The 2026 Mazda CX-5 AWD©2026 MazdaMazda completely redesigned its CX-5 compact crossover for the 2026 model year, freshening the five-door with a stylish new look, more passenger space, a larger cargo area, an innovative infotainment system, and revised technology. The turbocharged engine is not returning, setting the stage for a hybrid model planned for the 2027 model year.Unlike some automakers, who have made their all-new models unrecognizable from their predecessors (with varying results), Mazda has done an excellent job ensuring the 2026 model remains an unmistakable member of the family—fresh styling aligns it even more closely with the larger CX-70 and CX-90. Compared to the outgoing model, the new look is crisp and slightly more aggressive, yet still 100 percent CX-5 in appearance.The 2026 Mazda CX-5 AWD passenger cabinInside the five-passenger cabin, the transformation is more substantial. Credit a generous overall length and wheelbase increase (4.5 inches), plus half an inch in width, for more rear-seat legroom, knee room, and headroom. Larger door openings make loading passengers easier, and the cargo compartment is longer and taller, with a lower loading threshold. A standard 12.9-inch touchscreen replaces the previous infotainment approach (the flagship trim gets a 15.6-inch display). Built-in Google adds integrated mapping, voice assistance, and compatible apps.Every 2026 CX-5 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter "Skyactiv-G" 4-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque (last year's 2.5-liter "Skyactiv-G" turbocharged 4-cylinder was rated at 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque). Next year, Mazda plans to introduce its new Skyactiv-Z engine paired with Mazda Hybrid System technology, which promises improved performance and efficiency—those shopping during the 2026 model year will only be offered the naturally aspirated pure-combustion engine.On a positive note, a traditional six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel drive are standard, as are three driver-selectable "Normal," "Sport," and "Off-Road" drive modes. (It is best to think of the CX-5 as a "soft roader," with about 8.0 inches of ground clearance—enough to clear steep driveways, speed bumps, and light unpaved or gravel paths without scraping the underbody.) Lastly, Mazda also revises the suspension and G-Vectoring Control Plus system, adding an electronic brake-based limited-slip differential function.The 2026 Mazda CX-5 cargo areaThere are five trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Entry-level 2.5 S models (base MSRP of about $29,990) are fitted with cloth seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and the 12.9-inch touchscreen. Move up to the 2.5 S Select (MSRP of $31,990) for leatherette upholstery, wireless phone charging, power-folding side mirrors, and more. The 2.5 S Preferred (MSRP of $34,250) comes with 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, a 10-way power driver's seat, and more. The 2.5 S Premium (MSRP $36,900) moves up to leather upholstery, panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, a Bose 12-speaker audio package, and more. Lastly, the range-topping 2.5 S Premium Plus (MSRP $38,990) arrives with the 15.6-inch touchscreen, 360-degree camera system, hands-free power liftgate, a slew of driver assistance technology, and more. Again, all share the same engine. (Prices exclude the current $1,595 destination charge.)I tested the 2.5 S Select trim with my family while on vacation in Arkansas. We found that three adults fit comfortably in the cabin, and the trunk easily swallowed our excessive luggage (two 24-inch checked bags, two 21-inch carry-on bags, and three backpacks) without obstructing the view in the rearview mirror.The 2026 Mazda CX-5 rear seatsThe cabin layout is traditional, with a primary instrument cluster behind the three-spoke steering wheel, window controls on the driver's door, and an easy-to-use PRND/M shift lever on the center console with the electronic parking brake beside it. The physical HVAC and audio controls are gone, as those functions are controlled via the large touchscreen on the top of the console (audio can also be adjusted on the steering wheel controls). The overall look is very clean. Unfortunately, the touchscreen menu isn't intuitive—it takes more than a few touches and swipes to change many settings, leaving all occupants wishing for more physical buttons.Acceleration is adequate—the 0-60 mph sprint takes about 8.5 seconds, which is fine around town but passing maneuvers take a bit of planning. Thankfully, the 6-speed torque converter-based automatic transmission is smooth and slick-shifting (much better than a buzzy CVT), squeezing every bit of pep out of the engine. The standard start-stop system, engineered to conserve fuel, is annoyingly abrupt in action (especially compared with newer systems with integrated starter motors). The brakes have great feel underfoot, and the standard predictive all-wheel drive adds a comforting level of surefootedness, regardless of the weather.The suspension (MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear) delivers a comfortable ride—it's on the soft side of the scale, meaning there is body roll during quick evasive maneuvers. That said, overall driving dynamics are excellent. Credit the CX-5's innovative G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), a vehicle dynamics technology Mazda developed that subtly adjusts engine torque and applies light braking to improve handling, stability, and smoothness in turns. It works flawlessly, making the CX-5 an enjoyable drive—even my driving enthusiast-tuned mind was impressed.While I miss last year's turbocharged engine and eagerly await the hybrid model set to debut in the next several months, I'd still recommend the 2026 model with its naturally aspirated 4-cylinder. Kudos to the styling, which looks great from every angle; the build quality, which feels more premium than its price suggests; the cabin, which is comfortable for adults; and the trunk, which swallows luggage effortlessly.The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers families everything they want, and its driver-focused chassis tuning ensures the person behind the wheel always enjoys the journey.