- The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 now includes a large touchscreen infotainment system.
- With an extra 4.5 inches in length, the car's rear row and cargo area are now roomier.
- Standard safety features have increased across all trims, and the top trims now include lane-change assist.
The Mazda CX-5 has long managed to stand out in the compact-SUV segment, which is one of the most competitive and top-selling categories in the automotive world. The family-friendly vehicle’s rivals include popular models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, both of which are sought after for their practicality, value, and versatility.
As a product reviewer at the Good Housekeeping Institute, a mom, and a tech enthusiast, I’ve tested more than 20 SUVs with my family over the past year. I've also been driving various iterations of the Mazda CX-5 for over a decade, so I was pleased to see that the 2026 upgrades offer a lot to like. This year, Mazda addressed several pain points, all while enhancing the features families and couples care about most, from safety to everyday comfort and functionality.
Features at a Glance
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive |
| EPA Fuel economy | Combined/City/Highway: 26/24/30 mpg |
| Limited warranty | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
A more intuitive infotainment system
If you’re familiar with Mazda, you might remember the controller knob, a rotary dial near the gear shifter for operating the infotainment system. It was designed to help minimize distractions and keep your eyes on the road, but it never grew on me. I found that it made simple tasks like changing the radio station cumbersome and confusing.
For 2026, Mazda finally retired the controversial knob. In its place is either a 12.9-inch touchscreen or an impressive 15.6-inch touchscreen on the top trim. The new system feels more modern and intuitive, like using a smartphone instead of an outdated car interface.
The new touchscreen display comes with Google Built-In. That means you can now use Google Maps without having to connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and Google Assistant is integrated directly into the system. While driving, you can now say things like “Hey Google, change the temperature to 70 degrees” and get the results hands-free.
While some drivers may miss physical HVAC controls (myself included), key climate and volume controls are docked at the bottom of the display for quick access. So you don't have to use voice control if you don't want to.
During my test drive, the new infotainment system felt seamless and easy to use. It didn’t overwhelm me in the way some other interfaces do, and the large display never felt excessive or "too much." Steering wheel controls made for simple adjustment of volume and toggling entertainment options.
Another cool feature that kids and sports fans will appreciate: When the vehicle is parked, the screen can run apps like YouTube and even games. No more parking-lot boredom when you're waiting around.
More legroom, smarter cargo, and easier car seat loading
Mazda increased the CX-5’s footprint for 2026, making it 4.5 inches longer and over half an inch wider than the previous model. The result is noticeably improved legroom, headroom, and cargo capacity.
In past models, rear-seat legroom could feel tight, and that’s coming from someone who is 5′3″. In the new CX-5, there’s over two inches of additional knee room than before. When sitting in the rear row, I immediately noticed more space to stretch out and could squeeze in a slim backpack, even with the front seats reclined back.
There's also more room to accommodate a large, convertible car seat. Though the CX-5 remains a compact SUV that won’t rival midsize models when it comes to space, the improved volume felt valuable. Families will also appreciate that the doors are taller and open wider, making it easier to load children into car seats.
Cargo space has grown too. The new CX-5 features a wider and taller liftgate, a lower load floor, and roughly two additional inches of cargo-space depth. You can now pack in more groceries, strollers, and suitcases, and the trunk is also more accessible to both taller and petite drivers.
The CX-5 has a 40/20/40 rear-seat split configuration, allowing you to fold down one section for narrow items like skis or hockey sticks without sacrificing the whole row of seating. Even better, you can do so with one simple motion from a lever in the trunk. I fiddled with it by myself, and the seat dropped down in a matter of seconds with no exertion required on my behalf.
Enhanced safety and driver assistance across all trims
The Mazda CX-5 has a strong safety legacy, including previous IIHS safety recognition, and the 2026 model builds on that reputation. According to the automaker, "Mazda continues to put safety first, combining award-winning crash protection with a full suite of standard driver-assist features designed to help prevent accidents and protect everyone on the road."
The following safety features are standard across all trims:
- Rear Smart Brake Support with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Turn-Across Traffic Alert
- Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist
- Advanced dual front, knee, curtain, and front and rear side-impact airbags
The Premium Plus trim that I drove adds Mazda’s new Cruising & Traffic Support system with Lane Change Assist, which can help execute highway lane changes. The car can change lanes for you when the turn signal is on and conditions are safe, but the experience isn't hands-free (you have to keep your hands on the wheel). Meanwhile, this trim's 360-degree View Monitor displays camera views on the infotainment screen, like an overhead view of the car to assist drivers in checking areas surrounding the vehicle while parking or at low speeds. It makes tight parking maneuvers far less stressful.
During my drive, I could feel Mazda's safety features at work. Blind Spot Assist helped alert me to drivers or bicycles pulling up next to my car while on busy highways and in traffic. I could also feel the system gently guiding the vehicle to remain centered in its lane while driving up and down winding roads in SoCal. These safety features gave me, someone who doesn't drive on a day-to-day basis, extra peace of mind and confidence, especially on a rainy day.
Refined design, inside and out
The silhouette remains sleek and refined and feels more premium than many competitors in the segment. Inside the Premium Plus trim I tested, the cabin felt polished and calming. The new two-tone interior paletteadds sophistication, while genuine leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel elevate the overall feel. Mazda also introducedupdated script on the steering wheel and rear of the vehicle, replacing the previous logo for a more minimalist look. It's a minor change, but one that doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated.
If I have one critique, it’s the exterior color palette. While classic shades like black, white, navy, red, and gray are available, I’d love to see more adventurous options like a rich green.
A familiar and confident driving experience
Under the hood, the CX-5 carries over its standard 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, although highway fuel economy has dipped slightly as the vehicle has grown larger (dropping from 28 mpg to 26 mpg in the combined rating). All-wheel drive comes standard.
On the road, the CX-5 feels characteristically Mazda: responsive, composed, and athletic. I drove it on busy freeways, on winding mountain roads, and in steady rain, and it handled each scenario with confidence.
While this isn't a car designed for serious off-roading, and it doesn't offer the most powerful acceleration, it excels as a daily driver that's nimble enough for city streets yet comfortable for highway cruising. For now, the CX-5 is gas-only, but Mazda has confirmed that a hybrid variant is expected in 2027.
Final thoughts: Should you buy the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 builds on what has always made it a favorite, from sharp styling to confident handling and strong safety credentials, while implementing some much-anticipated upgrades. The new touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-In is a major improvement, the now roomier interior space makes daily driving more comfortable, and the expanded cargo flexibility is a win for families. While the engine remains unchanged and may not thrill those seeking extra power, the CX-5 continues to deliver a smooth, reliable, and confident ride at a competitive price point.
Why trust GH?
GH Senior Reviews Writer and Analyst Olivia Lipski covers tech, travel, autos, home, parenting, and more. Leading Good Housekeeping's 2026 Family Car Awards, she recently tested more than 20 vehicles with her family of three (plus pup), evaluating everything from ease of car seat installation to drivability, comfort, and more.
She had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 in Southern California and continues to evaluate the latest vehicles on the market.
