The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Is Made for Mujeres Who Want It All—Performance, Style, and Space

First impressions: premium without the pretense

From the outside, the redesign leans harder into Mazda’s Kodo design language: a bolder grille, slimmer LED lighting, and cleaner body lines give it a more upscale presence than the outgoing model. Inside, the jump in quality is immediately obvious: soft-touch surfaces, real metal and wood accents, and a more driver-focused cockpit make the cabin feel closer to an entry-level luxury SUV than a mainstream compact

Engine and performance: the 2.5T is the sweet spot

The 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the star here. In the Premium Plus trim it’s tuned for 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque (on 93-octane), paired with a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. That torque-rich delivery makes everyday driving feel effortless: merging, passing, and hill climbing all happen with minimal drama.

• 0–60 mph: roughly 6.0–6.5 seconds for the turbo.
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic, recalibrated for smoother, quieter shifts
• Drive character: responsive steering, well-controlled body motion, and a chassis that encourages you to take the scenic route

It’s not a hot hatch, but it’s the most “driver’s car” in the compact SUV segment, with a balance that feels purposeful rather than numb.

Ride, handling, and refinement

Mazda’s engineers clearly prioritized how the CX-5 communicates with the driver. The steering has real weight and feedback, the suspension soaks up bumps without floating, and the body stays composed through corners. Road noise is reduced thanks to additional high-strength steel and better insulation, so highway cruising feels relaxed and quiet.

The trade-off: the new model is heavier (up to ~180 pounds versus the prior generation), which slightly dulls the sharpest edges of agility and trims a bit off the fuel economy.

Interior, tech, and comfort (Premium Plus strengths)

The Premium Plus trim is where Mazda pulls its “affordable luxury” move.

• Seating: Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory make long trips genuinely comfortable.
• Infotainment: A large central touchscreen (12.3-inch in many trims) and a crisp digital driver display (around 10.3 inches) dominate the dash, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a more intuitive interface than before.
• Materials: Open-pore wood, metal trim, and layered textures elevate the feel well beyond typical compact SUVs.
• Convenience: Features like a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and advanced climate controls help the Premium Plus feel like a small step below true luxury badges.

Practicality is solid too: rear-seat space is improved over the old model, and cargo capacity is competitive for the class, though not class-leading.

Safety and driver-assist tech

Mazda’s i-Activsense suite is standard and comprehensive:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection
• Lane-keeping assist and lane-departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

The systems are generally well-calibrated: helpful without being intrusive, and they contribute to a relaxed long-distance experience.

How it stacks up vs rivals

Against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trades a bit of outright space and fuel economy for superior driving dynamics and a more upscale interior feel. If your priority is a daily driver that’s comfortable, tech-forward, and still fun on a twisty road, it’s one of the strongest choices under $42,000.

Who should buy the 2026 CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?

• Enthusiasts who want an SUV that doesn’t feel dull
• Buyers who value interior quality and design over maximum cargo space
• People who want near-luxury features without luxury-brand pricing and running costs

Bottom line

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the compact SUV for drivers who refuse to compromise on feel or finish. It’s not the biggest or the most efficient in its class, but it’s arguably the most satisfying to live with day to day—and the one that still makes you look forward to the drive home.