Jump LinksInfotainment: Holy Screen, Batman!While the Mazda CX-5 has grown in popularity in the shade of the market-eclipsing duo of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, it's still the "if you know, you know," compact crossover – particularly with the 2.5-liter turbo rather than the basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, with the decision made to run the CX-5 alongside the similar-sized and absolutely brilliant CX-50, it's time for the CX-5 to grow some market share by getting a little longer, a little wider, and to drop Mazda's anti-touchscreen philosophy.Whether you're attracted to Mazda's styling and the CX-5's reputation for being fun to drive and having stellar interiors or waiting to see how the next generation plays out, you're likely just as curious if Mazda can keep the CX-5 as engaging while lengthening the wheelbase and adding a little on the sides as we were. We spent a day with the 2026 model and found out that a few inches here and there makes a lot of difference. There are a few potential disappointments to swallow however.First Drive events provide our initial impressions of a vehicle in a restricted environment under certain time constraints. Keep an eye on CarBuzz for our comprehensive Test Drive review which will follow soon. What's Changed For This Model Year? 2026 sees the start of a new generation with Mazda keen to attract customers for the CX-5 that might pass it by due to wanting more legroom in the rear and a regular touchscreen they can use just like their phone. So, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives with a longer wheelbase to accommodate taller passengers in the back and add a little extra cargo space, and ditches its mainly control-wheel-operated infotainment system for a touchscreen based on the Google Built-In system.2026 Mazda CX-5--6-1More space and touchscreens are the major selling points, but Mazda hasn't just catered to the masses and called it a day. Far from it. Mazda already has a solid offering of standard and optional driver assistance features, but the CX-5 introduces some new advanced features and a new evolution of its Kodo design philosophy for the exterior.And, as this is a Mazda that has changed in size, the engineers have sharpened their pencils and set about making sure it still drives like a CX-5. Then the big magic trick is that the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the same price as the 2025 model. Exterior Looks: Evolution, Not Revolution The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer and half an inch wider than the outgoing model, which is enough to make a big difference to the interior but doesn't make for a drastic change to the CX-5's looks. That's mainly done with the softer overall shape and more angular lights that bring it up to date with the larger CX-70 and CX-90 models. Even replacing the Mazda badge on the back with lettering spelling out the name in all caps is designed to have an impact without fundamentally changing the overall silhouette.2026 Mazda CX-5--3It's a gentle evolution of the CX-5, and that's a good thing as it brings what's become a classic silhouette forward with modern styling and tech, like the LED headlights with a new two-tiered daytime running light signature. The base model (CX-5 2.5 S) and the CX-5 2.5 S Select come with 17-inch wheels, while the Preferred and Premium come with 19-inch wheels – our tester is the Premium Plus model with its 19-inch black metallic finish.When it comes to paint, Mazda shines and its signature Soul Red is available as a premium paint color for $595, as well as Rhodium White Metallic, Polymetal Gray Metallic, Machine Gray Metallic, and the Aero Gray Metallic on our tester. Interior: Premium Quality Strikes Again Mazda has gone about some cost-cutting with the CX-5 to keep the price the same, but it only shows in the interior with the missing physical controls. The environmental controls are now always present at the bottom of the touchscreen, as is the volume control for the passenger. Thankfully, Mazda hasn't gone full Volvo and packed absolutely everything on the screen, but you do have to look at a screen and do some tapping now rather than reach for a dial you know is there and give it a little twist.That's the bad news, but the good news is that the rest of the interior is positively Mazda. The seats are great, the materials feel good, and the driver's position is easy to set right. We're told that Mazda saved money in the way it stiches the (standard) leather-wrapped steering wheel, but we didn't notice. The big difference is in the back, and being six-foot-one, I can tell you the extra couple of inches makes a difference. Now, the CX-5 is a crossover kids can grow into and not grow out of if they have a basketball career ahead of them.2026 Mazda CX-5-5204 Infotainment: Holy Screen, Batman! This is where we run into issues with the new CX-5: we were fans of its smaller screens that sit further back in the dashboard so you don't have to glance far to check information, such as when your next turn is coming. The old setup is driver-centric, but the reality