2026 Mazda CX-5 in Hempstead, NY

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is configured as a compact SUV with a consistent engineering platform across its trim lineup, including the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Each trim level builds upon a shared mechanical foundation that includes a SKYACTIV-G® 2.5-liter engine, all-wheel drive, and a unified chassis structure. The vehicle uses a unibody construction reinforced by Mazda’s Ring Structure design, which improves rigidity and contributes to controlled handling and structural integrity. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 maintains a five-passenger configuration with a focus on balanced dimensions, efficient packaging, and integrated systems that support both driving performance and occupant functionality.

Powertrain Configuration and Engine Specifications

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with a SKYACTIV-G® 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 187 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine incorporates direct fuel injection and operates with a compression ratio of 13.0:1. It uses regular unleaded fuel with a minimum rating of 87 octane. The engine includes Cylinder Deactivation, which reduces fuel consumption by shutting down select cylinders during light-load operation, and i-STOP technology, which reduces idle fuel usage by shutting off the engine during stationary conditions.

The engine displacement is 2,488 cubic centimeters, with a bore and stroke of 89.0 mm by 100 mm. The redline is set at 6,500 rpm, and the top speed is rated at approximately 116 miles per hour. The engine uses SAE 0W-20 oil and is constructed with an aluminum alloy block and cylinder head. The fuel system is based on direct injection, and the emission classification is T3B30 with SULEV30 compliance in applicable regions.

Fuel economy estimates are rated at 24 miles per gallon in city driving, 30 miles per gallon on the highway, and 26 miles per gallon combined. These values reflect the integration of engine efficiency systems and drivetrain calibration.

Disclaimer: The new Mazda CX-5 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 MPG city, 30 MPG highway and 26 MPG combined. Actual mileage will vary in real-world driving.

Transmission and All-Wheel Drive Integration

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. This transmission includes a manual-shift mode and a sport mode, allowing the driver to control gear selection or adjust shift timing for more responsive acceleration. The transmission features a final drive ratio of 4.624 and gear ratios that include 3.552 for first gear, 2.022 for second gear, 1.452 for third gear, 1.000 for fourth gear, 0.708 for fifth gear, and 0.599 for sixth gear. Reverse gear is set at 3.893.

All trims include i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. This system continuously monitors inputs such as wheel speed and road conditions to distribute torque between the front and rear axles. The drivetrain includes Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, which provides Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. These modes adjust throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control parameters to match driving conditions.

Suspension, Steering, and Braking Systems

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses an independent front suspension with a MacPherson® strut configuration and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension uses an independent multi-link design with a stabilizer bar. This setup provides consistent wheel control and maintains contact with the road surface during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

The steering system uses electric power assist with a rack-and-pinion configuration. It has an overall steering ratio of 14.1:1 and requires approximately 2.75 turns from lock to lock. The turning circle measures approximately 18.4 feet curb-to-curb and 19.7 feet wall-to-wall. This configuration allows controlled steering input at both low and high speeds.

The braking system includes ventilated front disc brakes measuring 12.9 inches in diameter and solid rear disc brakes measuring 11.8 inches. The system includes Anti-lock Braking System functionality with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. Additional systems include Dynamic Stability Control and a Traction Control System. Hill Launch Assist is also included to prevent rollback during incline starts.

Exterior Design and Functional Equipment

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 incorporates exterior features designed for functional use and system integration. Wheel options include 17-inch by 7-inch alloy wheels with a gray metallic finish and 19-inch by 7-inch alloy wheels with either standard or black metallic finishes. Tire sizes include P225/65 R17 and P225/55 R19 all-season configurations.

The lighting system includes LED headlights with auto-leveling capability and High Beam Control. Daytime running lights are also LED-based. Higher trims include an Adaptive Front-Lighting System, which adjusts headlight direction based on steering input. Rain-sensing windshield wipers with variable intermittent settings are standard, along with a windshield wiper de-icer on select trims.

Side mirrors include heated functionality and power-folding capability on higher trims, while manual folding is included on base configurations. Exterior features also include roof rails, privacy glass for rear windows, and a rear roof spoiler. A power liftgate with programmable height is available, with a hands-free feature included on higher trims. Signature illumination elements at the front and rear provide consistent visibility.

