2026 Mazda CX-5 nearby Uniondale, NY

 

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a five-passenger SUV built with a unibody Ring Structure, standard i-ACTIV AWD, and a SKYACTIV-G® 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across the full model range. The lineup includes the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S AWD, 2.5 S SELECT AWD, 2.5 S PREFERRED AWD, 2.5 S PREMIUM AWD, and 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS AWD. Each model uses the same core powertrain configuration and adds equipment through a structured trim progression focused on comfort, technology, visibility, safety, and convenience. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 combines mechanical systems such as Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, G-Vectoring Control Plus, independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes with a comprehensive group of driver assistance features.

Powertrain, Drivetrain, and Performance Engineering

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a consistent powertrain package across all five trims, giving every model the same foundational performance specification. Mazda equips the SUV with a SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Cylinder Deactivation and i-STOP. This engine produces 187 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It uses direct injection, a 13.0:1 compression ratio, an aluminum alloy engine block, and an aluminum alloy cylinder head. Mazda lists regular unleaded 87 octane or above as the recommended fuel, and the EPA mileage rating is 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

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.

Transmission and Drive Mode Operation

Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift mode. The transmission includes a defined gear-ratio spread with 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. The reverse gear measures 3.893, and the final drive ratio measures 4.624. Mazda also equips every trim with Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, also identified as Mi-Drive, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road modes. This drive-mode system works with the standard all-wheel-drive configuration and gives the driver selectable calibrations for different operating conditions.

Standard All-Wheel Drive and Control Systems

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes i-ACTIV AWD as standard equipment across the entire lineup. Mazda pairs the all-wheel-drive system with Dynamic Stability Control and a Traction Control System. Hill Launch Assist also comes standard and helps manage vehicle movement when starting on an incline. G-Vectoring Control Plus supports the model’s handling and vehicle-control package.

Chassis, Suspension, Steering, and Braking

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses a five-passenger SUV body layout with a unibody Ring Structure. Its chassis specification includes independent suspension at both axles, electric power-assisted steering, and disc brakes at all four wheels. Mazda fits the front suspension with an independent MacPherson® strut-type coil spring design and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension uses an independent multi-link type coil spring design with a stabilizer bar.

Steering Hardware and Maneuverability

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 uses rack-and-pinion steering with Electric Power Assist Steering. Mazda lists the overall steering ratio at 14.1:1, and the steering wheel turns 2.75 revolutions lock-to-lock. The turning circle measures 18.4 feet by radius from curb to curb and 19.7 feet by radius from wall to wall. The equipment list also identifies power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with engine-speed-sensing variable assist as standard equipment.

Brake System Configuration

Mazda equips every 2026 Mazda CX-5 with an Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist. The front brakes use power-assisted ventilated discs measuring 12.9 inches, or 328 mm, in diameter. The rear brakes use solid discs measuring 11.8 inches, or 325 mm, in diameter. An Electronic Parking Brake comes standard on all trims. This braking package gives the full model range a consistent combination of anti-lock functionality, brake-force management, assisted braking, and electronic parking control.

Exterior Features, Lighting, Wheels, and Dimensions

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes exterior equipment that supports visibility, access, vehicle presentation, and utility. Every model includes LED daytime running lights, LED headlights with auto-leveling, an auto on/off headlight feature, High Beam Control, rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers, and a rear intermittent wiper with washer. The SUV also includes an AWD badge and a body-color rear roof spoiler on every trim. As the lineup progresses, Mazda adds features such as privacy glass, automatic power-folding mirrors, heated mirrors, roof rails, windshield wiper de-icer, signature illumination, and Adaptive Front-Lighting System availability.

Wheel, Tire, and Spare Tire Specifications

The 2.5 S and 2.5 S SELECT use 17 x 7J-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a Gray Metallic finish. These trims use P225/65 R17 all-season tires. The 2.5 S PREFERRED uses 19 x 7J-inch aluminum alloy wheels with Black Metallic with Machining Finish and P225/55 R19 all-season tires. The 2.5 S PREMIUM and 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS use 19 x 7J-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a Black Metallic finish and the same P225/55 R19 all-season tire size. Mazda includes a temporary spare tire across the lineup, listed in the specifications as T155/90D17.

