2026 Mazda CX-5 SUV will be equipped with a new infotainment system
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 SUV’s new infotainment system is a major upgrade from the past.
- The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is now arriving at dealers, and it solves the compact SUV’s biggest problem.
- Pricing for the five-seater starts at $29,990.
- The touch screen replaces the unreliable old infotainment controller.
Even removing a pebble from my shoe during a long walk didn’t make me feel better.
Suddenly, I’m free and can enjoy the scenery, the fresh breeze, and the sound of the birds singing in the trees. My life has become better in ways I hardly knew I was missing.
Note for those who don’t like metaphors: My shoes are Mazda CX-5 SUVs. That wretched pebble was the long-standing infotainment system.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is now arriving at dealers and eliminates the compact SUV’s biggest problem: the clunky dials that controlled everything from the audio system to navigation in previous models. Mazda executives were charmingly, but misguidedly, convinced that the system would be easier to use and less intrusive to the driver than the touchscreens offered by competitors.
Let’s be clear: touch screens aren’t perfect. They have their drawbacks. Not as many as Mazda’s previous replacements.
This is a significant improvement, giving drivers more freedom to enjoy the SUV’s other benefits, including more interior space, responsive handling, and sleek styling.
The new CX-5 will be released in February. Prices start from $29,900.
2026 Mazda CX-5 trim levels and prices
- CX-5 2.5S: $29,990
- CX-5 2.5 S Select: $31,990
- CX-5 2.5 S Recommended: $34,250
- CX-5 2.5 S Premium: $36,900
- CX5 2.5 S Premium Plus: $38,990
Note: All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge.
Source: Mazda
how much? How big is it? How powerful is it?
The CX-5 competes with compact SUVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and VW Tiguan.
The new CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer than the 2025 model. The additional space is split almost evenly between rear legroom and cargo, both of which are competitive.
The wheelbase also increases by about the same amount.
The rear door opens almost 90 degrees for easy entry and exit.
All-wheel drive is standard, as is a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda used more high-strength steel in the 2026 CX-5’s construction to reduce road noise.
However, the additional space was not free. The new CX-5 is up to 180 pounds heavier than its previous generation counterpart. Fuel economy has decreased slightly, but this shortcoming will likely be resolved when a hybrid model is added to the lineup in 2027.
My test vehicle was the top-of-the-line CX-5 Premium Plus, priced at $38,990. All prices exclude destination charges.
The CX-5’s exterior features a familiar style that is an evolution of the previous model.
2026 Mazda CX-5 main features
- standard all wheel drive
- 12.9″ or 15.6″ touch screen
- 5 seater
- Expanded rear legroom and cargo space
- Google built-in speech recognition and navigation
Driving impression
The CX-5’s interior is attractive and welcoming, but it’s mostly wrapped in unpadded materials, a fact I noticed when my knee hit the door bottom and center tunnel as I tossed the CX-5 down a wide stretch of road climbing up the hills that tower over the California coast.
The CX-5’s steering is responsive and nicely weighted. The suspension kept the SUV stable and safe.
We noticed little wind or road noise on a variety of road surfaces, from freeways to less-used country roads.
The transmission shifted smoothly, but the engine noise was very noticeable when accelerating on mountain passes or climbing hills.
Mazda has discontinued the more powerful Turbo CX-5 that the previous generation offered. The next hybrid should address this issue in 2027, but I wish they could have squeezed a little more power out of the 2026 model’s engine to offset the added weight.
My test vehicle’s 15.6-inch touch screen was immediately responsive. I used Google’s web-based navigation for directions and wireless Apple CarPlay for music.
You cannot physically control features such as fan speed, temperature, and ventilation sheets. I’m usually a stickler for dials and buttons to control these features, but the CX-5’s Google Voice Recognition managed to work satisfactorily. A rocker switch on the steering wheel controlled music volume and track selection as well.
Despite some initial misgivings, the CX-5’s new controls have been well received.
Why buy the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 CX-5 is an attractive and comfortable compact SUV. A sporty-looking alternative to more practical vehicles in a crowded segment. Improved rear seats and cargo space are welcome.
The infotainment controls have been significantly improved, giving you a better understanding of the SUV’s handling and style.
Mazda claims that 87% of buyers in 2025 chose the base engine, and that it remains unchanged for 2026 despite the new model’s increased mass. Previous owners who opted for the more powerful turbo may want to wait for the CX-5 Hybrid, due in 2027. Others may be pleased with this year’s improvements.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Overview
All-wheel compact SUV
5 seater
Release: February 2026
Base price: $29,990. All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge.
Test model: CX-5 Premium Plus
Test price: $38,990
Power: 2.5L 4 cylinder engine
Output: 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
EPA estimated fuel economy: 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. Regular gasoline with an octane rating of 87.
0-60 mph: 9.6 seconds
Top speed: 116 mph
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches
Length: 184.6 inches
Width: 73.2 inches (with side mirrors folded)
Height: 66.7 inches
Ground clearance: 8 inches
Vehicle weight: 3,856 lbs.
Passenger volume: 104.5 cubic feet (Premium Plus)
Cargo space: 33.7 cubic feet behind rear seats. 66.5 seat folded
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Assembled in Hiroshima Prefecture
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.2026 mazda cx-5 placeholder
