The Mazda CX-5 has spent years building a reputation as one of the more enjoyable compact SUVs to drive. It has never been the largest or most practical vehicle in its class, but its sharp handling, handsome design, and upscale interior have helped it stand apart from competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson.
For 2026, Mazda has completely redesigned the CX-5. The third-generation model is longer, roomier, quieter, and much more technologically advanced than the vehicle it replaces. Some of the old CX-5’s weaknesses have finally been addressed, especially its limited rear-seat and cargo space. At the same time, the redesign introduces a few compromises. The interior does not always feel as premium as it looks, and the only available engine is adequate rather than exciting.
In Canada, pricing begins at $36,300 for the CX-5 GX. The GS starts at $39,200, while the GT is priced from $42,200. A GT with the Panoramic Roof Package costs $44,200, and the fully equipped GT Premium Package reaches $46,700. These prices do not include the $2,195 freight and pre-delivery inspection charge, taxes, or other fees.
Exterior design
The new CX-5 keeps the general shape of the previous model, but nearly every detail has changed. It is still immediately recognizable as a Mazda, with a long hood, a strong front grille, and relatively clean body lines. The headlights are slimmer, the front end looks wider, and the rear now uses Mazda lettering across the liftgate instead of the traditional badge.
The design is more upright and substantial than before, but it avoids looking bulky. Mazda has also kept the amount of fake vents, unnecessary trim, and dramatic body creases under control. The result is an SUV that looks modern without trying too hard to attract attention.
The 2026 model is approximately 11 centimetres longer than the outgoing CX-5, with most of that increase going into the wheelbase. The extra length gives it a more planted appearance while creating additional space inside. New Navy Blue Mica joins familiar Mazda colours such as Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, and Polymetal Grey Metallic.
The GX rides on smaller wheels that should provide the most comfortable ride, while the GS and GT receive 19-inch wheels and additional exterior trim. The GT looks the most expensive, with black metallic wheels, upgraded LED lighting, and gloss-black accents. Mazda has not created a rugged off-road version, but the standard all-wheel-drive system and Off-Road driving mode should be useful on snowy roads and loose surfaces.
Interior and comfort
The biggest improvement is found inside. Previous CX-5 models had attractive cabins, but rear-seat space was noticeably tighter than in many competing SUVs. The longer wheelbase gives the 2026 model more rear legroom, knee room, and headroom. The rear doors also open wider, making it easier to get in, load large items, or install a child seat.
Cargo capacity has increased as well. The rear opening is wider, and the load floor is lower, making the space easier to use. The rear seat has a practical 40/20/40 split, allowing long items to fit through the centre while leaving the two outer seats available. For families, travellers, or anyone who regularly carries sports equipment, the new CX-5 is noticeably more useful than the previous generation.
The front seats remain comfortable and supportive, and the driving position feels natural. Visibility is good for a modern SUV, although the larger body may take some adjustment for drivers familiar with the old CX-5. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, while the top package adds a much better 360-degree camera system.
The dashboard has a simple, horizontal design that looks clean and modern. However, appearances can be slightly misleading. Several areas use hard plastic where the previous CX-5 offered softer or more heavily padded materials. The seats and main contact points still feel comfortable, but the redesign does not have quite the same rich, almost luxury-car atmosphere that made the old CX-5 special.
This is unlikely to bother most buyers, but it is worth noticing during a test drive. Mazda is charging close to $49,000 after freight for the most expensive version, and at that price, some shoppers may expect more premium materials.
Technology
Technology has changed dramatically for 2026. Every CX-5 receives a 12.9-inch centre touchscreen with Google built in, while the GT Premium Package upgrades to a huge 15.6-inch display. A 10.25-inch digital instrument panel is also standard.
The Google-based system includes navigation, voice commands, and access to connected services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, although the base GX uses a wired connection. Wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless charging arrive with the GS.
The system looks sharp and responds more like a modern tablet than Mazda’s older infotainment setup. The previous rotary control on the centre console has been removed, meaning drivers now interact with the touchscreen, steering-wheel controls, or voice commands. People who prefer physical buttons may miss the old controller, especially when trying to make adjustments on a rough road.
The large screen also handles a significant number of vehicle settings. Voice control reduces the need to search through menus, but the system still requires some time to learn. It is a major step forward in presentation and capability, although it is not automatically easier to use in every situation.
The GX is well equipped for a base model, with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker audio system, USB-C ports, and keyless entry. The GS adds a power driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, wireless charging, power liftgate, rear air vents, and a head-up display.
