2026 Mazda CX-5 First Drive: The Must-Own AWD Compact SUV?

Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5: First Impressions

• 🚗 The 2026 Mazda CX-5 receives a significant redesign, aiming to maintain its status as a best-selling vehicle.
• 🎨 The exterior features a new arrow gray color, redesigned LED headlights, and updated grille with a painted finish instead of chrome.
• 📏 The vehicle is now over 4 inches longer and 2 inches wider, promising increased interior space.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

• ⚙️ Under the hood, it retains the 2.5L inline-4 engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission; a turbo option is no longer available, but a hybrid is expected later.
• 🛣️ Despite the familiar engine, Mazda has tweaked the transmission logic, suspension, and chassis for improved driving dynamics and efficiency.
• 🕹️ The all-wheel-drive system is mechanical, sending power to the rear wheels via a driveshaft, and offers three drive modes.

Interior and Technology

• 🔊 The interior boasts new materials, with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the full Google suite, replacing the previous rotary control.
• ❄️ Heated and ventilated seats (three stages each) and dual-zone climate control are accessible via the touchscreen.
• 📱 A new 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a head-up display are included in the top trim, which has an MSRP around $39,000.
• ⚠️ A notable change is the lack of physical controls for climate and audio volume, with all adjustments made through the infotainment screen.

Driving Experience and Handling

• 💨 In sport mode, the CX-5 offers a familiar yet refined driving experience, with responsive paddle shifters and improved transmission shifts.
• 🛣️ Handling is described as predictable and agile, with the multi-link rear suspension providing a balanced and composed ride through corners.
• 🔊 While there's an improved sound deadening and an optional piped-in engine sound, the lack of power from the non-turbo engine is a drawback.
• 🌟 Despite the powertrain limitations, the CX-5 is praised for its upscale interior feel and superior driving dynamics compared to competitors like the RAV4 and CR-V.