2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus: The Brand’s AWD Compact Crossover Experience A Growth Spurt

 

Highlight: The CX-5 is only available in an AWD configuration.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $41,080 (Base Mazda3): $ 31,485

Seating Capacity: 4 or 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a lane keep assist system; front and rear parking sensors; a rear cross traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Test Model): 19-inch alloy wheels; AWD; 15-in touchscreen infotainment system; paddle shifters; hands-free power rear liftgate; a rear adaptive front lighting system; 360-degree camera; lane changing assist system; driver monitoring; power folding heated side mirrors; leather trimmed seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; dual zone automatic climate control system; a keyless entry system; power driver’s seat with memory; power passenger seat; heated and ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; a heated steering wheel; roof rails; Google built-in; wireless phone charger; and a power panoramic moonroof

Options: Red exterior

Other Trim Levels:

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker Bose AM/FM audio system

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/187-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-city/30-hwy (test model)

What’s New: The CX-5 wears an all-new design for the 2026 model year.

Why:

Stylish design

Longer wheelbase equals improved ride quality

A larger infotainment screen

A variety of driving modes

HUD (heads up display) system

Power folding side mirrors

Premium quality interior

Panoramic power sunroof

Host of safety driving aids

Heated steering wheel

Leather seats

A power front seat

Wireless phone charger

A premium audio system

A co-pilot assist steering system

But:

Only one powertrain available

Needs a powertrain offering more than 200-horsepower

No hybrid or plug-in powertrain available

The co-pilot assist steering system does not work in sports driving mode when radar cruise control system is activated

New larger infotainment screen eliminates knobs and dials to control the audio, navigation and other functions. We need knobs and dials.

In order to adjust the trip odometer, one has to use the touchscreen infotainment system

Only available in an AWD configuration

Verdict: At a starting price under $32,000, the all-wheel drive CX-5, one of Mazda’s highest volume sales vehicles, receives a major makeover for the 2026 model year.

The premium compact CX-5 crossover, with its upscale appeal, has grown in size. Thus, this has equated to more interior cabin space. In laymen’s translation, this essentially means more rear leg room. Moreover, a larger interior cabin, also calls for the option of two available mega infotainment screens.

While Mazda has been known for having an undersized infotainment screen, the all-new CX-5 sets a new trend, offering a 12 and 15-inch touchscreen with a built-in Google assistant. And, while we welcome the new screens, the design team at Mazda eliminated knobs and its slow and complicated BMW i-Drive-like controller system. Like the old adage, two steps forward and one stop forward. Can you add a knob or two to the screen, please?

Outside of the new screen and larger interior cabin, Mazda continues to offer a number of premium features to compliment the well-executed cabin design. Depending upon the trim, those features range from a power folding mirrors, a panoramic power operated moonroof with a cover, a wireless charging system, a premium audio system, a heated steering wheel and a co-pilot highway steering system.

Furthermore, the agile vehicle despite its slightly longer wheelbase, continues to make the compact quite maneuverable. This is aided by a 4-cylinder engine producing a respectable 187-horsepower. Unfortunately, Mazda hasn’t added a hybrid powertrain offering to its mix. Maybe it will become available in the next-gen, along with a powertrain offering over 200- horsepower.

Is the Mazda CX-5 the perfect alternative for those seeking a compact with a premium feel without having to step up to a pricey Lexus NX or even a Toyota RAV4 Limited? We would absolutely say, ‘’heck yes.”

Competition: Chevy Equinox; Hyundai Tucson; Nissan Rogue; Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4