The 2026 Mazda CX-5 earns a moderately positive 66/100 score, with Auto Buyers Guide praising its cabin technology (big screens, 360° camera system), excellent driving assistance features (rain-sensing wipers, automatic folding mirrors), and smart pricing strategy. However, the vehicle is hamstrung by its outdated drivetrain—the same 2.5L engine producing just 187 hp with a 9.4-second 0-60 time that ranks among the segment's slowest, paired with fuel economy (27 mpg combined, 23.2 mpg real-world) that trails competitors and a lack of turbo options despite sporty styling. Livability improvements are mixed, with the expanded cargo space offset by front seats that lack lumbar support and don't slide back as far as rivals like the Sportage. The CX-5 suits practical mainstream buyers who prioritize tech and value over performance, though the reviewer suggests waiting for the 2027 hybrid model or reconsidering Mazda's European lineup entirely.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus a moderately positive review (60/100), praising its best-in-class driving technology with adaptive swiveling LED headlights and integrated safety sensors, excellent value starting under $30,000, and significantly improved interior space and livability with standard all-wheel drive across all trims. However, the review highlights meaningful compromises: Mazda discontinued the turbocharged engine in favor of a carryover 187-hp naturally aspirated unit, fuel economy is average at 24/30 MPG, and the interior has lost some luxury touches with more hard plastic and fewer physical controls than before. The reviewer expresses uncertainty about whether the CX-5's technology innovations truly match its sportier handling character. This redesigned CX-5 is best suited for value-conscious buyers who prioritize interior space and modern tech features over engaging performance or class-leading efficiency.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2026 CX-5 a moderately positive 60.7/100 rating, praising its design—particularly the checkered LED headlights and redesigned tail lights—along with its improved comfort and practicality, including a 4-4.5 inch wheelbase stretch that benefits rear passengers and cargo space. However, the vehicle struggles with value and performance: it offers only a single 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (187 hp) without the turbocharged or hybrid options available in competitors like the CX-50, while the Premium Plus trim reaches $40,000 without those powertrain upgrades. The infotainment system also falls short, with Google built-in software that needs more polish and limited widget customization. This CX-5 suits buyers who prioritize design and comfort over performance and powertrain variety, and who value practicality at a reasonable (rather than premium) price point.

Doug DeMuro gives the 2026 CX-5 a moderately positive 60/100 score, praising its practical spaciousness—a 4.5-inch wheelbase extension delivers shockingly roomy rear seats for a compact SUV—and its significantly improved tech, particularly the responsive 14.5-inch touchscreen with Google Maps integration and high-quality cameras. However, the vehicle's biggest weakness is its underpowered engine: the sole 2.5L 4-cylinder produces just 187 horsepower, dead last among competitors and a significant step down from the outgoing turbocharged model, while the absence of a hybrid option leaves it uncompetitive against rivals. The interior quality remains high despite tariff-related content cuts, but DeMuro warns the CX-5 lacks a compelling standout factor without performance or efficiency upgrades. This vehicle suits buyers prioritizing interior comfort and practical daily functionality over driving excitement or fuel economy.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 CX-5 a solidly positive assessment (69.1/100), praising its dramatically improved design with a larger, more modern exterior and aggressive styling that maintains recognizable proportions, as well as significantly upgraded comfort with redesigned heated/ventilated seats featuring better padding and bolstering that address past Mazda criticisms. The tech department impresses with a segment-leading 15.6-inch infotainment display and 360 camera on this trim, though performance feels underwhelming with a sluggish 9.6-second 0-60 time despite engine refinements, and value concerns emerge from disappointing 26 combined MPG fuel economy (2 mpg down from the previous generation) and a $900 price increase despite competitive positioning against rivals. The CX-5 is best suited for buyers prioritizing refined comfort, modern design, and technology features over raw performance and fuel efficiency.

