The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers a roomy cabin, refined styling and a balanced ride, but its modest power lags behind rivals. Discover the pros, cons and how it stacks up against the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. Read the full review now!
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is set to hit Vietnamese showrooms later this year, following an early rollout in the United States. Positioned as a premium‑trim, all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) model priced around $38,990, the new CX-5 promises a blend of sleek design, generous interior space, and Mazda’s signature driving dynamics.
Exterior: Mature Yet Modern
Visually, the 2026 CX-5 feels like a natural evolution of its predecessor. The bodywork is smoother and more aerodynamic, shedding the rugged off‑road cues of the CX‑50 in favor of a city‑friendly, upscale silhouette. The most striking updates are the new LED head‑light and taillight clusters, which combine sharp lines with a subtle futuristic glow.
- Wider stance improves road presence and cabin visibility.
- Fresh front grille and sculpted bumper add a premium feel.
- Optional Soul Red Metallic offers a bold, attention‑grabbing hue.
While the larger body may look a bit bulkier, most crossover buyers value the extra interior volume over razor‑thin styling, making the visual trade‑off acceptable.
Interior: A Step Above the Competition
Step inside, and the CX-5 instantly distinguishes itself from rivals. Mazda has invested in higher‑quality materials where drivers touch most often, creating a cabin that feels more expensive than its $30‑$40k price tag suggests.
- Solid, well‑contoured controls with a clean, ergonomic layout.
- Gloss‑black plastics are largely gone, replaced by soft‑touch surfaces.
- A 15.6‑inch infotainment screen, powered by Google services, sits centrally for easy reach.
- New 12‑speaker audio system (optional) delivers rich sound without overwhelming the space.
The only ergonomic quirk is the slightly forward‑positioned cup‑holder, which may force taller drivers to stretch a bit more. On the upside, rear‑seat legroom has been dramatically increased – the cabin now stands at a generous 1.98 m tall, giving passengers a seat‑like experience that rivals the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Flexibility remains a strong point: the 40/20/40 split rear seats fold flat, letting owners transport longer items without sacrificing passenger comfort. The cargo floor lowers, and the rear hatch swings open to a full 90°, making loading and unloading effortless.
Performance: Balanced Yet Underpowered
Under the hood sits a 2.5‑liter engine delivering 187 hp and 252 Nm of torque. While the power figures feel modest compared with the Honda CR‑V or Toyota RAV4, they are sufficient for everyday driving and provide a more engaging feel than many front‑wheel‑drive rivals.
- 0‑100 km/h (0‑62 mph) in about 8 seconds – slower than sport‑oriented crossovers but acceptable for the segment.
- New linear‑type dampers improve stability on rough roads, giving the CX‑5 a composed, confidence‑boosting ride.
- AWD system, shared with the CX‑50, pairs with G‑Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) to automatically modulate torque and brake pressure for smoother cornering.
- Real‑world fuel consumption averages around 10.5 L/100 km, a tad higher than the CR‑V or RAV4.
In short, the CX‑5 shines in handling and ride quality but lags in outright power and efficiency. Drivers who prioritize a lively steering feel and a composed chassis will appreciate the trade‑off.
How It Measures Up Against Competitors
Carscoops tested the CX‑5 side‑by‑side with the Honda CR‑V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4. The findings were clear:
- Space & Comfort: The CX‑5 offers the most generous rear‑seat headroom and a sleek cabin layout, edging out the CR‑V and Tucson.
- Driving Dynamics: Mazda’s chassis tuning delivers sharper cornering than the RAV4 and a more planted feel than the Tucson.
- Fuel Economy: The CR‑V and RAV4 win on efficiency, posting lower liters per 100 km.
- Power: All three rivals showcase stronger engines, with the CR‑V’s turbo‑charged unit leading the pack.
The CX‑5 does not claim to dominate every metric, but its blend of upscale interior, refined styling, and engaging drive makes it a compelling alternative for buyers who value the “joy of driving” as much as practicality.
Final Verdict
Mazda’s willingness to pit the 2026 CX‑5 against its direct competitors head‑on is refreshing. The result is a crossover that feels more premium inside, handles with confidence, and offers a surprisingly spacious cabin – all without straying far from Mazda’s core philosophy of driver‑focused design.
However, potential owners should weigh the modest power output and slightly higher fuel consumption against the vehicle’s strengths. If you prioritize a refined interior, sharp handling, and family‑friendly practicality, the 2026 Mazda CX‑5 deserves serious consideration.
Ready to experience it yourself? Read the full, in‑depth review now and see if the CX‑5 fits your next adventure.