Exterior Measurements and Ground Clearance

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 measures 184.6 inches in overall length and rides on a 110.8-inch wheelbase. Its overall width measures 73.2 inches without outer mirrors and 81.8 inches with the mirrors opened. Overall height measures 66.7 inches, while front track measures 63.2 inches and rear track measures 64.0 inches. The front overhang measures 38.0 inches, and the rear overhang measures 35.8 inches. Minimum unladen ground clearance measures 8.0 inches on some configurations and 8.2 inches on others.

Interior Comfort, Seating, and Cabin Functionality

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 provides a two-row cabin with seating for five passengers. Mazda equips every model with dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows with one-touch down and up functionality for all four windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gear selector, and a tilt and telescopic steering column. The cabin also includes a rear seat center armrest with integrated cup holders, carpeted floor mats, and an overhead console with a sunglasses holder. A 40/20/40 split one-touch fold-down and reclining rear seatback comes standard across the lineup.

Seating Materials and Seat Adjustment

The 2.5 S uses black cloth seating and includes manual seat adjustment for the driver and front passenger. The 2.5 S SELECT and 2.5 S PREFERRED use leatherette-trimmed seats with microsuede inserts. The 2.5 S PREFERRED adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory. The 2.5 S PREMIUM and 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS use leather seating and add a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat. Heated front seats begin on the 2.5 S PREFERRED, while ventilated front seats and heated rear seats begin on the 2.5 S PREMIUM and continue on the 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS.

Interior Dimensions and Passenger Measurements

Mazda lists front headroom without the sunroof at 39.7 inches and rear headroom without the sunroof at 40.2 inches. With the sunroof, front headroom measures 39.2 inches, and rear headroom measures 39.1 inches. Front legroom measures 41.7 inches, and rear legroom measures 39.9 inches. Shoulder room measures 57.6 inches in the front row and 55.6 inches in the rear row. Hip room measures 55.2 inches in front and 52.4 inches in the rear, while passenger volume measures 106.5 cubic feet or 104.5 cubic feet, depending on configuration.

Infotainment, Displays, Audio, and Connectivity

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes a broad infotainment and connectivity package across the lineup. Every trim includes a 10.25-inch LCD meter display, AM/FM/HD Radio, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability, audio menu voice command, and speed-sensing automatic volume control. Mazda Connect™ includes Mazda Connect™ Wi-Fi, Remote Services, Vehicle Status, Vehicle Connect Services with a one-year trial, Voice Control, and 911 Emergency Notification. Google built-in capable navigation and Voice Assistant with one-year free access comes standard on all trims. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration also come standard, with wireless integration added on the 2.5 S SELECT and higher trims.

Center Displays and Audio Equipment

The 2.5 S, 2.5 S SELECT, 2.5 S PREFERRED, and 2.5 S PREMIUM use a 12.9-inch center display with touch control. The 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS adds a larger 15.6-inch center display with touch control. The 2.5 S, 2.5 S SELECT, and 2.5 S PREFERRED include an eight-speaker sound system. The 2.5 S PREMIUM and 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS add a Bose® 12-speaker audio sound system. SiriusXM® 360L satellite radio with a three-month trial subscription starts on the 2.5 S PREMIUM and continues on the 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS, with availability exclusions noted for Alaska and Hawaii.

Charging, Access, and Driver-Interface Features

Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes front center console Type-C USB ports. Rear center console Type-C USB ports begin on the 2.5 S PREMIUM and continue on the 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS. A wireless phone charger begins on the 2.5 S SELECT and continues through the upper trims. The 2.5 S uses a keyless entry and start system, while the 2.5 S SELECT and higher trims use Smart Keyless access. The 2.5 S PREFERRED adds a full-color windshield-type Active Driving Display, and the 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS adds a Personalization System and steering-wheel paddle shifters.

Safety, Security, and Driver Assistance Systems

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes a comprehensive safety and driver assistance package across the model range. Every trim includes advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side-impact airbags. Advanced three-point seatbelts include front and rear seat-belt pretensioners with load limiters, and front and rear seat belt reminders also come standard. Child safety rear door locks, LATCH rear seat child safety seat anchors with upper tether anchors, an engine immobilizer anti-theft system, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System are included on all trims.

