Mazda CX-5

Name: 2026 Mazda CX-5
Brand: Mazda

EPA MPG: NA

First Take

The Mazda CX-5 has long been one of the sportier models in the compact SUV class. It’s the vehicle we most commonly use as a benchmark when evaluating the handling agility of competitors. Its interior looked and felt much nicer than competing models. But even the CX-5’s biggest fans have to admit that it’s showing its age. Now, after four years without significant changes, as well as the introduction of the similarly sized Mazda CX-50, the CX-5 is finally getting a redesign.

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mazda CX-5

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Equinox

Dodge Hornet

Dodge Hornet Plug...

Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid

Ford Escape

See All Models Predicted Reliability

Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

See All Ratings & Specs

Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

See All Ratings & Specs

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

See All Ratings & Specs

Compact SUVs Ratings

CR Take

2026 Mazda CX-5

$28,770 - $40,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Buick Envision

$38,000 - $47,700

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Chevrolet Equinox

$28,600 - $35,000

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Dodge Hornet

$29,995 - $41,645

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid

$41,645 - $46,990

32 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Ford Escape

$29,515 - $38,400

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Ford Escape Hybrid

$29,515 - $38,400

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

$38,400

37 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2025 GMC Terrain

$30,000 - $32,000

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Honda CR-V

$30,100 - $50,000

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$34,650 - $41,100

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Hyundai Tucson

$28,705 - $40,145

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$33,465 - $41,295

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

$39,730 - $47,440

33 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Jeep Compass

$26,900 - $32,395

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Kia Sportage

$27,390 - $38,290

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

$28,790 - $37,790

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

$39,890 - $44,390

34 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Mazda CX-5

$28,770 - $40,800

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Mazda CX-50

$30,500 - $43,500

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

$33,970 - $40,050

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

$29,995 - $44,445

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid

$40,445 - $50,445

38 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Nissan Rogue

$28,590 - $39,990

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Subaru Forester

$29,995 - $43,295

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

$36,595 - $43,295

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR Take

2026 Toyota RAV4

$29,250 - $40,605

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4

$29,550 - $40,905

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR Take

2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$28,850 - $40,205

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$28,850 - $40,205

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR Take

2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

$44,265 - $48,135

50 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

$44,565 - $48,435

42 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

$30,245 - $40,505

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

2.5-liter 4 (187 hp)

6-speed automatic

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2026

2026 Redesign Year

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 looks to be an evolutionary redesign of the compact SUV. Power comes from the same 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission found in the outgoing CX-5. All-wheel drive will remain standard. Mazda says the three-inch longer wheelbase translates into more interior room, particularly for rear-seat passengers. Most controls, including ones for the climate system, have been integrated into an all-new touchscreen display. We expect all key active safety systems, including AEB, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW, will remain as standard equipment. A new hybrid version will debut in 2027.

2017-Present

Current Generation

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.

2017-2025

2017 Redesign Year

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.