is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are designed for touch screens, and it's stretching what Mazda's scroll wheel in the center console can do before it becomes frustrating. Also, Mazda is aware that people don't want to learn a whole new way to use infotainment when they can have something that works the same as the phone in their pocket.Ian Wright/CarBuzz/ValnetMazda's answer for the CX-5 is a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen and for higher trim models, a gargantuan 15.6-inch display on the Premium Plus model. We only got time with the 15.6-inch display, and we suspect the 12-9-inch unit will be the better option. The larger display is, frankly, not that useful unless you're going to spend a lot of time waiting in the car and watching YouTube videos. On the app page, it's almost comical how much space there is between each of the three columns there are, and if you want to tap the icon on the top right, that's quite a reach from the driver's seat.It's a big screen for a pair of eyes to move around on while driving – a larger screen than found on most laptops. But, size issues out of the way, Google Built-In integrates nicely if you're already in the Google ecosystem. Which, for better or worse, you likely are, to some degree. If not, it's nice to have often used apps like music streaming, podcasts, and audiobooks on hand, as well as Google Maps, if you leave home without your phone. If you don't forget your phone and prefer to mirror using Apple Carplay or Android Auto, that's still an option, although if you drive the base trim you'll have to plug in.2026 Mazda CX-5--2 Powertrain & Driving: Keeping It Mazda Mazda is introducing the 2026 model year CX-5 with only the standard non-turbocharged SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter engine carried over for now, and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive as standard. The engine's 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque is par for the course in the segment, but despite engineering updates to "provide an even more intuitive interaction between driver inputs and vehicle response," it has to work hard to quickly get the new CX-5 up to speed. .2026 Mazda CX-5--7Once the CX-5 is moving, it's fine, but there's little overtaking power available and, along with the transmission, it's generally uninspiring. That doesn't make the non-turbo 2.5-liter engine bad, but to unlock the full fun of the CX-5, it does need the turbocharged engine from the 2025 model or, likely, the promised hybrid version coming next year.Out on the road, the new CX-5 feels more refined in both ride quality and a quieter cabin. For ride quality, adding just 4.5 inches between the front and rear wheels will help smooth out the bumps a little as well as turning. Along with some suspension tuning with thicker struts to manage cushioning and body roll, the chassis soaked up the evils of the main freeway surface through San Diego with aplomb – which is no mean feat.It felt like the new CX-5 isn't quite so eager to change direction as the previous version, but it has a lovely confidence keeping pace along a bendy road that rear passengers will appreciate. The engagement is still there as the new CX-5 is well composed and balanced while the steering is responsive and keeps letting you know what the front wheels are doing.2026 Mazda CX-5-The 2026 CX-5 can certainly be hustled, even with the non-turbo engine, as Mazda has a long history of not relying on power to create a fun car to drive. However, we felt it was at its best on the day when cruising with its inherent confidence. There's a reason you're so rarely stuck behind a dawdling Mazda on a back road, and that shouldn't change. Verdict & Pricing: Even Better Value For Money Mazda's value proposition for the CX-5 is always strong, and has managed to keep the price down while keeping the driving experience strong and carrying taller people around in the back without them complaining. If you like Google Built-In, the base CX-5 2.5 S looks like an absolute bargain for $29,990 with its extensive list of driver assistance and safety aids. If you want more wireless options, including phone charging, as well as keyless entry and some extra luxuries, the Select adds $2,000 to the price tag.Moving up, the Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus $34,250, $36,900, and $38,990 become feature-rich yet less expensive competitors to the entry-level premium brands, such as BMW and Audi, offerings. For example, the BMW X3 starts at $51,300 while a comparable in size X5 will cost at least $68,300.2026 Mazda CX-5--4Making the CX-5 a little longer might well be the best move Mazda could have made, and while we don't believe the move to touchscreen is a driver-centric gain, it's the right move. The cost savings are barely noticeable outside the physical controls moving to the touchscreen and the most important ingredients are still there – the interior is excellent, the drive is smooth and engaging, and the styling is above reproach. Overall, the CX-5 is still the CX-5: Just more grown up, and with the same starting price. All is right with the world.