DecodedCars2026 Mazda CX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 187 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 24 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 184.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,852 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 40 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,852 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway), 0% better than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2026
- New body dimensions: 4.7 in longer, wheelbase +4.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 28 to 26
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 CX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2026 CX-5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 184.6 in | 74.4 in | 66.5 in | 111 in | 63.4 / 64.2 in | 3,852 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | 0% | $2,600 | 339 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Similar 2026 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 | 43 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other CX-5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 CX-5 | 28 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 29 |
| 2024 CX-5 | 28 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 CX-5 | 26 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 67 |
| 2022 CX-5 | 26 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 65 |
| 2021 CX-5 | 28 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 148 |
| 2020 CX-5 | 28 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 108 |
| 2019 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 272 |
| 2018 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 352 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 27 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 150 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 511 |
| 2015 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 123 |
| 2014 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →