Mazda just confirmed what everyone suspected about its best-seller
Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book agree: Mazda built a sharper, roomier crossover. But one decision under the hood may sting buyers chasing thrills.
The Mazda CX-5 has taken the crown inside its own family yet again. The 2026 model year crossover outpaced every other Mazda in the garage — in owner reviews, road tests, and reliability scores. The verdict is strict and free of surprises: if you’re going to buy a Mazda, this is the one. That’s the conclusion reached by analysts at Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book.
The third generation of the CX-5 has grown roomier, the cargo bay is bigger, and a brand-new infotainment system has moved in. The most important number? The U.S. sticker price now starts at $29,990. Excluding destination, taxes, and registration fees, of course — but by today’s standards, it still feels like a gift from fate.
Under the hood sits the familiar Skyactiv-G, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 187 hp. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is now standard on every trim. Top trims add a commanding 15.6-inch display — the largest ever fitted to a Mazda — along with an expanded suite of driver-assist tech.
And here’s the compromise Mazda left without explanation: there is no turbo in the CX-5 lineup. Not a single one. For a family crossover, 187 horses will be more than enough. But if you crave a real shove in the back — head to the next showroom over. The CX-50, for example, still keeps its turbocharged variant.
What about a hybrid? It’s coming. By 2027. Mazda has officially confirmed a hybrid version of the CX-5, but specs and details remain under wraps.
Earlier, Mazda reported a 35% jump in U.S. sales for May 2026.