How the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Escalates a Sibling Rivalry
Car and Driver
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has undergone a significant redesign, bringing it closer in size and features to its sibling model, the CX-50. While both SUVs have always shared many similarities, the new CX-5 now overlaps more than ever with its counterpart, narrowing the gap between them. The redesigned model boasts a 4.6-inch increase in wheelbase and a 4.5-inch overall length boost, making it just 1.2 inches shorter than the CX-50. Despite being slightly wider and taller, the CX-5 now offers more passenger and cargo space, with enhanced rear legroom, knee room, and headroom, surpassing competitors like the Honda CR-V.
Mazda has also made notable improvements to the interior, including a new steering wheel with added controls, a larger 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and an upgraded infotainment system featuring a 12.9-inch (or 15.6-inch on Premium Plus models) touchscreen. The long-standing rotary controller has been replaced entirely, and voice control via Google's Gemini AI is now integrated, allowing for hands-free operation of in-car features like climate control. While the front seats remain comfortable and well-padded, the Premium Plus interior falls short compared to the CX-50, with fewer soft-touch surfaces.
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Originally published on Car and Driver on 2/23/2026