Mazda CX-5

Name: 2026 Mazda CX-5
Brand: Mazda

CR MPG:

Trunk with Hatch Open Feature view of 2026 Mazda CX-5

Engine Shot Feature view of 2026 Mazda CX-5

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The third-generation Mazda CX-5 is aimed at a broader audience than its predecessor. It’s larger and heavier than before, with most of the growth in the wheelbase, which is 4.5 inches longer. This gives it a roomier, more adult-friendly rear seat. It also has a softer, more comfortable ride, extra tech-forward features, and a larger central display screen. Some of those upgrades may expand its mass-market appeal, but they also come with some downsides.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mazda CX-5

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Equinox

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

This car is new and detailed owner satisfaction will be available at a later date.

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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Take

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

2.5-liter 4 (187 hp)

6-speed automatic

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 3 years/36,000 miles
Drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/unlimited miles
Hybrid NA
Roadside Aid 3 years/36,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2026-Present

Current Generation

The latest CX-5 is aimed at a broader audience than its predecessor, with a more comfortable ride, a roomier rear seat, and a larger central infotainment touchscreen. Although it isn't as sharp as the previous generation, it's still one of the best-handling compact SUVs. Power comes from the same 187-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic found in the outgoing CX-5, albeit slightly retuned. Unfortunately, this engine gets loud when it's pushed, acceleration is tepid, and the automatic shifts roughly at times. Fuel economy is 26 mpg overall, which is competitive. Interior quality has taken a step backward, with fewer padded surfaces. The front seats are comfortable, but lateral support is modest. The rear seat is unquestionably roomier and more comfortable. Unfortunately, most of the CX-5's controls, including those for the climate and audio systems, are now located on the touchscreen. This setup is unintuitively laid out and distracting to use while driving. A hybrid CX-5 version will debut in 2027.

2017-2025

2017 Redesign Year

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 may look like the outgoing model, but the changes go deep and are, indeed, substantial. Mazda kept the strengths of the previous version, including its responsive and economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and spry, nimble handling. But they also addressed many weaknesses, making the ride more supple and absorbent and significantly reducing cabin noise. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission; a diesel engine comes later. The cabin is versatile and very nicely trimmed, especially in Touring and Grand Touring trims. Low-speed automatic emergency braking is standard on all trims; a more capable full-speed system with forward collision warning is optional. Figuring out the infotainment system, which is controlled by a console-located knob, takes some time. Upscale options, including driver seat memory and a heads-up display, are optional. Updates for 2019 included a new top-shelf Signature model, which adds special leather trim, and a 227-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine is also standard on the Grand Touring Reserve. Adaptive cruise control and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard for 2020. Updates for 2021 include a new infotainment system. The system, however, isn't a touch screen; users must adjust audio and infotainment features using steering wheel controls or the rotary controller and buttons mounted between the front seats. For 2022 all CX-5’s will come standard with all-wheel drive. The freshened CX-5 gets a mild facelift, redesigned seats, and updates to the transmission and suspension. The 2025 model year introduced a new base 2.5 S trim which slots below the 2.5 S Select.

2013-2016

2013 Redesign Year

The CX-5 provides a competitive and more entertaining small SUV alternative. Handling is taut and agile, with quick, well weighted steering that makes the Mazda fun to drive. However, we found the ride to be choppy and road noise pronounced, making it a loud car. Early versions were powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that returned a good 25 mpg overall in our tests, but it was underpowered. Look for a later model with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which is much more responsive and returns the same fuel economy. The smaller engine was eventually phased out. Happily, the cabin is roomy and versatile. Touring and higher trims have standard blind spot monitoring, a welcome feature. If budget permits, we suggest focusing your used-car search on a 2014 or newer model as these did better in the IIHS small overlap crash test. 2016 brought a light freshening that made the car marginally quieter, spiffed up the interior, and brought the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which is frustrating to use. Automatic emergency braking became available on Touring and Grand Touring models, with forward-collision warning an exclusive option on the top trim.