Redline Reviews gives the 2026 CX-5 a solidly positive 74.7/100, praising its redesigned interior and modern tech overhaul. The vehicle excels in comfort and practicality—featuring supple, luxury-like seats with sport tan and black two-tone styling, plus 33.8 cubic feet of cargo space and 8.2 inches of ground clearance—while the new 15.6-inch Google-integrated infotainment system represents a significant tech upgrade for the segment. However, performance is a real weak point: the SUV's 9.6-second 0-60 time is slow for its class, fuel economy actually dropped 2 MPG to 24/30 city/highway versus the previous generation, and Mazda cut towing capacity to just 1,500 lbs. This CX-5 is best suited for buyers prioritizing interior comfort, tech features, and practicality over driving dynamics or efficiency.

TheStraightPipes gives the redesigned 2026 CX-5 a mixed rating of 55.9/100, finding compelling practical improvements but notable frustrations with comfort and design choices. The vehicle excels in practicality with a longer, wider body, significantly larger trunk and rear door openings that better accommodate car seats, and receives praise for its new 15-inch touchscreen with Google Maps integration. However, comfort falls short—the heated steering wheel only warms the sides rather than where hands grip, and seat quality varies noticeably between trim levels. The 2026 CX-5 is best suited for buyers prioritizing cargo space and modern tech over premium interior comfort or the turbocharged performance of previous generations.

Auto Buyers Guide gives the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a strong 83/100 rating, praising it as a significantly refreshed model that finally modernizes what was holding back the previous generation. The vehicle excels in livability and design, now measuring 4.5 inches longer with a 109-inch wheelbase, featuring a chiseled front end and CX90-inspired styling that reviewers say looks better than the CX-50, plus a major tech overhaul with a 15.6-inch touchscreen and Google-integrated infotainment replacing the outdated control wheel. The main caveat is that the 2026 model still launches with the same 2.5L Skyactive G engine (187 hp, 185 lb-ft torque), which surprised the reviewer—though hybrid options including a new Skyactive Z hybrid system arrive in 2027. The CX-5 is best suited for buyers prioritizing interior comfort, modern technology, and design refinement who can either wait for hybrid powertrains or are satisfied with the base gasoline engine's performance.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Signature receives a mixed 51/100 rating, with strong execution in reliability and performance undermined by significant value concerns. The turbocharged 2.5L engine delivers impressive 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with solid 6.2-second 0-60 times, while the cabin impresses with high-quality wood trim, soft-touch materials, and a solid door closure that conveys durability—though the infotainment system needs a software update and the 6-speed transmission lags behind competitors by 2-4 gears. The real sticker shock comes from pricing that has climbed to $40,000 for the fully loaded Signature trim, premium gas requirements, and thirsty 22/27 MPG figures that rank among the segment's worst, plus cargo capacity trails rivals by about 5 cubic feet. This vehicle suits buyers who prioritize cabin quality and driving enjoyment over fuel efficiency and value, and can tolerate premium fuel costs for a competent compact SUV.

SavageGeese gives the 2026 CX-5 a positive 67.9/100 rating, praising it as a genuinely improved vehicle that prioritizes driver engagement and practicality. The standout strengths are comfort (90.9/100) with ergonomic seating and a suspension that balances compliance with body control, plus significantly expanded rear legroom and 90-degree rear door openings that make rear-seat access easier. However, the design scores poorly (0.0/100) due to a bland black interior that "feels like a rental car" and interior materials that seem "a generation behind" competitors, while the lack of hybrid or turbocharged options at the $40,000 price point is a real competitive disadvantage. The CX-5 is best suited for buyers who value driving dynamics and practicality over cutting-edge styling and powertrain options.

TheStraightPipes gives the 2026 CX-5 a mixed rating of 42.9/100, finding strong practical improvements but significant disappointments with its tech and controls. The vehicle excels in practicality and comfort, with a 4-inch longer wheelbase providing two extra inches of trunk and rear legroom, wider door openings, and softer, more comfortable seats that accommodate taller passengers well. However, the removal of the rotary dial and physical climate/volume controls in favor of touchscreen-only operation severely undermines the interior experience, and steering wheel buttons are poorly designed with inconsistent responsiveness. The value proposition is particularly weak, as desirable features like the 360 camera, large screen, and paddle shifters are locked behind the expensive top trim. This CX-5 suits practical-minded buyers who prioritize cargo space and back-seat comfort over intuitive controls and feature accessibility.