Standard Driver Assistance Technologies

Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-keep Assist, Vehicle Exit Warning, Distance and Speed Alert, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist also comes standard on every trim. Smart Brake Support includes Turn-Across Traffic and Head-On Collision Mitigation, while Rear Smart Brake Support includes Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Pedestrian Detection. Emergency Lane Keeping includes Blind Spot Assist, Road Keep Assist, and Head-on Traffic Avoidance. Parking sensors at the front and rear, a Rear Seat Alert, a rearview camera with Dynamic Line and Tow Hitch Guide, and Secondary Collision Reduction further expand the standard driver-support package.

Advanced Systems on 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS

The 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS adds several driver assistance and visibility features beyond the standard equipment set. It includes a 360 View Monitor with underfloor view, parking view, and mirrors-folded view. It also adds Driver Monitoring, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist and Unresponsive Driver Support. Adaptive Front-Lighting System is also included on this trim as part of the exterior lighting equipment.

Cargo Utility, Liftgate Features, and Capacity

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 supports cargo use with a flexible rear seatback, defined cargo dimensions, and liftgate features that vary by trim. Mazda lists cargo volume at 33.7 cubic feet with all seats upright and 66.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. Cargo area height from floor to roof measures 33.7 inches, and maximum cargo height behind the first seat measures 33.9 inches. Cargo length behind the second row measures 39.1 inches at the standard tempered floor position and 30.6 inches above the floor. Cargo length behind the first row measures 75.0 inches at the floor and 65.2 inches above the floor.

Cargo Opening and Utility Measurements

The cargo threshold height from the ground measures 28.5 inches on some configurations and 28.7 inches on others. The rear tailgate opening measures 42.8 inches wide and 30.7 inches high. Cargo width at the floor measures 57.5 inches, and width between the rear tire housings measures 41.3 inches. The roof carrier’s maximum load capacity with roof rails is listed at 165 pounds. Mazda also lists the 2026 Mazda CX-5 with a 1,500-pound towing capacity, a 15.3-gallon fuel tank, a 3,856-pound curb weight, and a 4,914-pound gross vehicle weight rating.

Trim Structure and Model-Specific Equipment

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 lineup uses a progressive trim structure in which each series includes the standard equipment of the previous series, except where specific changes apply. The 2.5 S establishes the foundation with the SKYACTIV-G® 2.5 engine, SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, i-ACTIV AWD, Mi-Drive, 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12.9-inch center display, Mazda Connect™, smartphone integration, and a comprehensive standard safety suite. The 2.5 S SELECT adds privacy glass, automatic power-folding heated mirrors, rear air vents, Smart Keyless access, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, a wireless phone charger, and leatherette seating with microsuede inserts. The 2.5 S PREFERRED adds 19-inch wheels with Black Metallic with Machining Finish, black roof rails, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power rear liftgate, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory, HomeLink®, and the full-color windshield-type Active Driving Display.

Premium and Premium Plus Equipment

The 2.5 S PREMIUM adds 19-inch alloy wheels with a Black Metallic finish, Piano Black lower bumper and wheel-arch molding or side garnish, front and rear signature illumination, color-selectable ambient lighting on the front door trim, front foot lamps, an overhead down light, leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a six-way power passenger seat, a panoramic sunroof, Bose® 12-speaker audio, SiriusXM® 360L, and rear Type-C USB ports. The 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS builds on that equipment with a hands-free power rear liftgate, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, a 15.6-inch center display, a Personalization System, paddle shifters, a 360 View Monitor, Driver Monitoring, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist and Unresponsive Driver Support.

Visit Garden City Mazda to Schedule a Test Ride

To experience the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in person, schedule a test drive with Garden City Mazda nearby Uniondale, NY. Our team can help you review the differences between the 2.5 S, 2.5 S SELECT, 2.5 S PREFERRED, 2.5 S PREMIUM, and 2.5 S PREMIUM PLUS trims. During a test drive, you can evaluate the standard i-ACTIV AWD system, steering feel, braking response, cabin comfort, center display operation, and driver assistance features. We can also walk you through the infotainment technology, seating materials, cargo access, visibility features, and safety systems that vary by trim. Our goal is to help you compare the model’s performance, technology, comfort, handling, and safety features in a straightforward and useful way. Contact our team today to schedule your test drive!