A deep, rich red has a way of making a vehicle stand out, and our week with the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus was no exception. Finished in Mazda’s gorgeous Soul Red Crystal Metallic, this latest version of Mazda’s popular compact SUV caught our attention before we even climbed inside. Depending on how the sunlight hits it, the paint seems to shift from a deep, almost burgundy red to a brilliant, glowing finish that really highlights the CX-5’s new body lines. However, after spending a full week with it, we discovered that there is much more to this new Mazda than just a beautiful color.

For 2026, Mazda has completely redesigned the CX-5, introducing the third generation of a vehicle that has become one of the company’s most successful models. Since its introduction in 2012, the CX-5 has built a reputation for combining attractive styling, enjoyable driving characteristics and a more upscale feel than many vehicles in its class. Mazda clearly wanted to build on that reputation while bringing the little SUV into a new era of technology, comfort and convenience.

We had the opportunity to spend an entire week with the Premium Plus model, putting it through the same routine most families experience every day. There were trips around town, errands, normal commuting and even a Friday evening drive north to Ogden. It was a good opportunity to see how the new Mazda handled real-world driving rather than simply taking it out for a quick spin.

A fresh look for a familiar favorite

Mazda has done a nice job evolving the exterior design without losing the character that has made the CX-5 recognizable. The new model is longer and wider than the outgoing version, giving it a more substantial appearance. The front end has a bolder grille and redesigned lighting, while the rear features new styling and large MAZDA lettering across the liftgate.

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The overall look has some family resemblance to the larger CX-70 and CX-90 models, which we think is a good thing. The CX-5 has always had a sporty appearance, and the new design takes that a step further.

The Premium Plus also rides on attractive 19-inch wheels that help complete the look.

A completely different interior experience

While the exterior changes are certainly noticeable, the biggest surprise for us came when we opened the driver’s door.

Mazda has completely rethought the interior, and nowhere is that more evident than in the center dashboard.

Our Premium Plus came equipped with the new 15.6-inch color touchscreen; the largest screen Mazda has ever offered in one of its vehicles. This is a huge improvement over the smaller displays found in previous CX-5 models.

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We have driven several earlier versions of the CX-5, and one thing we never particularly enjoyed was the older infotainment system. The screen was smaller, and Mazda used a combination of touchscreen functions and a large rotary control knob located on the center console. While some drivers may have liked that arrangement, we often found it difficult to navigate and less intuitive than it should have been.

That is no longer an issue.

The new display is large, clear and easy to see from the driver’s seat. The menus have a more familiar smartphone-like appearance, and moving between different functions feels much more natural. Navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings and climate controls are now brought together in one central location.

Mazda has also taken a much more minimalist approach to the dashboard. Many of the traditional knobs and buttons have disappeared, leaving a much cleaner appearance. Most of the vehicle’s functions are now handled through the touchscreen, along with steering-wheel controls and voice commands.

We found the new arrangement to be a considerable improvement. The larger screen makes information easier to see, and the overall dashboard looks much more modern. There is a learning curve when getting used to any new system, but we felt comfortable with this one within a relatively short time.

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The Premium Plus trim also includes a digital driver’s display, a head-up display, a panoramic moonroof, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a Bose 12-speaker sound system.

There is plenty of room for five passengers, and Mazda has made improvements to rear-seat space. The additional length of the new generation provides more legroom for those riding in the back, something families will appreciate. Cargo space has also increased, making it easier to accommodate groceries, luggage or the supplies that seem to accumulate during everyday life.

A week of everyday driving

Under the hood, the 2026 CX-5 continues with Mazda’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard on every 2026 CX-5.

The powertrain has been refined for this new generation, with Mazda working to improve responsiveness and provide a quieter, more comfortable driving experience.

During our week, we found the CX-5 to be a very comfortable vehicle for everyday driving. The steering is nicely weighted, and the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and uneven pavement. It feels composed around town and remains comfortable when traveling at highway speeds.

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Mazda has always placed an emphasis on making its vehicles enjoyable to drive, and the CX-5 is no exception. It has a more connected feel than some competitors without sacrificing the comfort expected from a family-oriented crossover.

One thing we particularly appreciated was how quiet the cabin felt. Conversations were easy and road noise was well controlled, making everyday trips more enjoyable.

A rainy Friday night and a little extra confidence

One of the more memorable drives during our week came on Friday evening when we headed north to North Ogden to visit a friend and see his Halloween display.

It should have been a fairly simple evening drive, but traffic had other ideas. The roads were crowded, traffic was moving slowly, and the weather decided to make things even more interesting with a steady rain.

The Premium Plus comes with an impressive collection of features designed to help drivers stay aware of their surroundings. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, driver monitoring and Mazda’s Cruising and Traffic Support system.

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As traffic slowed and picked up throughout the evening, the driver-assistance features were especially helpful. The adaptive cruise and traffic support systems helped reduce some of the stress of stop-and-go driving, while the lane assistance and blind-spot monitoring provided additional confidence.

What impressed us most was how well everything continued to work during the rainy conditions. Visibility was not always ideal, and the wet pavement made keeping track of surrounding traffic more challenging. The safety systems continued to operate as expected throughout the drive, providing helpful information and assistance without becoming intrusive.

After making it to North Ogden, we were able to enjoy our friend’s Halloween display before making the return trip home. It was a fun evening and a good reminder that the best safety features are often the ones you appreciate most when you actually need them.

Final thoughts

Mazda has made some significant changes for the third generation of the CX-5, and we think most of them are steps in the right direction.

After a week of everyday driving, we came away impressed with how well Mazda has balanced comfort, technology and driving enjoyment. It is still the practical, easy-to-live-with CX-5 that longtime owners recognize, but it now feels much more modern and refined.

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Sometimes a complete redesign can take away what made a vehicle special in the first place. We don’t think that happened here. Instead, Mazda has taken a familiar favorite and given it the updates it needed to remain competitive.

And if you happen to choose Soul Red Crystal Metallic, be prepared for a few extra looks along the way!

Base price: $38,990

Destination charge: $1,495

Price as driven: $41,180