The Mazda CX-5 may not sell in the volumes that the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 do, but it is still a very popular model, often topping Mazda's sales charts. 2026 marks a generational change for the CX-5, with the second gen model bowing out after a long production run dating back to 2017.While the external changes are more evolution than revolution, the interior has received a more comprehensive makeover and now comes with the latest tech and features on offer in this class.We decided to see how the redesigned model has fared in its first year and whether the move to a new model has helped or harmed its reliability levels. We used reliability data from J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book (KBB) surveys for the data below. The Mazda CX-5MazdaThe CX-5 is now in its third generation and has undergone a comprehensive redesign to bring it in line with some very accomplished rivals in the compact SUV class.Two areas where the older CX-5 was often criticized were the tight rear space and frustrating infotainment system controls. The new model has addressed both concerns, with base trims coming with a 12.9-inch Google-based touchscreen, and higher spec models getting a larger 15.6-inch unit. The overall length has increased by approximately 4.5 inches, benefiting both second row legroom and cargo space.The 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission are carried over, but the turbocharged motor is now only available on the CX-50 SUV. Aside from that, all-wheel drive is standard and a hybrid model is said to be coming for the 2027 model year.J.D. Power Quality and Reliability Scores (2022–2026)MazdaModel YearTotal Overall ScoreQuality & Reliability202682/10082/100202582/10082/100202482/10082/100202381/10082/100202283/10086/100J.D. Power surveys evaluate a broad range of categories, including driving experience, and resale values, but for this article we will be focusing purely on the quality and reliability scores. The overall consumer scores are included for reference.Over the past five model years, the Mazda CX-5 has consistently placed in the "Great" category (80–89 rating scale), showing virtually no dip in reliability even during the move to the new generation model. This is partly because the CX-5 shares several major components with existing Mazda vehicles.Kelley Blue Book Consumer Reviews (2022–2026)Kyle EdwardModel YearOverall Consumer RatingReliability20264.2 / 5.04.7 / 5.020254.4 / 5.04.6 / 5.020244.4 / 5.04.6 / 5.020234.4 / 5.04.6 / 5.020224.4 / 5.04.6 / 5.0Kelley Blue Book (KBB) consumer reviews also cover several segments like comfort, styling, performance and value to arrive at the overall Consumer Rating score (included for reference above), and the reliability segment has been constantly at or near the top of the compact SUV class.While the 2026 model's overall scored was slightly lower (due to some owners rating the new model lower in styling than its predecessor), the reliability score rose to a segment-leading 4.7 out of 5.0.Mazda CX-5 Versus RivalsToyota2026 Model YearJD Power Quality and ReliabilityKelley Blue Book ReliabilityToyota RAV477/100 (Average)n/a (2026) 3.9/5.0 (2025)Honda CR-V83/100 (Great)4.6/5.0Subaru Forester81/100 (Great)3.8/5.0Kia Sportage84/100 (Great)4.0/5.0Mazda CX-582/100 (Great)4.7/5.0Compared to its closest rivals, the 2026 CX-5 is right on par in the J.D. Power quality and reliability metric, and the outright class-leader according to owner reliability feedback from Kelley Blue Book. Honda comes closest overall, with strong showings in both surveys, and the Kia Sportage posted the best J.D. Power reliability score for this year, but fell down slightly in KBB's rating.The real shocker is Toyota's usually faultless RAV4 which has suffered with its shift to a new generation model this year. It scored last in the J.D. Power survey, and the sample group for the KBB survey was so small as to be statistically insignificant. The RAV4 should be back to its winning ways in the coming years, and thankfully the issues are mostly the usual first-year teething problems and not major mechanical ones, especially since the CX-50 hybrid and upcoming CX-5 hybrid share its powertrain.Looking at the latest reliability data, it is clear that the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is maintaining the strong reliability record of its predecessor, and matches up very favorably to its rivals as well. Mazda's slow and steady method of product development has proven to be the right formula to ensure solid reliability for its popular compact SUV.
