2026 Mazda CX-5 close to Uniondale, NY

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a SKYACTIV-G® 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine across the entire lineup. Mazda equips the engine with Cylinder Deactivation and i-STOP technology to support fuel efficiency and operational balance during daily driving conditions. The powertrain generates 187 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Direct fuel injection contributes to throttle response and combustion efficiency, while the 13.0:1 compression ratio supports optimized engine performance using regular unleaded 87-octane fuel.

Mazda pairs the engine with a SKYACTIV-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission that includes manual-shift mode. The transmission incorporates closely spaced gear ratios to maintain controlled acceleration and efficient highway operation. Gear ratios include 3.552 in first gear, 2.022 in second gear, 1.452 in third gear, 1.000 in fourth gear, 0.708 in fifth gear, and 0.599 in sixth gear, supported by a 4.624 final drive ratio. Reverse gear uses a 3.893 ratio. 

All trims include Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, also known as Mi-Drive. Drivers can switch between Normal, Sport, and Off-road drive modes to adapt the vehicle’s operating characteristics to road conditions and driving requirements. Standard i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive provides continuous traction management by monitoring road conditions and adjusting torque distribution accordingly. The drivetrain also integrates G-Vectoring Control Plus to support steering precision and directional stability during cornering.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 reaches an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in city driving, 30 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined. Mazda specifies SAE 0W-20 engine oil for the engine, while the fuel tank capacity measures 15.3 gallons. The engine uses an aluminum alloy block and an aluminum alloy cylinder head to manage weight and thermal efficiency. The model also features direct coil-on-plug electronic ignition, a 12V-100A alternator, and a 12V-1.4KW starter system.

Disclaimer: *MPG based on EPA estimates for 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S models, 24 city/30 highway/26 combined MPG. Actual results will vary.

Chassis Structure and Suspension Configuration

Mazda engineers the 2026 Mazda CX-5 with a unibody SUV structure using Ring Structure reinforcement. The chassis combines rigidity and weight management to support vehicle handling and cabin stability. Independent front MacPherson® strut suspension with a stabilizer bar manages front wheel movement, while the rear suspension uses an independent multi-link layout with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. This configuration contributes to controlled body motion and balanced ride characteristics across different road surfaces.

The steering system uses a rack-and-pinion architecture with Electric Power Assist Steering. Mazda calibrates the system with a 14.1:1 steering ratio and 2.75 turns lock-to-lock. The turning circle measures 18.4 feet curb-to-curb and 19.7 feet wall-to-wall, supporting maneuverability in urban environments and parking situations.

The braking system includes ventilated front disc brakes measuring 12.9 inches and solid rear disc brakes measuring 11.8 inches. Standard Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist supports braking stability during emergency situations. Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System function alongside Hill Launch Assist to maintain vehicle control on varying road gradients and low-traction surfaces. Every trim also includes an Electronic Parking Brake system.

Exterior Design Elements and Functional Equipment

The exterior dimensions of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 support compact SUV practicality while maintaining passenger and cargo capacity. The vehicle measures 184.6 inches in overall length with a 110.8-inch wheelbase. Width measures 73.2 inches without mirrors and 81.8 inches with mirrors extended. Overall height measures 66.7 inches. Front track measures 63.2 inches, while the rear track measures 64.0 inches. Ground clearance measures 8.0 inches on lower trims and 8.2 inches on higher trims equipped with larger wheel configurations.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 S Select use 17 x 7J aluminum alloy wheels finished in Gray Metallic and fitted with P225/65 R17 all-season tires. Higher trims use 19 x 7J alloy wheels paired with P225/55 R19 all-season tires. The 2.5 S Preferred uses Black Metallic wheels with a machining finish, while the Premium and Premium Plus trims use Black Metallic finish wheels. All trims include a temporary spare tire.

Mazda equips all trims with LED headlights featuring auto-leveling capability and auto-on/off functionality. Daytime Running Lights and High Beam Control are standard throughout the lineup. Rain-sensing windshield wipers and rear intermittent wipers with washers also come standard. Rear privacy glass becomes available beginning with the 2.5 S Select trim.

The 2.5 S Preferred introduces black-finish roof rails and windshield wiper de-icer functionality. Premium trims add Piano Black lower bumpers, rocker molding, wheel arch trim, and front and rear signature illumination. The 2.5 S Premium Plus includes Adaptive Front-Lighting System technology for improved nighttime illumination during steering input. Higher trims also feature power rear liftgate functionality, while the Premium Plus trim adds a hands-free liftgate system with programmable height adjustment.

The panoramic sunroof included on Premium and Premium Plus trims expands cabin visibility and increases natural lighting inside the passenger compartment. Side mirrors progress from manual folding on the base trim to automatic power-folding heated mirrors on upper trims.

