There are a lot of things Mazda gets right. Its interiors look and feel premium, and its designs are sharp without trying too hard to get your attention. Mazda has long delivered an experience that feels a little more upscale than the price tag suggests. Then you get to the infotainment system.
Instead of the usual touchscreen, there’s a rotary dial controller on the center console and I hate that thing. I find it counterintuitive, awkward, and distracting. Mazda knows this because I complain about it every time we meet.
I don’t want to spend time learning how to use my car. I just want to get in, connect my phone, and be on my way. Instead, Mazda had me spinning that dial like I was the next contestant on Wheel of Fortune. They’ll tell you it’s less distracting than a touchscreen, but I say otherwise. It’s awful and made me shy away from Mazdas. Until now.
Mazda Finally Listened
The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 ditches the rotary controller and goes with a touchscreen. I am sure there are people mourning the loss of that annoying little knob right now, and I respect their dedication. There are owners who genuinely loved it and will tell you it was the best system on the market.
I am not one of those people. After years of hearing that I’d eventually come around and embrace the rotary controller life, I’m now wondering what took Mazda so long. The touchscreen isn’t exciting, and it’s certainly not revolutionary. It just works the way people expect it to work.
It Fixed Another Longstanding Complaint
The rear seats in the old CX-5 always felt just a little tight. If you had adults back there for more than a quick trip across town, they couldn’t wait to get out.
The new CX-5 gives rear passengers a bit more breathing room. It doesn’t suddenly turn into a three-row SUV, but it feels less like the people in the back were an afterthought and more like Mazda remembered they matter, too.
Cargo space also gets a boost. The old CX-5 managed just fine, but the new one asks a little less of you when you’re trying to make everything fit. You won’t be crossing your fingers and holding your breath when you try to close the hatch.
You Can’t Have Everything
Pricing starts at $29,990 and climbs to $38,990 for the loaded Premium Plus, which is reasonable. If there’s one area where the CX-5 might let you down, it’s under the hood. The 2026 CX-5 offers only a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. There’s also standard all-wheel drive, but the turbocharged engine of the past is gone.
For a lot of people, that’s not going to matter. This thing is going to spend its life running errands, commuting to work, and hauling kids from one activity to the next. Still, if you’re the type who loved the old turbo’s extra oomph for merging onto the highway or passing slower traffic, you’ll notice its absence .
The Best Part Is What Didn’t Change
Mazda didn’t rip the CX-5 to pieces and start over. It kept the things people already liked and addressed the areas where it fell short. The cabin is roomier, the infotainment system is more straightforward, and it still feels more upscale than its mainstream rivals.
Just as importantly, it still drives like a Mazda. The steering has that connected feel the brand is known for, and there’s a joy to the way it tackles a winding road that keeps it from ever feeling boring. It may not have the most impressive numbers, but it’s engaging in a way many competitors simply aren’t. The CX-5 has always been good. Now, recommending it comes with no caveats.
