The compact SUV remains one of the biggest and toughest market segments in the industry, the big dogs here like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are major players, and hugely important to the company’s bottom line.

Same is true for Mazda – in fact, they have not one, but two models vying for your dollar the CX-5, that’s a well-known, and loved player, and the newer CX-50 a bit more macho for those with more of a rugged appetite.

So, when Mazda decided it was time to create an all-new, CX-5 there was a lot riding on it – is it another home run, or a swing and a miss? Batter up! Let’s check it out.

Haven’t we met somewhere before?

For an all-new model, the CX-5 looks like, well, a CX-5. Let’s make that a larger version of the previous CX-5. Part of Mazda’s honey-do list for the new model was to increase the interior space, especially in back, and the way to do that is make a larger footprint on the outside.

Mazda says the design approach is the “Wearable Gear” concept inspired by functional yet stylish clothing that looks right whether it’s in adventurous settings or at home in the city. Rugged yet refined…we get that.

It’s familiar fare here, and the design is the latest evolution of what Mazda calls Kodo design, With the front end still featuring the familiar pentagon-shaped grille, but it looks larger, and flows into new headlight design, with a single projector style headlight and LED driving lights underneath for a particularly frowny and serious look. The lower fascia also features a larger grille and new side inlets that look hungry and predatory.

The profile is familiar, but the proportions are larger, thanks to a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase, which also seems to make the greenhouse look a little larger. Our tester looked rugged with fender flares, black over fenders and lower sill guards and you get a sense of how much larger the new model is – the blacked-out 19-inch rims have a tough look, but there looks like plenty of room for much larger rims!  

Like the front, the rear is evolutionary, but clever design gives some visual width, with new angular lighting, that features a slim horizontal line that spans most of the hatch width.  A bigger change, the winged logo has been replaced by M A Z D A spelled out in block letters for a bold upscale look. And we love the dual exhaust pipes poking out beneath the rear bumper – this is still the “Zoom-Zoom” company to us!

Finishing off our tester was a sophisticated Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, a handsome creamy cement tone that looks modern and upscale – but if it was up to us, we’d go for the Soul Red Mica, a rich vibrant red that looks great on every Mazda we’ve seen, from the MX-5 up.

Elevated Interior

While the exterior hints at a more upscale setting, the new interior is true luxury digs.

Mazda has been priding itself on creating interiors that feel a level above, and we were impressed with the gorgeous presentation here. Open the door, and there’s a premium two-tone design of Sport Tan leather and contrasting black on lower surfaces. Mazda also points out new interior ambient lighting with a choice of seven colors. Nice.

Technology takes the main stage with a massive optional 15.6-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash taking charge of most things, with almost no other switchgear. There’s an Audi-like vibe here – impressive for a mainstream vehicle.

Settle into the comfortable heated and cooled leather front seats, and your eye gets drawn to the steering wheel with M A Z D A spelled out for a luxury effect. Behind that lovely wheel is a configurable 10.25-inch driver’s display, that gets high points for simple and clean design but lacks some of the functionality like pulling up navi screens you find on some of the competitors – but hey, that’s what the big info-tainment screen is for.

And while we’re excited to see Mazda’s largest info-tainment screen ever, we were even happier to find a system that works exceptionally well, with one of the best integrations we’ve seen of Google built-in. And that means it serves up google apps and services, including soon-to-be-added Gemini, Google’s AI assistant.

Connectivity is top drawer too, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. Everything is not perfect here yet, we noticed that you have to double tap certain features to call up things like climate control (some competitors let you do it all in one touch, which is less time looking away from the road). It’s a small annoyance in an otherwise stellar system.

And while we’re not missing the old Mazda audio system with an Audi-like giant control knob, we are missing the smaller dedicated volume knob. Volume control on the CX-5 is doable through the steering wheel (works fine) or by tapping on the screen and then using a slider (fidgety and hard to fine-tune).

While we’re at it, let’s talk about that steering wheel. Mazda really thought things out here, along with the usual remotes, the wheel also has the drive mode switches, and also a little camera icon that pulls up the 360-degree around view monitor. Key items you use a lot and putting them on the wheel is brilliant!

The front remains spacious as before, but the new longer wheelbase really serves up dividends to those in back with increased rear leg, knee and headroom – a major improvement over what was a common complaint of the previous model. Mazda has also designed the doors to open wider – especially handy if you’re loading in a child seat.

You’ll also enjoy a larger cargo area that’s almost two inches longer and over an inch higher, and also a lower lift-over height at the rear for easier loading of gear.

Still Zoom Zoom?

Does the new CX-5 continue Mazda’s passion for the drive?

Under the hood is Mazda’s familiar 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft of torque. Tuned for sharper response and a quieter demeanor, all CX-5 models also feature a standard 6-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive.

For now, it’s the only powerplant, and the 250-hp, turbo engine we loved is no longer available. Those wanting more performance will have to wait for the 2027 model, when a more powerful (and efficient) hybrid model is scheduled to arrive.

We’d say the current motor is pleasant, and maybe even perky in Sport mode (there’s also Normal and Off-Road). Unfortunately, with 0-60 in about 8 seconds, it’s back of the pack in acceleration – in part due to the larger overall vehicle vs. the previous model. Around town it feels fine, but when you’re merging on the freeway it feels pokey.

It may not be fast, but it is very refined, and it suits the luxury vibe you get in the interior, and a combined 26 mpg EPA rating is solid for a vehicle of this type.

Better news comes from the chassis department – the CX-5 is a responsive handler, and the steering has an Audi-like quality to it. The ride also feels German – smooth but taut, comfortable but still willing to go have some fun.

With the extra room, the CX-5 is a great family car, and Mazda makes sure you’re well protected. Our loaded tester featured standard Blind Spot Monitoring and Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, adaptive cruise control, Emergency Lane Keeping and Traffic Sign Recognition. All good stuff and nicely integrated into the driving experience.

How Much for a Smooth Ride?

Mazda knows this is a competitive segment, and prices competitively. The line up starts with the S model at $29,990, with a luxurious, spacious interior, great road manners and standard all-wheel drive, it’s a tremendous value.

Our tester was the top-of-the-line Premium Plus, and creates a very luxurious and refined experience, starting at $38,990. Add in Polymetal Gray paint ($595), Cargo Tray ($175), First Aid Kit ($45), Floor Mats ($150) and a retractable Cargo Cover ($200). Toss in $1,495 for Destination, and we rang the bell at $41,650.

The big competitors would include the Honda CR-V, comparably equipped at $38,805. Also, spacious and nice to drive, it can’ quite match the luxurious feel of the Mazda, but it’s definitely worth checking out. Toyota’s all-new, 2026 RAV4 is another key competitor, and comes standard with a hybrid powertrain. Priced at $45,379 it’s more expensive, but the Mazda still has the nicer interior, while the Toyota seems to be more trucky/adventurous.

Both Honda and Toyota are strong competitors – it’s no surprise they’re best sellers, but we think the CX-5 has its niche with luxury touches and European road manners.

And of course, Mazda’s CX-50 sibling is right in there, too. With the same engine and AWD, it actually comes in a little less at $37,190, and there’s an available turbo engine for those who take their Zoom-Zoom seriously. A lovely vehicle as well!

Larger, more spacious, with a best-in-class interior and a fun-to-drive vibe, the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 remains a great choice in a compact SUV.