Higher Than A Toyota RAV4?

The Mazda CX-5 has at all times been one of many best-handling automobiles in its phase, and the automaker’s concentrate on making a fun-to-drive household crossover resulted in a devoted fan base. But for as enjoyable because it was, the earlier CX-5 had its shortcomings.  

The earlier CX-5 suffered from a cramped rear seat, slim door openings, and outdated tech, which restricted its mass attraction. The excellent news is that Mazda fastened most of these points with this third-generation mannequin, which is larger, longer, and fancier than earlier than.

Rubin Archilla, Mazda’s senior supervisor of Research & Development, informed us that the corporate wished the brand new crossover to “keep the same personality” whereas broadening its attraction. And for probably the most half, the corporate succeeded. If you loved how the earlier CX-5 drove, you’ll undoubtedly like this new one. 

The new CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer and has an extended wheelbase than the one it replaces. That new wheelbase makes it really feel extra secure in a straight line, and the automaker tweaked a few of the software program to extend steering suggestions. There’s extra analog feeling coming by means of the wheel with out being as heavy or mushy as earlier than. 

Mazda retuned the electrical energy help to cut back damping as a lot as potential. That means there’s much less getting in the best way of suggestions from the entrance tires. The steering effort is way decrease than earlier than, granted, but it surely doesn’t really feel disconnected.  

The automaker additionally revamped the suspension, with up to date dampers and comparatively softer springs. Despite the improved {hardware}, the suspension setup appears to be like the identical because the outgoing mannequin, in accordance with Archilla, but it surely handles even higher.  

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Pros: Quiet, Comfortable, Still Fun To Drive 

The one factor now holding the Mazda again from being much more enjoyable is the carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces the identical 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, but it surely now feels a bit too underpowered for the chassis.  

It’s nonetheless nice at decrease speeds, with higher tip-in throttle response than earlier than, however the energy felt inadequate when pushing it by means of the lengthy, twisty roads north of San Diego. I wished extra, and it made me deeply miss the outgoing turbocharged variant. But a hybrid model is coming in 2027 that ought to supply comparable efficiency capabilities.  

Photos by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Photos by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

The cabin is way quieter than earlier than, and it was one of many first issues I observed as soon as I hit the street. There’s extra sound deadening within the cargo ground and liftgate meeting, together with extra structural reinforcements across the C-pillar and rear wheelhouses. Mazda additionally moved the audio system within the entrance doorways to the cowl, eliminating the opening wanted for the {hardware}. 

The cabin is dwelling to Mazda’s new infotainment system. The automaker ditched its rotary management dial—for higher or worse—and changed it with a giant touchscreen with Google Built-In. There are actual bodily buttons on the steering wheel, not less than, together with one for M-Drive and one other for the 360-degree digital camera.  

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Cons: No Physical HVAC Buttons, Underpowered, Some Cheapness    

There aren’t any bodily HVAC controls—or quantity knob—apart from the rear and entrance defroster, that are required on vehicles bought in Europe. The controls are pinned to the underside of the touchscreen and are at all times accessible, however Mazda actually needs you to maintain your fingers on the wheel.  

There’s a devoted steering wheel button to have interaction Google’s voice management, which you should use to vary the amount, temperature, and different car options. I didn’t thoughts utilizing my voice, however I can perceive why many discover it irritating and would like knobs and dials for these options.  

Mazda really believes the steering wheel controls and voice management ought to suffice, and it holds this ethos so strongly that it even positioned the amount management on the passenger facet of the display. The firm primarily forces the motive force to make use of the big, tactile steering wheel buttons.  

33

Source: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

What advantages the brand new CX-5 and its large touchscreen, out there in two sizes relying on the trim, is that there aren’t too many choices to fiddle with. There’s a devoted car button to entry issues like i-Stop, security options, and driving place. 

It’s vibrant and responsive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality that’s wired on the entry-level trim and wi-fi on larger ones. There are additionally giant buttons devoted to accessing the house display, app drawer, navigation, and music. 

The entrance seats are snug, and the rear seats are noticeably roomier. Mazda claims there’s now sufficient house for a kid to sit down within the seat with their backpack on the ground in entrance of them. It additionally made the rear sill bigger, so it’s simpler for teenagers to make use of as a step to get out and in of the again seat on their very own.  

There are just a few indicators that Mazda tried to save cash in sure locations all through the cabin. The heart console in my Premium Plus mannequin, which value simply over $40,000, was plain black plastic, together with the higher door trim, however the vital bits stay fairly good, with Mazda utilizing high-quality supplies the place it counts. 

Mazda CX-5 Verdict

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a greater car than its predecessor, which we didn’t assume was potential. It’s nonetheless a mass-market crossover that feels much more luxurious than its price ticket suggests as a consequence of all of the small, incremental adjustments Mazda made. But it’s additionally extra grown-up. 

The lack of bodily controls for the HVAC system is a disappointing improvement, but when it’s the sacrifice wanted to keep up the CX-5’s partaking driving traits, it’s properly definitely worth the trade-off.

Mazda CX-5 Competitors