By: Krish Persaud
April 16, 2026
Mazda’s been chasing something for a while now. Not horsepower, not size, not even tech. Something harder to define. That feeling when a car just seems a bit more expensive than it should, a bit more refined than expected. The CX-5 has always sat in the middle of that idea, and after a week with the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT with the Premium Package, it feels closer to that goal than ever.
Finished in Aero Grey Metallic with a sport tan and black leather interior, this is one of those specs that just works. It does not try to be flashy, but somehow ends up looking better than most things around it. There is something about the way the CX-5 sits, slightly wider and more planted, that gives it a presence you do not expect in this segment. I caught myself looking back at it more than I thought I would, not because it is dramatic, but because it is just clean and well resolved.
Mazda’s design language has always been about the way light moves across the body, but here it feels more settled and complete. The lines are simple, the proportions feel right, and nothing looks forced. It does not chase trends or try to stand out for the sake of it. It just looks good, and that is harder to get right than it sounds.
Step inside and that shift becomes even more noticeable. The tan interior immediately changes the tone, giving the cabin a warmer, more upscale feel than you would expect in this class. The layout is clean, the materials feel well judged, and nothing comes across as overdone. It does not rely on gimmicks or excessive lighting to impress. Instead, it leans on simplicity and usability. The longer you spend with it, the more that starts to feel intentional rather than basic.
The cabin also feels more open than before. The panoramic roof brings in a noticeable amount of light, the rear seats offer enough space to actually relax on longer drives, and the cargo area is easier to use day to day. It is not something that immediately jumps out at you, but it is something you appreciate more the longer you live with it.
Mazda has also made a clear shift when it comes to technology. The new 15.6-inch touchscreen finally brings the CX-5 in line with what buyers expect today, and with Google built-in, it feels far more modern than before. Navigation is familiar, voice commands work well, and overall usability is a big step forward. That said, it is not perfect. The system can be a bit laggy at times, especially when you are moving through menus quickly, and it becomes more noticeable the longer you spend with it. I also found myself wishing for a physical volume knob at the very least, because reaching for on-screen controls while driving never feels as natural.
The interface itself is interesting. The animations, especially when moving through the vehicle menus, almost feel like something out of Need for Speed Underground. It is a bit unexpected in a vehicle like this, but it does add some character to what could have been a very standard setup. At the same time, it slightly clashes with the otherwise calm and premium tone of the cabin, which leans more toward subtlety than flash.
Out on the road, though, the CX-5 still holds onto what makes it stand out. Under the hood is the same 2.5-litre engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft. of torque. It is not quick, and it is not trying to be. Acceleration is smooth and predictable, but never exciting, and that stands out more in today’s market than it would have a few years ago.
What has not changed is the way it feels to drive. The steering has a natural weight to it, the chassis feels composed, and there is a level of control here that still separates it from most compact SUVs. It does not try to feel sporty in an artificial way. It just feels balanced, easy to place, and genuinely connected to the road in a way that is getting harder to find.
Ride quality leans more toward comfort this time around. It is a little softer over rough roads and more relaxed on longer drives, but it has not completely lost that sense of connection. That balance is where the CX-5 continues to shine. It has grown up, but it has not gone numb.
Spend enough time with it and you start to notice where it holds back. The powertrain, while smooth and proven, feels like it is due for an update. There is no hybrid option yet, and while Natural Resources Canada rates it at 9.0L/100km combined, we observed 8.9L/100km in mixed driving, which is solid, but no longer stands out. When others in the segment are pushing efficiency and electrification, this is one area where the CX-5 feels a step behind.
Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT with the Premium Package starts at $46,700 CAD before fees and taxes. By the time you factor in freight and other costs, it pushes well into the $50,000 range, which puts it right up against entry-level luxury options. At that point, how it feels day to day matters more than ever.
Mazda is not trying to turn the CX-5 into a luxury SUV, but after a week with it, you start to see where it fits. It does not chase big numbers or headlines, and it does not try to reinvent what a compact SUV should be.
What it does instead is focus on the things you notice over time. The way it drives, the way it feels from behind the wheel, and the way the whole package comes together without trying too hard.
In a segment that is quickly moving toward efficiency and technology, the CX-5 takes a more familiar approach. It may not lead on paper anymore, but it still manages to feel more complete than most.
And for a lot of buyers, that is exactly what ends up mattering.
