The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV with seating for five, standard i-Activ AWD, expanded interior space, and responsive Mazda driving dynamics. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque while working with a six-speed automatic transmission. A longer body and more spacious cabin give passengers additional room while improving everyday cargo versatility.
This 2026 Mazda CX-5 research guide covers exterior design, interior comfort, cargo space, technology, performance, safety systems, specifications, and trim levels. Shoppers can compare the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus models. Each trim builds on the CX-5 lineup with a distinct selection of seating materials, displays, convenience features, wheels, audio equipment, and driver-assistance technology.
Feature availability can vary by trim, installed equipment, production date, and current dealership inventory. Contact our Mazda team to confirm specifications, available exterior colors, incoming 2026 Mazda CX-5 models, current incentives, and the equipment included with a specific vehicle.
The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 advances Mazda’s Kodo design approach with a longer profile, cleaner body surfaces, and a more planted stance. Its sculpted hood, prominent grille, and carefully shaped lighting create a distinctive appearance without adding unnecessary visual clutter. The new body is approximately 4.5 inches longer than the previous generation, helping improve passenger and cargo space while preserving compact SUV maneuverability.
Exterior details vary across the five-trim lineup. The 2.5 S includes 17-inch alloy wheels, while the 2.5 S Preferred and higher trims receive 19-inch machine-finished alloy wheels. Available features include automatic power-folding heated side mirrors, black-finished aluminum roof rails, a power panoramic moonroof, and a hands-free power rear liftgate. Navy Blue Mica joins the exterior color selection for the 2026 model year.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 interior has been redesigned to provide a more open and comfortable environment for up to five passengers. Increased rear legroom, knee room, and headroom make the second row more accommodating for family members and other passengers. A simplified dashboard places the center touchscreen, digital gauge display, steering-wheel controls, and important vehicle information within convenient reach.
Cabin materials become progressively more upscale across the trim range. The 2.5 S includes cloth-trimmed seating, while the 2.5 S Select adds leatherette upholstery with embossed microsuede inserts. Premium models introduce leather-trimmed seats, available Sport Tan leather, ventilated front seats, ambient door-panel lighting, and a power panoramic moonroof. A 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with a two-position memory function is included on the 2.5 S Preferred and higher trims.
The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers increased rear cargo space for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, and other daily essentials. Its longer body helps create more usable room behind the second row without compromising passenger comfort. A wide rear opening and flexible rear seating also make it easier to load larger items when additional cargo capacity is needed.
Liftgate equipment varies by trim and adds convenience for frequent loading. The 2.5 S Preferred includes a programmable power rear liftgate, while the 2.5 S Premium Plus adds hands-free operation. Available black-finished roof rails can be paired with compatible crossbars and cargo accessories for additional carrying flexibility. Mazda accessories such as a retractable cargo cover can help keep stored items concealed inside the rear compartment.
Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes a center touchscreen and Google built-in through a complimentary one-year Mazda Connected Services trial. The 2.5 S begins with a 12.9-inch center touchscreen, while the 2.5 S Premium Plus upgrades to a 15.6-inch display. The larger available screen is the biggest center display Mazda has offered in one of its vehicles.
Google built-in provides supported access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and compatible apps available through Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto compatibility are included on the 2.5 S Select and higher trims. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster presents speed, fuel level, driving range, cruise settings, and i-Activsense alerts. Available upgrades include wireless phone charging, a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, and an Active Driving Display.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard across the lineup. Mazda tunes the CX-5 for smooth acceleration, predictable cornering, and balanced responses during commuting, highway travel, and changing road conditions.
Standard i-Activ AWD continually monitors vehicle behavior and road conditions to help distribute power where it can be used effectively. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, also called Mi-Drive, offers Normal, Sport, and Off-Road drive modes for different driving situations. EPA estimates for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S are 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Actual fuel economy varies with driving conditions, vehicle condition, and individual driving habits.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes an expanded collection of standard i-Activsense driver-assistance technologies. Blind Spot Monitoring can help identify vehicles in monitored blind-spot areas, while Vehicle Exit Warning can alert occupants to certain vehicles or bicycles approaching after the CX-5 stops. Standard front and rear parking sensors provide audible and visual notifications when the system detects nearby obstacles.
