Talking Cars 501: Driving the Mazda CX-5

Main theme: In this podcast episode, we give our first impressions of the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5. Frequently considered the sportiest among small SUVs, the new CX-5 looks similar to its predecessor, but it’s longer and slightly wider.

Initially, it gets a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. A new Mazda-sourced hybrid version is said to be in the works. But the big news is that the new CX-5 gets a touchscreen-only infotainment system—finally putting an end to Mazda’s frustrating knob-based infotainment system.

Our panelists weigh the small SUV’s strengths and weaknesses, discuss how successful the new touchscreen is (or isn’t), and weigh the chances that the CX-5 will retain its place as the king of fun-to-drive SUVs.

Read the first drive review of the 2026 Mazda CX-5. 

Audience question: I’ve tried everything to keep the lenses of the 360-degree backup camera system on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe clean. And when it rains, the water beads up and completely obscures the camera, making the feature almost useless. I’ve tried both hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings, and professional ceramic coating on the lenses. None has really solved the problem. Do you have any other ideas?