Mazda’s top-selling crossover is all-new for the 2026 model year in its third generation, and it comes to Orange as the CX-5. This compact SUV has room for five. There are five trims to choose from with prices spanning $29,990* to $38,990*. They are uniformly equipped with i-Activ all-wheel drive as standard and a six-speed automatic mated to the 187-hp SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder. You will find the same fuel economy on any of them, rated at 24/30/26 mpg city, highway and combined. The difference between the trims is in the equipment. On offer is the 15.6-inch Google Built-in touchscreen, the biggest screen Mazda has put in a vehicle to date. A breakdown of the trim pricing, dimensions and specs follows.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft |
| EPA MPG | 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined |
| Seating | 5 |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 lb (properly equipped) |
| Drivetrain | i-Activ AWD standard on all trims |
| Standard driver-assist safety suite | i-Activsense (the manufacturer does not publish a version designation) |
| Starting MSRP | $29,990* |
*MSRP excludes the manufacturer’s destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Contact dealer for total price.
What is the Mazda CX-5?
As the volume leader of Mazda’s utility offerings, the CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV with room for five. You will find it in the showroom positioned between the subcompact CX-30 and the CX-50. The latter has a comparable footprint of sorts but is more suited to the outdoors by virtue of its roof-rail packaging and suspension. There are also the midsize CX-70 and CX-90, two- and three-row models that are in a class above them.
The 2026 CX-5 is up against the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Equinox. While the 2026 RAV4 is now all hybrid and the CR-V can be had in gas or hybrid form, the CX-5 comes out with one gas engine and transmission for its five trims. A SKYACTIV-Z hybrid from Mazda is slated for 2027 but will not be on the 2026 roster. Autotrader has put the CX-5 on its list of Best New Cars of 2026 in the compact SUV segment.
Every 2026 CX-5 rides on a 110.8-inch wheelbase and measures 184.6 inches long. I-Activ all-wheel drive is standard equipment on every trim, not an upcharge.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Trims and Starting MSRP
| Trim | Powertrain | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 | AWD | $29,990* | Entry pricing with all-wheel drive included |
| 2.5 S Select | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 | AWD | $31,990* | The first step up in equipment |
| 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 | AWD | $34,250* | Mid-ladder balance of content and price |
| 2.5 S Premium | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 | AWD | $36,900* | Upper-trim comfort and technology |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | 2.5L SKYACTIV-G I4 | AWD | $38,990* | The fully equipped range-topper |
*MSRP excludes the manufacturer’s destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Contact dealer for total price.
What distinguishes one trim from the other as you make your way up the ladder is a matter of content, not capability. A 2.5 S and a 2.5 S Premium Plus are on a par for horsepower, torque, towing or cargo volume, as well as EPA figures. The $9,000 difference in price is for the equipment. We have five trims in stock, check our current new inventory for what is available.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Powertrain and Fuel Economy: 187 hp, 26 mpg
SKYACTIV-G 2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder: 187 hp, 26 mpg
The 2026 CX-5 has but one engine to put in every model of the lineup. It is a naturally aspirated SKYACTIV-G 2.5 inline-four making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. That 187-hp figure is at 6,000 rpm. To go with it comes a six-speed automatic. You can refer to Mazda for the full specifications.
There is also the drivetrain, which is straightforward. I-Activ all-wheel drive comes as standard on each of the five trims, so there is no front-drive option to offset with an all-wheel-drive premium. You might take note of that when cross-shopping, as some of the CX-5’s competitors in this segment will make you pay for all-wheel drive on their base models.
You will see the same fuel economy numbers for any 2026 CX-5. The EPA gives them 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway for a combined 26. Trim level makes no difference to your mileage.
What stands out is not so much the output but the equipment on offer. On the 2026 CX-5 there is the option of a 15.6-inch touchscreen, the biggest Mazda has made to date, with Google Built-in for Maps and Assistant. The redesign has also brought a number of i-Activsense driver-assistance systems to the table. As for towing, the capacity is 1,500 pounds provided the vehicle is equipped for it, and that applies to all five trims.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Dimensions and Capacities
| Measurement | Figure |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 184.6 in |
| Overall width | 73.2 in |
| Overall height | 66.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 in |
| Cargo volume behind rear seats | 33.7 cu ft |
| Maximum cargo volume | 58.1 cu ft |
| Passenger volume | 103.6 cu ft |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
These numbers are identical on every trim. A 2.5 S carries the same 58.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume as a 2.5 S Premium Plus.
Quick Take: How the 2026 CX-5 Compares
- You get standard all-wheel drive for the asking price. On the 2.5 S of the 2026 CX-5, i-Activ AWD is part of the package from the $29,990* starting figure. The Honda CR-V for 2026 will cost $30,920* for a front-drive LX. An all-wheel drive version is available but at an extra cost.