Interior Space and Seating Configurations

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 provides seating for five passengers with a focus on cabin organization and occupant support. Front headroom measures 39.7 inches without the panoramic sunroof and 39.2 inches with the sunroof equipped. Rear headroom measures 40.2 inches without the sunroof and 39.1 inches with the sunroof installed. Front legroom measures 41.7 inches, while rear legroom measures 39.9 inches. Shoulder room measures 57.6 inches in front and 55.6 inches in the rear. Front hip room measures 55.2 inches, and rear hip room measures 52.4 inches.

The rear seating system uses a 40/20/40 split-folding and reclining configuration to improve cargo flexibility. Rear seat center armrests with integrated cup holders are standard throughout the lineup. The cabin also includes overhead storage with a sunglasses holder and multiple storage compartments positioned throughout the interior.

The 2.5 S trim includes cloth seating surfaces in black. The 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Preferred use leatherette-trimmed seating with microsuede inserts. Premium and Premium Plus trims upgrade to leather-trimmed seating surfaces. Heated front seats become standard starting with the Preferred trim, while ventilated front seats and heated rear seats appear on Premium and Premium Plus models.

The 2.5 S Preferred and higher trims include a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory functionality. Premium and Premium Plus trims add a 6-way power-adjustable passenger seat. All trims include leather-wrapped steering wheels and gear selectors. Heated steering wheel functionality becomes standard beginning with the Preferred trim.

Advanced Infotainment and Connectivity Systems

Mazda equips the 2026 Mazda CX-5 with a structured infotainment system centered around Mazda Connect™ technology. Lower trims use a 12.9-inch center display, while the 2.5 S Premium Plus upgrades to a 15.6-inch display with touch-control functionality. Every trim includes a 10.25-inch LCD meter display positioned within the instrument cluster.

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility remain standard across all trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration become available beginning with the 2.5 S Select trim. Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability, voice-command operation, and HD Radio are included throughout the lineup.

The infotainment system also supports Google built-in capable navigation and voice assistant functionality with a one-year included service period. Mazda Connect™ services include Wi-Fi capability, remote services, vehicle status monitoring, vehicle connect services, voice control, and automatic 911 emergency notification.

Lower trims use an 8-speaker audio system, while Premium and Premium Plus trims include a Bose® 12-speaker audio system. SiriusXM® 360L satellite radio becomes standard beginning with the Premium trim. Wireless phone charging is available from the Select trim upward. Front Type-C USB ports are standard across all trims, while rear Type-C USB ports are included on Premium and Premium Plus models.

The 2.5 S Premium Plus also introduces a Personalization System that stores individual driver preferences and integrates additional customization settings within the infotainment interface. Ambient lighting with selectable color settings and front footwell illumination becomes available on Premium trims.

Driver Assistance and Integrated Safety Technology

Mazda equips every 2026 Mazda CX-5 with a broad range of driver-assistance and safety technologies. Standard systems include Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist, Vehicle Exit Warning, Distance and Speed Alert, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist.

The safety package also includes Smart Brake Support with Turn-Across Traffic and Head-On Collision Mitigation capability. Rear Smart Brake Support integrates Rear Cross Traffic Alert and pedestrian detection functionality. Parking sensors are installed at both the front and rear of the vehicle, while the rearview camera includes dynamic guidelines and tow hitch guide functionality.

Traffic Sign Recognition and Emergency Lane Keeping systems remain standard throughout the lineup. Emergency Lane Keeping integrates Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance technologies. Rear Seat Alert systems and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems are also included across all trims.

The 2.5 S Premium Plus adds several expanded driver-assistance technologies. These systems include Driver Monitoring, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist and Unresponsive Driver Support. The trim also includes a 360 View Monitor with underfloor view, parking view, and mirrors-folded view functionality to support parking visibility and low-speed maneuvering.

Visit Garden City Mazda to Schedule a Test Ride

Drivers interested in examining the technical systems and trim configurations of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 can explore the lineup at Garden City Mazda, close to Uniondale, NY. A test drive allows customers to evaluate the SKYACTIV-G® 2.5-liter engine, standard i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive system, suspension tuning, and Mi-Drive functionality under normal driving conditions. Visitors can also compare cabin materials, infotainment display sizes, seating configurations, and advanced safety technologies available across each trim level. The available Bose® audio system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seating, and advanced camera systems can also be reviewed directly during a dealership visit. Our team can provide detailed information regarding trim-specific equipment, cargo dimensions, connectivity systems, and driver-assistance technologies available throughout the 2026 Mazda CX-5 lineup. Schedule a test drive today!