Interior Systems and Seating Configurations

The interior of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is configured to support five occupants with a flexible seating arrangement. The rear seat includes a 40:20:40 split configuration with reclining capability and a center pass-through. The cargo area expands with the rear seats folded, providing increased storage capacity.

Seat materials vary by trim level and include cloth, leatherette with microsuede inserts, and leather upholstery. The driver seat is available with 10-way power adjustment and includes lumbar support and memory functionality. The front passenger seat is available with six-way power adjustment on higher trims. Heated front seats are available starting on mid-level trims, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats included on higher trims. A heated steering wheel is also included on select trims.

The climate system uses dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing independent temperature settings for the driver and front passenger. Rear air vents improve airflow distribution for rear passengers. Additional interior features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, ambient lighting in the front door trim with selectable colors, and overhead lighting elements.

Interior storage includes an overhead console with a sunglasses holder, a rear center armrest with cup holders, and multiple USB-C ports for device charging in both front and rear seating areas. A 12-volt power outlet is included for additional accessory use.

Digital Displays and Infotainment Systems

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes a digital instrument cluster measuring 10.25 inches. An available Active Driving Display projects key information onto the windshield in full color. The center display measures 12.9 inches on most trims, with a 15.6-inch touchscreen included on the Premium Plus trim.

The infotainment system is based on Mazda Connect™ and includes features such as voice control, vehicle status monitoring, and remote services. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration are included on most trims, while wired connectivity is available on base models. Bluetooth® hands-free functionality and audio streaming are standard.

Audio systems include an 8-speaker configuration on lower trims and a Bose® 12-speaker system on higher trims. SiriusXM® with 360L capability is available on upper trims, along with HD Radio functionality. The system includes speed-sensitive volume control and multiple input options.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 also includes Google built-in capability with navigation and voice assistant integration. This system allows access to navigation functions and voice commands directly through the vehicle interface. A wireless phone charger is included on select trims.

Safety Systems and Driver Assistance Technologies

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes a comprehensive set of safety systems designed to support driver awareness and vehicle control. Standard systems include Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts speed accordingly. Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist provide corrective steering input when the vehicle deviates from its lane.

Blind Spot Monitoring detects vehicles in adjacent lanes, while Rear Cross Traffic Alert identifies approaching traffic when reversing. Smart Brake Support includes forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection. Rear Smart Brake Support includes rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection for reverse scenarios.

Additional systems include Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert, and Vehicle Exit Warning. Emergency Lane Keeping includes Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and head-on collision avoidance functionality.

Higher trims include a 360° view monitor with multiple viewing angles, including underfloor and parking perspectives. A Driver Monitoring system tracks driver behavior and provides alerts if inattentiveness is detected. Cruising and Traffic Support includes lane change assist and support during congested driving conditions.

The vehicle includes multiple airbags, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags. Seatbelt systems include pretensioners and load limiters. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides alerts when tire pressure falls below recommended levels.

Cargo Capacity and Dimensional Specifications

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 provides a cargo capacity of approximately 33.7 cubic feet with all seats upright. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity increases to approximately 66.5 cubic feet. The cargo area includes a wide opening and low threshold height for easier loading.

Exterior dimensions include an overall length of 184.6 inches, a wheelbase of 110.8 inches, and an overall width of 81.8 inches with mirrors extended. The vehicle height measures approximately 66.7 inches. Ground clearance ranges from approximately 8.0 to 8.2 inches, depending on configuration.

Passenger volume is rated at approximately 106.5 cubic feet. Interior dimensions include front legroom of 41.7 inches and rear legroom of 39.6 inches. Shoulder room measures approximately 57.5 inches in the front and 55.6 inches in the rear. These dimensions support occupant space without exceeding compact SUV proportions.

The fuel tank capacity is approximately 15.3 gallons. The vehicle has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Schedule a Test Ride Today

We invite you to explore the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in detail at Garden City Mazda in Hempstead, NY. You can evaluate the 2.5-liter engine output, six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel-drive system under controlled driving conditions. The vehicle also allows you to examine its integrated safety technologies, digital displays, and infotainment interface directly. A test drive provides the opportunity to assess steering response, braking performance, and cabin functionality. Contact our team to schedule your visit and review the 2026 Mazda CX-5 specifications in person.