by Advantages: Exciting handling, huge rear space, high-quality interior.
Disadvantages: Moderate power, weaker fuel economy, shorter warranty.
Design and Durability Philosophy
Mazda has been avoiding the race of design trends that has captivated the automotive industry in recent years, and the fully updated CX-5 only emphasizes this restraint. Unlike many competitors who constantly update models, experiment with lighting signatures and aggressive exteriors, Mazda remains confidently calm.
This restraint looks purposeful. The new crossover clearly evolves from the previous model, while not trying to be flashy or extravagant. After spending some time with it, you begin to understand what Mazda seems to be striving for — durability. The previous CX-5 sold for almost a decade, and this, the third generation, has every chance to stay on the market even longer.
Key Specifications
Exterior: Stylish Evolution
The exterior design of the new model is a natural maturation of what was already laid down in the previous model. The car looks sleek, streamlined, and more like a city crossover than an off-roader for active recreation, unlike its sibling the CX-50.
The most noticeable changes are the front and rear lights. They have become sharper, modernized, attractive, and unique. The body has undoubtedly become larger, which is perhaps its weakest point — it seems a bit more “bloated.” However, crossover buyers usually sacrifice aesthetics for practicality, so this is unlikely to be a serious problem.
The lighting play stands out the most. The new signatures give the CX-5 enough character without turning it into a caricature. If you want personality, the signature Soul Red color still does a great job with that task.
Interior: Quality Above Its Class
Inside the cabin, you will immediately understand why Mazda continues to offer quality above its class. The manufacturer has clearly defined where to save and where not to. The upper part of the dashboard is not particularly soft, but the materials in the places you touch feel noticeably more expensive than in most competitors.
The controls are pleasant to use, and the layout is clean and intuitive. Technology has also taken a step forward. Depending on the trim, you get a 12.9-inch or an optional 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google integration. The classic control combination of buttons and a joystick is gone, which may disappoint brand fans, but many buyers will like the large screen with a clean interface.
However, the main story unfolds not on the instrument panel, but behind you. The rear seat row in the new CX-5 impresses with its spaciousness. Even a person 198 cm tall has an incredible amount of leg and headroom there. This is probably the most efficient use of inches added to a car recently.
The best part of this space is that the trunk compartment does not suffer from it. It is also worth noting that the rear seat row folds in a 40/20/40 split, which is very convenient for transporting long items. Mazda also made the rear doors open to a full 90 degrees, and the cargo opening has become wider, making loading more convenient.
Driver Dynamics First
The way the CX-5 behaves on the road is both wonderful and a bit disappointing. First, about the main issue: no matter how much you spend on this crossover, you will only get 187 horsepower. This doesn’t feel like enough, especially against the backdrop of competitors in the segment. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes about 8 seconds, which is slow by modern standards.
However, there are positives. The new linear dampers better control body sway, and this is felt immediately. This CX-5 feels calmer and more controlled than the previous model on uneven surfaces. The classic Mazda steering feel remains — it is well-weighted, direct, and devoid of artificial numbness.
This model received the same all-wheel-drive system as the CX-50. In most situations, the car moves with a clear bias towards the front wheels, but the system is always ready to quickly redistribute torque to the rear axle. The CX-5 also inherited the G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) system. This often-underestimated technology, through software, very subtly assists in corners, improving steering precision.
A drawback for a car focused on driving excitement may be its moderate fuel economy. During tests, the CX-5 showed a consumption of about 10.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle. This is significantly worse than competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, but none of them handle as well.
Competitors and Market Position
Mazda deserves praise for how it presents its car against competitors. Unlike other brands that only mention rivals, Mazda boldly placed the CX-5 next to equivalent versions of the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4. Such honesty works in favor of the CX-5.
Mazda clearly wins in terms of driving pleasure and interior build quality. However, it’s worth remembering what’s not on the spec list. Competitors offer better fuel economy, more power, and, in the case of Hyundai and Kia, significantly longer warranty support. This is not an indisputable victory for Mazda, but a matter of value choice for the buyer.
A Choice for Enthusiasts
The 2026 model feels like Mazda doubling down on a very specific philosophy. This is a crossover for those who still enjoy the driving process, who notice the feel of the steering wheel and appreciate good suspension work. At the same time, thanks to the huge rear row, wide door openings, and well-thought-out cargo compartment, it has become truly family-friendly.
Would we like more power? Undoubtedly. Better fuel economy? Of course. The segment proves you can have both. But in a segment obsessed with efficiency tables and feature lists, the CX-5 still feels as if it was developed by people for whom driving pleasure comes first.
In summary, the new CX-5 offers a rare combination in its class: it is not only practical and comfortable for daily family use but also retains that same exciting connection between the driver and the road that Mazda is loved for. Its strengths — handling, interior quality, and space — are of a long-term nature, while some technical indicators may seem compromised against modern trends. This is a car for those who value the feeling behind the wheel above dry numbers in the specifications, and it is in this that it remains a unique offering in the crowded compact crossover market.