- More in the way of towing than the base Equinox. All 2026 CX-5 trims have a 1,500 pound rating. By contrast the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT is put down at 800 pounds and it takes an RS or ACTIV to get to 1,500.
- A hybrid is on offer with the CR-V, not so with the 2026 CX-5. You can find a Honda hybrid CR-V trim with as much as 40 mpg. The 2026 CX-5 is gas only, 26 mpg combined, but that is offset by having all-wheel drive as standard across the board at $29,990*. For a Honda hybrid with the same you are looking at $38,725*.
Driving the CX-5 in Orange
You are apt to put in the bulk of your CX-5 miles on the 57, 55 and 22, or some surface street to get round the interchange backup, in Orange they are all the same. The 26 mpg you see for combined driving will be of more consequence than any peak horsepower when the commute from Tustin to Orange or a trip up to Anaheim has you at a standstill much of the year. As for the i-Activ all-wheel drive that comes standard, it is not for snow in this part of the county but to give you traction and the confidence to go with it on a wet winter road.
For weekends, 58.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume covers a Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park day with strollers, coolers, and everything you drag along. A run to Knott’s Berry Farm works the same way. Head toward the Huntington Beach Pier with boards or beach chairs and the seats fold flat. Point south toward Mission San Juan Capistrano for an afternoon and the 30 mpg highway figure keeps the trip cheap. Santa Ana errands, a car seat, and a week of groceries fit behind the rear seats at 33.7 cubic feet of cargo volume without folding anything.
Why Buy Your CX-5 from Us
- We stock the CX-5 lineup across trim levels, so you can drive the 2.5 S Select and a Turbo-equipped trim back to back in one visit rather than comparing them on paper.
- We are conveniently located off the freeway, the Katella Avenue exit off the 57.
- If a lightly used CX-5 makes more sense for your budget, our pre-owned inventory sits alongside the new units so you can weigh both in the same afternoon.
- Bring in whatever you are driving now and we will appraise it when you value your trade, so the numbers are clear in plain language before you settle on a trim.
- Our team keeps your CX-5 running after delivery, and you can schedule service online at a time that fits around work rather than calling during business hours.
- We post current service specials so you can see what is available ahead of your appointment, and we keep genuine parts and accessories on hand when you want factory components on your CX-5.
See the 2026 CX-5 in Person
Ready to drive one? Reach out to our team and we will have a 2026 CX-5 ready for you at 1360 W Katella Ave in Orange. Contact us for current inventory pricing.
You can also view our certified pre-owned models, schedule service, value your trade, check our service specials, start a finance application, order genuine parts and accessories, or contact our team online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 2026 Mazda CX-5 cost in Orange County?
The 2.5 S has an MSRP of $29,990* to begin with. At the other end of the range is the 2.5 S Premium Plus at $38,990*. The rest of the lineup falls in between: $31,990* for a 2.5 S Select, $34,250* on the 2.5 S Preferred and $36,900* for the 2.5 S Premium. These are all base MSRPs. For what we have in stock, get in touch with Mazda of Orange.
What is the gas mileage on a 2026 Mazda CX-5?
According to the EPA, you will get 24 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway for a combined 26. The numbers are the same across the board for any 2026 CX-5 trim you might consider, be it a 2.5 S or a 2.5 S Premium Plus. All five of them are fitted with the identical 2.5-liter engine and six-speed automatic as well as the standard all-wheel drive, so there is no improvement or loss of fuel economy to be had by going up the line.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 all-wheel drive?
Yes. You will find I-Activ all-wheel drive as standard on the 2026 CX-5 across its five trims. There is not a front-wheel-drive model to be had and you do not have to put an upcharge for AWD in the balance sheet. Even the 2.5 S, the $29,990* base trim, comes with it. Some of the CX-5’s rivals in this class are wont to make do with an optional system on their entry level offerings.
How many trims does the 2026 CX-5 come in?
There are five in all. Put in order of price you have the 2.5 S for $29,990*, followed by the 2.5 S Select at $31,990*, a 2.5 S Preferred is $34,250*, then the 2.5 S Premium at $36,900* and finally the 2.5 S Premium Plus at $38,990*. As for engine, transmission and drivetrain they are identical across the board. It is the equipment content that makes up the ladder.
How much horsepower does the 2026 CX-5 have?
The 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four of the SKYACTIV-G variety is good for 187 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque. This figure is what you will find in the whole lineup. There is no more powerful engine to be had on the top trims in 2026. A six-speed automatic and i-Activ all-wheel drive are standard equipment with it on all trims.
What is new for 2026?
As the third iteration of Mazda’s top-selling crossover, the 2026 CX-5 is an entirely new model. On offer from the start are a six-speed automatic and i-Activ AWD as standard, mated to the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine putting out 187 hp. The cabin will have Google Built-in on an optional 15.6-inch touchscreen, the biggest screen Mazda has put in a vehicle to date. There are also some new driver-assistance systems to be found. Down the road in 2027 a hybrid with a SkyActiv-Z powertrain will be added to the lineup.