Other standard technologies include Road Keep Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with speed limit assist. Smart Brake Support with rear-crossing detection can provide automatic braking support when reversing at low speeds if the system identifies an imminent collision. The 2.5 S Premium Plus adds an enhanced 360° View Monitor and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist. Driver-assistance systems have operating limitations and do not replace attentive driving.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a two-row compact crossover SUV with seating for up to five people. Its redesigned body is approximately 4.5 inches longer than the previous generation, helping create more rear-seat and cargo room. The cabin provides increased rear legroom, knee room, and headroom while retaining a size suited to parking areas, garages, and urban streets.
Every trim uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and i-Activ AWD. The powertrain produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2.5 S is 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Wheel sizes include standard 17-inch alloy wheels on the 2.5 S and available 19-inch alloy wheels on higher trims.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is available in five trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Every model includes the 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, six-speed automatic transmission, i-Activ AWD, Google built-in, and core i-Activsense safety technology. The 2.5 S establishes the lineup with cloth seating, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 12.9-inch center touchscreen.
The 2.5 S Select adds leatherette and microsuede seating, wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging, and automatic power-folding side mirrors. The 2.5 S Preferred introduces 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. The 2.5 S Premium adds leather seating, a panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, and ventilated front seats. The 2.5 S Premium Plus completes the range with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, hands-free liftgate, enhanced 360° View Monitor, and additional driver-assistance technology.
| Trim | Positioning | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | Core equipment | 12.9-inch touchscreen, cloth seating, 17-inch alloy wheels, Google built-in, and standard i-Activ AWD |
| 2.5 S Select | Added convenience | Leatherette and microsuede seating, wireless charging, wireless smartphone integration, and power-folding mirrors |
| 2.5 S Preferred | Enhanced comfort | 19-inch wheels, power liftgate, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, and black-finished roof rails |
| 2.5 S Premium | Premium refinement | Leather seating, Bose 12-speaker audio, panoramic moonroof, Active Driving Display, and ventilated front seats |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | Advanced features | 15.6-inch touchscreen, hands-free liftgate, enhanced 360° View Monitor, paddle shifters, and advanced driver assistance |
Features, colors, equipment, specifications, and availability can vary by trim, production date, installed options, and current inventory.
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The 2026 Mazda CX-5 receives a full redesign with a body that is approximately 4.5 inches longer than the previous generation. The new cabin provides increased rear legroom, knee room, headroom, and cargo space. It also introduces updated styling, larger center touchscreens, Google built-in, and an expanded selection of standard driver-assistance features.
Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD across all five trim levels.
Yes. Mazda i-Activ AWD is standard on every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim. The system monitors vehicle behavior and driving conditions to help distribute power to the appropriate wheels, supporting predictable handling on dry pavement, wet roads, snow-covered streets, and unpaved surfaces.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Actual mileage varies based on driving habits, traffic, weather, vehicle condition, and other operating factors.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S includes a 12.9-inch center touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and Google built-in through a complimentary one-year Mazda Connected Services trial. Higher trims add features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging, Bose audio, an Active Driving Display, and a 15.6-inch touchscreen.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is offered in 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus trims. Every trim includes the 187-horsepower engine and standard i-Activ AWD. Higher models add upgraded upholstery, larger wheels, power liftgate features, a panoramic moonroof, premium audio, larger displays, and additional driver-assistance technology.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a two-row compact crossover with seating for up to five people. Its redesigned cabin provides increased rear legroom, knee room, and headroom compared with the previous generation. Child safety seats can be installed in the rear seating positions when properly secured according to the vehicle and child-seat instructions.
Standard i-Activsense features include Blind Spot Monitoring, Vehicle Exit Warning, Road Keep Assist, Head-on Traffic Avoidance, front and rear parking sensors, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with speed limit assist. Rear-crossing braking and other Smart Brake Support functions can provide additional assistance in certain situations. These technologies have limitations and do not replace attentive driving.
Remote Engine Start is available through Mazda Connected Services and the compatible MyMazda app. New 2026 Mazda CX-5 models include a complimentary one-year Mazda Connected Services trial. Registration, a compatible mobile device, and an active data connection are required, and subscription fees may apply after the trial period.