The Legend of the CX-5 Continues: The All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5 Is Bigger, Bolder, and Better Than Ever

View Our 2026 CX-5 Inventory

Some cars are good. Some cars are great. And then there’s the Mazda CX-5 — a compact SUV that has, for over a decade, consistently made the rest of the class look like they’re not even trying. Since it first arrived in 2013, the CX-5 earned a devoted following by doing something the segment rarely does: it made driving genuinely enjoyable. Sharp steering, athletic handling, a premium cabin, and a price tag that made luxury brands nervous.

But let’s be real — it had its flaws. The back seat was snug. The cargo area left you rearranging groceries like a puzzle. And the infotainment system? Charming in its simplicity, perhaps — but let’s call it what it was: dated. Critics asked: could Mazda fix these issues without losing the soul that made the CX-5 great?

The answer is the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5. Fully redesigned from the ground up, this is the third generation of Mazda’s best-selling vehicle — and it’s a statement. A bold, grown-up, tech-forward statement that says: the legend isn’t just continuing. It’s evolving.

A Bigger Canvas, Same Beautiful Art

The 2026 CX-5 is measurably bigger than its predecessor, and you feel every inch of it. Mazda stretched the wheelbase by 4.5 inches, and the results inside the cabin are nothing short of transformative. Rear-seat passengers who once felt like they were being politely tolerated now have 39.9 inches of rear legroom — enough for adults of any height to ride in genuine comfort. Editors over six feet tall found ample headroom in both rows, and the rear doors now swing open to nearly 90 degrees, making loading kids and car seats a breeze.

The cargo area grew to an impressive 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to a whopping 66.5 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. That’s nearly class-competitive, and for anyone who’s ever played Tetris with luggage in an older CX-5, this is cause for celebration. Fold-down levers are conveniently located in the cargo area itself — no walking around the car to drop the seats.

At 184.6 inches long and 73.2 inches wide, the new CX-5 has the presence of an SUV that knows exactly who it is. And yes, it still looks stunning. Mazda’s Kodo design language remains one of the most elegant in the industry — all sweeping lines, sculpted surfaces, and that signature Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint that stops strangers in parking lots.

Technology That Finally Matches the Rest of the Car

Here’s the headline: the 2026 CX-5 has a real, modern infotainment system. And it’s not just good — it’s impressive. Most trims come standard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, and the top-tier Premium Plus steps it up to a massive 15.6-inch display. Both run Mazda’s new Google Built-In system, which brings native Google Maps and Google Assistant right into the dash. No more wondering why navigation felt like an afterthought. This is the real deal.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard from the 2.5 S Select trim upward. The digital instrument cluster measures 10.25 inches and is crisp, customizable, and modern. A standard head-up display appears on the Preferred trim and above, projecting speed and navigation info directly into your sightline. At the top of the lineup, you get a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system that turns your commute into a concert.

And the safety tech? Mazda didn’t hold back. Every single 2026 CX-5 — from the base model to the top trim — comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with traffic jam assist on higher trims
• Blind Spot Monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking with intersection collision mitigation
• Lane Keeping Assistance and lane departure warning
• Rear Automatic Braking and front/rear parking sensors
• Safe Exit Warning to protect rear passengers from opening doors into traffic
• 360-Degree Camera System on the Premium Plus trim

This is the kind of safety tech you used to pay luxury-brand prices for. In the 2026 CX-5, it comes standard.

Refined, Comfortable, and Still Distinctly Mazda

The ride quality has been significantly improved. Where the previous CX-5 was praised for its sporty feel but occasionally criticized for a firm ride, the 2026 model glides over potholes, speed bumps, and rough pavement with composed, refined ease. Highway cruising is whisper-quiet, giving the cabin a premium feel that punches well above the price point.

Under the hood lives Mazda’s trusted 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard across every single trim level — no up-charge, no “available on higher trims” fine print. Just AWD as standard equipment, every time. On the Preferred trim and above, fuel economy improves to 26 city / 30 highway / 28 combined MPG, a meaningful step up.

The interior quality continues to be the CX-5’s calling card. High-grade materials, precise fit and finish, and a thoughtful cabin layout elevate the experience well beyond what the price tag suggests. Leather upholstery arrives on the Premium trim, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats — features typically reserved for vehicles costing significantly more. A panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, and ambient lighting on the Premium adds that finishing touch that makes every drive feel like an occasion.

Five Trims, One Standard of Excellence

The 2026 CX-5 lineup gives you room to build exactly the SUV you want, starting at $29,990 MSRP and climbing to the feature-packed Premium Plus at $40,485. Here’s the breakdown:

• 2.5 S ($29,990): 17-inch alloys, 12.9-inch touchscreen, Google Built-In, full safety suite, AWD
• 2.5 S Select ($31,990) — Editors’ Pick: Adds wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, synthetic leather, wireless charging, keyless entry
• 2.5 S Preferred ($34,250): 19-inch wheels, power liftgate, head-up display, heated front seats and steering wheel, roof rails
• 2.5 S Premium ($36,900) — Most Popular: Panoramic sunroof, Bose 12-speaker audio, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting
• 2.5 S Premium Plus ($38,990): 15.6-inch screen, 360-degree cameras, hands-free liftgate, paddle shifters, adaptive headlights, automated lane change assist

RepairPal rates the CX-5 4.5 out of 5 for reliability, ranking it #4 out of 32 midsize SUVs — with average annual repair costs of just $402 versus $485 for the segment average. This is a vehicle built to last and engineered to be owned with confidence.

The Legend Lives On — Right Here at Browning Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 isn’t just an evolution. It’s an answer to every wish list, every criticism, every “if only.” More room. More tech. More refinement. And yet somehow, it’s still unmistakably, beautifully CX-5.

As California’s #1 Mazda Dealership, Browning Mazda is proud to have the new 2026 CX-5 in stock and ready for you to experience. Come see it in person — touch the leather, sit in the rear seat, pair your phone, feel the ride. We think you’ll agree: Mazda outdid themselves.