and an extra 1.8 inches (45.7 mm) of rear cargo space depth when the rear seatbacks are upright, and 3.7 inches (94 mm) more when they're folded flat. 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss 2026 Mazda CX-5 Exterior Style To these eyes, the new CX-5 looks very much like the old CX-5. The new car's looks have been sharpened, with fresh sheet metal, redesigned LED headlights and taillights, but it's still very much Mazda's Kodo design. Updated, but designed to be clearly recognizable as a CX-5, just more chiseled and wider. The CX-5's looks were developed around what Mazda calls its "wearable gear" concept. The notion is drawn from clothing that is both functional and stylish, with versatility for work and play. The cars we drove were all upper-level 2.5 S Premium Plus grade, which do a good job of accentuating the CX-5's upmarket stance with their dark 19-inch black metallic wheels and black trim. The CX-5 is notably more angular, like the bigger CX-70 and CX-90, and it wears a prominent MAZDA wordmark liftgate badge. 2026 Mazda CX-5 First Drive: All The Details 2026 Mazda CX-5 First Drive: All The Details View Gallery 32 photos 2026 Mazda CX-5 Powertrain and Fuel Economy Two engines become one; that's the main story of the 2026 CX-5 under the hood. The 2.5-liter turbo four has been dropped, and the non-turbo 2.5 remains. Output is unchanged at 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft. of torque. As was the case previously, the engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. There are no powertrain differences between U.S. and Canadian market models. As for fuel economy, the CX-5 delivers 24 MPG in the city, 30 on the highway, and 26 combined. For Canada, it's 9.9 liters / 100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 9.0 combined. 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss 2026 Mazda CX-5 Handling and Driveability Mazda selected a mix of urban, suburban, and rural roads to test the CX-5's muscles, and the car performed quite well. As was the case with the outgoing model, the 2026 CX-5 is a smooth-riding, comfortable, easy-to-live-with SUV. The non-turbo 2.5 isn't particularly exciting to drive, and a lot of its power is high in the rev range, but Mazda has re-tuned the engine slightly so more of it is available at tip-in. This proved to be good for getting away quickly from rest and for highway merging. In short, it fits the bill for everyday driving. Mazda has also adjusted the software logic for the six-speed autobox to make shifting feel more precise and to shift less often. We didn't notice much gear-hunting or abrupt slamming into gear. For most of the drive, we didn't notice the transmission much at all, and that's a good thing. 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC: All The Details 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss 2026 Mazda CX-5 Ride Quality and Comfort The new CX-5 is a quiet-riding vehicle for the most part. At cruising speeds, the cabin is quite hushed, and the ride feels reasonably sedate on most roads. Under acceleration, the 2.5 does get quite noisy, however. One need not mash the throttle to get moving, but we tried it a few times to gauge its response. And it is responsive, but loud about it. Ride quality overall, even on 19-inch wheels and low-profile rubber, is smooth and well-composed on all but the roughest roads. It's not tuned for performance, so handling isn't razor sharp, but for everyday driving, it's more than up to the task. Steering, which Mazda has also recalibrated, is direct and nicely weighted. The other thing we noted is the much-improved entry and exit, especially for rear passengers, thanks to bigger door openings and hinges that swing the doors open wider. Our six-foot frame easily moved in and out, with lots of head and knee room to spare. 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss 2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior Style and Quality Mazda interiors have long had a premium look and feel, and the 2026 CX-5 is no exception. From the leather seating to the door panels, to the center console and gigantic 15.6-inch multimedia screen and 10.25-inch instrument cluster display, the CX-5 has a strong premium feel. This is especially true for the 2.5 S Premium Plus tester we're driving, which has all the bells and whistles. Mazda has always been good at offering an uncluttered dash and console layout, and that remains true in the new CX-5. The console controller knob is gone (more on that further down), and there are more functions buried in the touchscreen, but Mazda's simplicity remains. Everything operates with a feel of precise quality, and we aren't overwhelmed with a dizzying array of knobs and switches. 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss 2026 Mazda CX-5 Tech and Safety We'll get right to it-the 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen is impressive. Not only is it the biggest in its class, but it operates with a stunning, silky smoothness. This is Mazda's first foray with Google Built-in, and it's likely a sign of things to come for the brand. And we really like it. The menus are straightforward, the information is beautifully displayed, and, in some cases, animated. It has all the Google apps and capabilities, but its functions can be adjusted with minimal distraction. Top marks there. We don't love climate controls being on the screen, but at least they're fixed to the bottom row for easy access. As for safety, Mazda is kitting the entire CX-5 lineup with a robust standard safety package that includes Mazda radar cruise control with speed limit assist, traffic sign recognition, rear smart brake support with rear cross traffic alert and pedestrian detection, emergency lane keeping, and more. The 2.5 S Premium Plus also comes with an adaptive front lighting system, front cross traffic alert and braking, driver monitoring, and more. 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss 2026 Mazda CX-5 Value Dollars and Sense Pricing for the CX-5 in the U.S. begins at $31,485 (including destination) for the 2.5 S, which comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and eight-speaker audio. The 2.5 S Select ($33,485) adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, tinted privacy glass, and leatherette seating, among other features. Highlights for the 2.5 S Preferred ($35,745) include 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, power lift gate, and heated front seats. Gains for the 2.5 S Premium ($38,395) include black trim accents, including 19-inch black metallic wheels, panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Bose audio, and leather seating that is heated and ventilated (front only). The fully loaded 2.5 S Premium Plus ($40,485) adds a hands-free power liftgate and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, among other features. In Canada, the CX-5 is offered in three trims: GX, GS, and GT. These broadly align with the U.S. grade walk in terms of content. The entry-level GX starts at $38,495 CAD, the mid-level GS is $41,395 CAD, and the GT starts at $44,395 CAD. There are also two GT option packages. The Panoramic Roof Package checks in at $46,395 CAD, and the GT Premium Package ($48,895 CAD) adds a 15.6-inch infotainment display, power rear liftgate, and paddle shifters among other features. Note, this package requires the panoramic roof option. 2026 mazda cx 5 first drive review meet the new boss Final Thoughts: 2026 Mazda CX-5 The CX-5 is, inarguably, the most important vehicle in Mazda's lineup. It is critical that they get this car right. And we think they have achieved that goal. And while we will certainly miss the turbo engine, an overwhelming majority of buyers will not. But they will surely appreciate the CX-5's new styling, improved tech offering and further refining of its road manners and everyday usability. And with a hybrid set to arrive in 2027, the CX-5 should have even broader appeal. 2026 Mazda CX-5 Engine / Motor 2.5L I4 Output 187 hp / 186 lb-ft. Drivetrain AWD Transmission 6-speed automatic Fuel Economy MPG 24 city, 30 highway Fuel Economy L/100 km 9.9 city, 7.9 highway Starting Price USA $29,990 Starting Price Canada $36,300 As Tested Price USA $39,585 As Tested Price Canada $47,200 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy: All the Details