Our Long-Term 2026 Mazda CX-5 Stumbles Out of the Gate
Key takeaways
- A series of error messages for the driver-assistance suite and a glitchy infotainment system have the CX-5 starting off on a sour note.
- View exterior photos Michael Simari|Car and Driver Historically, the Mazda CX-5 has been a Car and Driver favorite.
- The updated styling doesn't stray too far from the second-gen model's, and the 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive all carry over.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
A series of error messages for the driver-assistance suite and a glitchy infotainment system have the CX-5 starting off on a sour note.
View exterior photos Michael Simari|Car and Driver Historically, the Mazda CX-5 has been a Car and Driver favorite. It's always satisfied our desire for driving verve, packaging it into a compact SUV shape draped in stylish sheetmetal. For the 2026 model year, the CX-5 has been redesigned, marking the start of the crossover's third generation.
The updated styling doesn't stray too far from the second-gen model's, and the 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive all carry over. But other parts—primarily the interior—have been given a significant overhaul. To see whether Mazda has put the third-generation CX-5 on the right path, we ordered up a $41,080 2026 CX-5 Premium Plus in Polymetal Gray Metallic (a $595 option) for a 40,000-mile test.