Mazda flew us out to California to experience the newly redesigned 2026 CX-5, which I had high hopes for. I've driven pretty much everything in Mazda's current lineup, so I consider myself pretty familiar with their offerings. And because of that, I was very excited to see what the newly redesigned CX-5 had to offer! We heard from a few product experts early in the morning who answered some questions, but after that, I loaded into my CX-5 and headed off for the day to get acquainted with my new compact SUV friend. Mazda Made The CX-5 Feel Grown Up Without Losing Its Edge 2026 Mazda CX-5 front 3/4 viewThe third-generation CX-5 doesn't lose the magic that made it a favorite for many years. Jannice Jacobson, Senior Manager of Strategic Planning at Mazda, said, “What we set out to do was preserve what makes the CX-5 special while improving it.” Mazda’s Kodo design philosophy emphasizes motion and balance over aggressive styling, favoring clean proportions and restrained surfacing over dramatic lines. It’s a different approach, but it’s also why Mazdas tend to age better than most. This interior is livable in the long run.Amanda Cline / HotCarsSpending time around the 2026 CX-5, it’s clear Mazda is still focused on refining its Kodo design philosophy. The silhouette is still instantly recognizable, but everything feels more deliberate. The body looks longer and more planted than before, and the wider stance gives it a calmer presence on the road. I noticed it most at the front, where the grille and lighting feel more integrated, and again at the rear, where the new lighting and MAZDA lettering give it a cleaner, more confident look. These changes are more in line with what you would find on the larger CX-70 and CX-90, giving the SUV lineup a more cohesive look.“We wanted the vehicle to remain recognizable as a CX-5 but also give it greater presence.”Amanda Cline / HotCarsWhat stood out to me is how well the design handles the CX-5’s size increase without making it feel bulky. Mazda uses Kodo here to manage proportions rather than chase drama. The longer wheelbase and wider body make the CX-5 feel simpler and more balanced in profile, which fits its role better than anything overly stylized ever could. The Extra Space Changes How The CX-5 Fits Into Daily Life 2026 Mazda CX-5 front cabinOne of the most important changes with the new CX-5 is the size. Mazda increased the length by 4.5 inches and added 0.5 inches in width. This made quite a big difference where it really matters: cabin and cargo space. The front seats feel pretty similar to last year's model, but the second row certainly has more room. I was surprised to see how much headroom there was, even with the pano roof (this usually eats up space in that area). Similarly, we heard from Jacobson again that the door openers were larger and easier to get in and out of. Since the CX-5 is a great family SUV, having wider openings for easy access is a great change.Amanda Cline / HotCarsAdditionally, the cargo area received a major upgrade as a result of these changes. The cargo space is taller and wider, leaving room for more bags, groceries, or whatever else you might want to take along for a ride. I sat back there and ate some pie, which was actually pretty comfortable, I won't lie. If you wanted to sit and watch the kids at soccer practice or even catch a movie, you could totally sit back here. Bring some pie Mazda’s New Screen Feels Like A Gamble (Did It Pay Off?) Amanda Cline / HotCarsWe have to discuss the button removal. One of the reasons I loved Mazda interiors so much is that they kept the buttons, even when every automaker had long abandoned them in favor of a full touchscreen setup. Now, as we slog through 2026, some automakers are walking back that decision, while Mazda is taking the plunge. We got into the car with Matthew Valbuena, Project Manager for In-Vehicle Technologies and Human Machine Interfaces, to learn more about the updates to the cabin. When the topic of buttons came up, Valbuena gave us an in-depth look at how the touchscreen works and the updated steering-wheel buttons.Amanda Cline / HotCarsThe CX-5 has Google built in, a docked control bar for quick access to frequently used functions, and voice command support for hands-free operation. He demonstrated how you can say, "Hey Google, change the temperature to 71," or "Hey Google, put on Pop2k on Sirius Radio." It worked well, but I'm not sure how many people will want to talk to their car. This isn't a Mazda-specific issue, but it could be a hurdle for some older drivers and passengers.Amanda Cline / HotCarsEvery new CX-5 comes with a one-year trial period of Mazda Connected Services, but annual subscription fees apply thereafter. The footnote on the release says, "A compatible phone with cellular or Wi-Fi services is necessary to access Mazda Connected Services features. Verizon is the service provider of Mazda Connect Wi-Fi. Trail or paid subscription required." So what limitations are placed on the voice-command support once that is over?The lack of buttons is disappointing, but I didn't have any issues using the steering-wheel controls or voice commands. I found they performed well in all the tests I ran, but I do think this will be a source of contention for buyers. This Powertrain Isn’t Flashy, But It Still Feels Like A Mazda Amanda Cline / HotCarsYou might notice the Turbo options are no longer around. For 2026, the CX-5 is limited to the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. While taking my vehicle up the mountain in the rain, I wished it had a little more power. The engine was a bit noisy and moved at a leisurely pace. This probably won't be much of an issue in normal driving, but I wish it had more power like the Turbo models used to have.The good news is that Mazda plans to release a hybrid model in 2027, which will likely deliver more power. I wish we had that option right out of the gate, so people could drive both to see which one better fits their needs. The previous 2.5-liter models had EPA estimates of 26 mpg city, 30 mpg freeway, and 28 mpg combined, so this is likely to have similar numbers.Pricing for the 2026 model is as follows, with only a slight jump over last year, but a more streamlined approach to trim variants. It still starts under $30,000, Mazda Always Puts Safety First, Especially With The New CX-5 Amanda Cline / HotCarsNot to put safety last or anything, but we had a lot to discuss. Safety is a huge part of the CX-5 package, and the team improved upon an already great platform. We heard from Jennifer Morrison, Director of Vehicle Safety, about some of the changes they made, “Safety doesn’t need to be in your face. It’s there behind the scenes to support you as the driver.” The CX-5 has historically received the IIHS Top Safety Pick award and generally high scores, so I can see the possibility of the TSP+ award in its future. It also helped Mazda earn a spot on Consumer Reports' new Safety Verdict assessment, which is a new benchmark for how effectively modern vehicles help drivers avoid crashes and protect occupants.Amanda Cline / HotCarsAll CX-5 models feature a comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver assistance features, including: Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Speed Limit Assist Traffic Sign Recognition Rear Smart Brake Support Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Pedestrian Detection Smart Brake Support (SBS Front) TurnAcross Traffic alert Emergency Lane Keeping (Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance) Blind Spot Monitoring Vehicle Exit Warning Driver Attention Alert In all fairness, I hopped on the highway and put some of these to the test. I was impressed by how Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Speed Limit Assist handled heavy traffic on a Wednesday afternoon, and Smart Brake Support worked well. The Emergency Lane Keeping systems worked as intended in heavy traffic, and just while cruising on back streets. On those twisty back roads on a foggy afternoon, Road Keep Assist was especially helpful. The CX-5 Still Feels Easy To Recommend Amanda Cline / HotCarsThe 2026 Mazda CX-5 doesn’t lose the spirit of what so many customers already love about it. The exterior changes give it a more mature, cohesive presence without straying too far from a familiar formula. Inside, the added space makes a noticeable difference in daily usability.The touchscreen interface is easily the biggest question mark in the redesign. While I still miss Mazda’s physical controls, the steering-wheel inputs and voice commands worked well in real-world driving. For buyers on the fence, I always recommend getting in the car and drawing your own conclusion.Even with that change, the CX-5 remains easy to recommend. It’s comfortable, practical, safe, and still carries that distinct Mazda driving character. If a friend or family member called me after buying one, I’d happily walk them through the touchscreen setup. Consider it a complimentary Genius Bar session.