The GT brings leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, ambient lighting, and upgraded exterior lights. The available Premium Package adds the 15.6-inch display, hands-free liftgate, paddle shifters, driver-monitoring technology, an advanced 360-degree camera, and additional highway-driving assistance.
Engine and performance
Every Canadian 2026 CX-5 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive.
The decision to keep a conventional six-speed automatic instead of using a continuously variable transmission is welcome. The gearbox behaves predictably, and the engine responds smoothly in normal driving. Around town, the CX-5 has enough power to keep up with traffic without feeling difficult or unrefined.
The problem appears when more acceleration is needed. The new CX-5 is larger and heavier than before, but its engine is not more powerful. Highway merging and passing require planning, and the engine becomes noticeably louder when pushed. Sport mode improves throttle response and encourages the transmission to hold lower gears, but it cannot create additional horsepower.
Mazda no longer offers the powerful turbocharged engine that was available in the previous CX-5. That is disappointing because the turbo gave the SUV performance to match its sporty chassis. A hybrid powertrain is planned for 2027, but buyers purchasing the 2026 model only have the 187-horsepower engine.
Despite the lack of power, the CX-5 remains one of the better-handling compact SUVs. The steering feels accurate, body movement is well controlled, and the vehicle remains stable through corners. Mazda has improved the suspension without making the ride harsh. Road imperfections can still be felt, but impacts are controlled rather than sharp or uncomfortable.
The CX-5 does not float over the road like some comfort-focused competitors. Instead, it gives the driver a clear sense of what the vehicle is doing. That balance between comfort and control remains one of its strongest qualities.
Fuel economy
Official Canadian fuel-consumption ratings are 9.9 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 L/100 km on the highway, and 9.0 L/100 km combined.
Those figures are acceptable for an all-wheel-drive compact SUV, but they are not class-leading. Hybrid versions of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda’s own CX-50 use considerably less fuel. Buyers who drive long distances or spend a lot of time in urban traffic may want to wait for the CX-5 hybrid expected in 2027.
Safety
The 2026 CX-5 comes with an extensive collection of standard safety and driver-assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitoring, emergency lane keeping, front and rear parking sensors, and warnings for vehicles approaching when a door is being opened.
Higher trims add features such as adaptive headlights, an enhanced 360-degree camera, front cross-traffic alert, rear cross-traffic braking, and assisted lane changes. The 2026 CX-5 also earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the organization’s highest safety designation.
Some of the driver-assistance settings can initially feel overwhelming because Mazda uses a long list of names and abbreviations. Fortunately, most of the systems work quietly in the background, and the warnings can be adjusted through the infotainment menu.
Which trim offers the best value?
The GX is better equipped than many entry-level compact SUVs. Standard all-wheel drive, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and the 12.9-inch screen make it a reasonable choice for buyers who want to control costs.
The GS is probably the best version for most people. It adds features that are genuinely useful in Canadian weather and everyday driving, including a heated steering wheel, power liftgate, rear air vents, power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless phone connection, and windshield wiper de-icer. At high 30’s, it offers a good balance between price and comfort.
The GT is worth considering for buyers who want leather seats, ventilation, upgraded audio, and a more polished appearance. The Premium Package has impressive technology, but its high 40’s price makes the average engine performance and harder cabin plastics more difficult to ignore.
Final verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a better family SUV than the model it replaces. It has more room for passengers, a larger cargo area, improved ride comfort, modern technology, standard all-wheel drive, and excellent safety equipment. It also remains more enjoyable to drive than many compact SUVs.
However, not every change feels like progress. Some interior materials are less impressive than before, the touchscreen-heavy layout will not appeal to everyone, and the 187-horsepower engine struggles to give the heavier CX-5 much energy. The absence of turbocharged and hybrid choices leaves the initial 2026 lineup feeling incomplete.
Even with those shortcomings, the CX-5 remains an appealing compact SUV. It looks good, feels secure on the road, and now offers enough space to compete more directly with the class leaders. The GS trim is the strongest value, while buyers focused on performance or fuel economy may be better off waiting to see what the 2027 hybrid offers.
Best qualities: Excellent ride and handling, standard all-wheel drive, improved passenger and cargo space, attractive styling, strong safety equipment, and generous standard features.
Main drawbacks: Average acceleration, no turbocharged or hybrid engine for 2026, some disappointing interior plastics, and greater dependence on touchscreen controls.
