Third-generation Mazda CX-5 is bigger, roomier and screen rich

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A minnow among the megacorps, plucky Mazda is virtually the only mainstream brand that hasn’t been swallowed whole by a giant conglomerate, or become deeply dependent on partnerships with other smaller players. So, when a new generation of its biggest selling product drops, it’s a major milestone for Mazda.

It also matters to a significant portion of Canadian car buyers. Compact SUVs are the biggest-selling category in Canada and the CX-5 last year placed fifth in sales out of almost 20 nameplates in the segment, up from seventh in 2024, according to Automotive News Canada.

Mazda can’t easily afford a clean-sheet redesign, so for the 2026 do-over it focused on what was needed most – notably, more interior space and modern screenology.

Overall length has grown by 4.5 inches on a three-inch longer wheelbase, and width by more than half an inch. And yet, although this entailed a new body – which is also upgraded for even better crash protection – the shape is still unmistakably CX-5. The upsizing promotes the CX-5 from being one of the smaller players in its segment to one of the larger ones, with increased passenger and cargo space to match.

Mazda also abandoned its long-standing small screen that was interfaced with a twist/toggle/tap “commander,” and went all-in on large touchscreens – 12.9 inches on base and 15.6 on higher trims. A lot of everyday functions are now screen-based, but many can also be controlled by steering-wheel switches, with the menu displayed in the gauge cluster.

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Mechanically, the powertrain, suspension, steering and brakes carry over the previous hardware, but retuned to enhance ride comfort and driver confidence while preserving the fun-to-driveness that Mazda feels is already good enough.

It’s no secret that a hybrid powertrain will arrive next year, which we’re told will not only deliver better fuel economy, but will also serve as a performance option. The Turbo option is gone, so all models share the familiar 2.5-litre naturally aspirated gas engine that sends a competitive 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Also gone is the cylinder-deactivation system on the standard engine.

With base MSRPs starting at $36,300 for the GX trim, Mazda has positioned the CX-5 to compete, without being in the bargain-basement; base rivals range from low $34,000s to high $39,000s. The midlevel CX-5 GS asks $39,200 and the GT $42,200. Options exclusive to the GT include a panoramic sunroof for $2,000 or a Premium Package (including sunroof) for $4,500.

Scheduled to arrive in showrooms next month, the new CX-5 should keep existing owners loyal and may tip the balance for wannabe owners who found the old one too small. The interior is still posh, yet now more practical and with more modern tech. But the driving experience no longer stands out – and that upcoming hybrid can’t come soon enough.

Looks

With that distinctive C-pillar, subtle bodyside contours and all-Mazda lighting treatments front and rear, nobody will mistake it for anything other than a CX-5.

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Interior

The rear seat roominess isn’t based on just the numbers – the generous legroom is extra useable because there’s ample foot-room below the front seat. The door openings are much larger, too.

For the driver, even the manual seat in the GX trim is eight-way adjustable (six-way is more usual) while the upper trims get 10-way power. That said, we’d have liked still more height adjustment and some rivals have better sight-lines.

A digital gauge cluster is standard on all trims and the display can be configured three ways, depending how much information you want to see. Whichever you choose, you get only a digital speed display and a stylized tachometer – no round dials. A welcome touch is the way navigation instructions are displayed in the gauge cluster, while there’s an enlarged head-up display in GS and GT.

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Mazda hasn’t held back in finally making the switch to a touchscreen, albeit while some other automakers are now trending back to more hard buttons. Still, the driver can manage many things using the steering-wheel switches or voice command. Google built-in includes maps and Google Assistance. The climate controls are virtual but permanently visible and handily located at the base of the screen, while the centre console hosts a conventional shift lever and side-by-side cupholders.

Depending on the trim grade, interiors are available in black, black and white or black and tan. On the GT the front seats are ventilated as well as heated and the rear seats heated too.

Performance

With an unchanged engine propelling increased mass, the CX-5’s test-track numbers will likely lag the 2025 model’s – Mazda claims zero to 60 miles an hour in 9.6 seconds. As well, on paper, the six-speed transmission disadvantages the Mazda versus rivals with eight-speeds or CVTs.

That said, advantage Mazda for its subjective performance feel; its relatively large naturally aspirated engine feels punchy off the line (for example, no turbo lag) and a stepped transmission avoids the random engine-speed surges typical with CVTs. The engine feels smooth, too, though it does get rather frenzied when working hard. Fuel consumption is still in the ballpark with non-hybrid alternatives, but most rivals do offer a hybrid; CX-5’s hybrid option is still a year or more away.

Engaging handling was long a CX-5 strong point and the chassis still feels taut and composed – once committed to a curve. However, on my GT test car, steering response was surprisingly languid. Still, that’s something only committed gearheads would notice or care about.

Technology

We’ve already addressed the big touchscreen transition; suffice to add that the GS and GT have wireless smartphone integration and charging, while the GT adds SiriusXM 360L, which combines satellite and streaming content into a single platform.

On the driver-assist side, you don’t have to spend more to get more. It’s all standard and it’s a lot. Above-and-beyond active aids include front- and rear-cross-traffic and turning-across-path automatic braking and lane-change assist; the latter automatically changes lanes (when safe) when initiated by a tap on the turn signal. Standard Private eCall automatically calls emergency services in the event of an accident or driver impairment.

Cargo

The enlarged cargo area still isn’t the segment’s largest (there’s minimal hidden space below deck) but it’s now competitive at 954 Litres seats-up and 1,882 seats-down. As well, it scores on usability, with a 40/20/40 split seatback that also folds flatter than those of most rivals.

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Tech specs

2026 Mazda CX-5

• Price range: $36,300 - $47,700 (excluding freight, fees and taxes)
• Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
• Horsepower/torque (lb.-ft.): 187 / 186
• Transmission/drive: Six-speed automatic / AWD
• Fuel consumption (litres per 100 kilometres):             9.9 city/ 7.9 highway
• Alternatives: Buick Envision, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan, GMC Terrain

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The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.

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