ENCINITAS, CA – I couldn’t feel better if I’d just removed a pebble from my shoe during a long walk.
Suddenly, I’m free to enjoy the scenery, the fresh breeze, birds singing in the trees. My life is better in ways I barely realized it had been lacking.
Note to the metaphor-impaired: My shoe is the Mazda CX-5 SUV; that wretched pebble was its longtime infotainment system.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 — arriving in dealerships now — eliminates the compact SUV’s biggest pain point: A clumsy dial that controlled everything from audio system to navigation in the previous model. Mazda execs were charmingly — but misguidedly — convinced the system was easy to use and less distracting for the driver to use than the touch screens competitors offer.
Let’s be clear: Touch screens are not perfect. They have drawbacks. Just not as many as Mazda’s previous alternative.
It’s a vast improvement that frees the driver to appreciate the SUV’s other virtues, which include more room, responsive handling and sleek styling.
The new CX-5 goes on sale in February. Prices start at $29,900.
2026 Mazda CX-5 trim levels and prices
Note: All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge
Source: Mazda
How much? How big? How powerful?
The CX-5 competes with compact SUVs like 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 extra room is allotted roughly equally between rear leg room and cargo, both of which are competitive.
Its wheelbase increases about the same amount.
The rear doors open to nearly 90 degrees for easy entry and exit.
All-wheel drive is standard, as are a 2.5L four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission.
Mazda used more high-strength steel in the 2026 CX-5’s structure to reduce road noise.
The extra space didn’t come free, though: The new CX-5 is up to 180 pounds heavier than comparable models of the previous generation. Fuel economy decreased slightly, a shortcoming that will be more than eliminated when a hybrid model joins the lineup in 2027.
My test vehicle was a top of the line CX-5 Premium Plus that stickered at $38,990. All prices exclude destination charge.
The CX-5’s exterior styling is familiar, an evolution of the previous model that
2026 Mazda CX-5 key features
Driving impressions
The CX-5’s interior is attractive and accommodating, but wrapped largely in materials that lack padding, a fact I became aware of when my knees bumped the lower door and center tunnel as I tossed the CX-5 about on sweeping roads climbing hills rising above the California coast.
The CX-5’s steering is responsive and nicely weighted. The suspension kept the SUV stable and secure.
I noticed little wind or road noise on surfaces that varied from highways to lightly used country roads.
The transmission shifted smoothly, but engine noise became very noticeable under acceleration for passing and climbing hills.
Mazda discontinued the more powerful turbo CX-5 the previous generation offered. The upcoming hybrid should address that in 2027, but I wish they’d coaxed a bit more power out of the 2026 model’s engine to offset its increased weight.
The 15.6-inch touch screen in my test vehicle responded quickly. I used Google web-based navigation for directions and wireless Apple CarPlay for music.
There are no physical controls for features like fan speed, temperature and ventilated seats.I’m usually a stickler for dials and buttons to control those features, but the CX-5’s Google voice recognition managed the features to my satisfaction. Rocker switches on the steering wheel did the same for music volume and track selection.
The CX-5’s new controls get high marks, despite my initial trepidation.
Why buy a 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 CX-5 is an attractive and accommodating compact SUV; a sporty looking alternative to more utilitarian vehicles in the crowded segment. The improved rear seat and cargo compartments are are welcome.
Its infotainment controls are a massive improvement that freed me to appreciate the SUV’s handling and style.
Mazda insists that 87% of 2025 buyers chose the base engine, which is 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 will likely be delighted by this year’s improvements.
2026 Mazda CX-5 at a glance
All-wheel-wheel compact SUV
Seats five
On sale February 2026
Base price: $29,990. All prices exclude $1,495 destination charge.
Model tested: CX-5 Premium Plus
Price as tested: $38,990
Power: 2.5L four-cylinder engine
Output: 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 186 pound-feet of torque @ 4,000
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
EPA estimated fuel economy: 24 mpg city/30 highway/26 combined. 87 octane regular gasoline.
0-60 mph: 9.6 seconds
Top speed: 116 mph
Wheelbase: 110.8 inches
Length: 184.6 inches
Width: 73.2 inches (side mirrors folded)
Height: 66.7 inches
Ground clearance: 8 inches
Curb weight: 3,856 pounds
Passenger volume: 104.5 cubic feet (Premium Plus)
Cargo space: 33.7 cubic feet behind rear eat; 66.5 seat folded
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
Assembled in Hiroshima, Japan
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.2026 mazda cx-5 placeholder
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: I drove a 2026 Mazda CX-5 and its new controls changed everything
Reporting by Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