Is the 2026 CX-5 the same as the 2025 model?
Not at all. With the 2026 CX-5 being a complete overhaul and the third iteration of the nameplate, you will find it is quite unlike the 2025 version. Part of that redesign is an option for a 15.6-inch Google Built-in touchscreen, the biggest Mazda has put in a car, as well as some new driver-assistance systems. As for the lineup at launch, there is the 2.5-liter engine making 187 hp, a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive as standard.
How much can a 2026 Mazda CX-5 tow?
With the right equipment in place, the CX-5 will tow up to 1,500 pounds. The 2026 model is uniform in that regard for all of its five trims, being powered by a 187-hp 2.5-liter and fitted with standard all-wheel-drive. You can put it in context with the rest of the segment: the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT has an 800-pound rating, though the RS and ACTIV versions are good for 1,500.
How much cargo space does the 2026 CX-5 have?
The rear of the cabin affords 33.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, or 58.1 cubic feet at maximum when they are put down. You will find these numbers to be the same across the board for all trims. As for passenger volume it is 103.6 cubic feet, ample to see you through a day at Disneyland Park with strollers and coolers in tow and no need to fold anything.
How many people does the 2026 CX-5 seat?
Seating capacity is five across all five trims, in a two-row layout. There is no third-row or six-passenger configuration offered on the CX-5 for 2026. If you need a third row, look at the larger CX-90 in Mazda’s lineup instead. Passenger volume in the CX-5 measures 103.6 cubic feet.
What safety features are standard on the 2026 CX-5?
i-Activsense is the standard driver-assistance suite on the 2026 CX-5. The redesign adds several new features to it for this model year. The specific feature set varies by trim, so comparing a 2.5 S against a 2.5 S Premium Plus in our showroom shows you where the additions land.
What are the 2026 CX-5 dimensions?
With an overall length of 184.6 inches and a 73.2 inch width, the vehicle stands 66.7 inches tall on a 110.8-inch wheelbase. There is 8.0 inches of ground clearance. These are numbers you will find across all trims. A 2.5 S and a 2.5 S Premium Plus have identical dimensions for your garage. As for passenger volume, that is 103.6 cubic feet.
Does the 2026 CX-5 come as a hybrid?
2026 is not the year for that. What is on offer in the lineup is the 187-hp SKYACTIV-G 2.5, a gas-only proposition for every one of the five trims. As for a SkyActiv-Z hybrid from Mazda, Mazda has put it on the calendar for 2027. In the meantime, should a Mazda hybrid crossover be what you are after, there is the CX-50 Hybrid. We have it among our new stock here in Orange.
What is the difference between the CX-5 and the CX-50?
Both are five-passenger compact crossovers sharing a similar footprint, and they sit alongside each other in Mazda’s lineup rather than one replacing the other. The CX-50 leans further toward outdoor use with different suspension tuning and roof-rail packaging, and it offers a hybrid version. The 2026 CX-5 is a fresh third-generation redesign launching gas-only. Drive both at our Orange showroom.
How does the 2026 CX-5 compare to the Toyota RAV4?
For 2026, Toyota is making the RAV4 an all-hybrid proposition, with a base price of $31,900*. The EPA puts its figures at 38-43 mpg and 226 to 236 hp. The 2026 CX-5 comes in at $29,990*. It has 187 horsepower and standard AWD for a combined 26 mpg. It is a matter of what you value more, the hybrid’s efficiency or the lower cost of entry, as to which is the better choice.
Where can I test drive a 2026 Mazda CX-5 in Orange, CA?
Mazda of Orange sits at 1360 W Katella Ave, Orange, CA 92867, near the Katella Avenue exit off the 57. That keeps us a short drive for you coming from Tustin, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and the rest of Orange County. Call us at (714) 633-6731 or reach out through our contact page to set up a drive.
Sources: EPA Fuel-Economy Ratings · Official Mazda Specifications
*All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and are provided for informational purposes only. MSRP excludes the manufacturer’s destination and handling charge, which varies by model. It also excludes the $85 dealer doc fee, taxes, title, license and other applicable fees. Actual purchase price is determined at the dealership. Contact Mazda of Orange for complete pricing.
Information accuracy: Details on this page are provided for general information and are accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Vehicle images are for illustration only and may depict a different trim or optional equipment. Any pricing shown applies only to the trim and configuration specifically identified and may not apply to the vehicle pictured. Specifications, features, and pricing are set by the manufacturer and the EPA and may change or be corrected after publication; we aren’t responsible for changes made on their end. Fuel-economy figures are EPA estimates for comparison only; actual mileage varies. Please confirm specs, pricing, and availability with Mazda of Orange before purchase; the window sticker and signed purchase agreement are the controlling documents.