Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Mazda CX-5 near St. Paul, MN
If you want a compact SUV that looks refined, feels thoughtfully built, and makes everyday driving easier, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 belongs at the top of your list. Mazda has taken everything drivers love about its best-selling crossover and elevated it with a roomier cabin, intuitive tech anchored by an available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, standard i-Activ AWD for year-round confidence, and a more expressive evolution of Kodo design. Whether your routine includes school drop-offs, a commute along I-94, or weekend escapes near St. Paul, MN, this redesigned SUV brings a uniquely premium feel to every mile—without asking you to compromise on practicality or enjoyment behind the wheel.
At Morrie's Auto Group, we are excited to help you compare trims, explore colors, and get hands-on with the 2026 CX-5’s new features. From improved rear-seat comfort and easier child-seat loading to a larger, more useful cargo area, Mazda has paid attention to the details that matter to real drivers. And because safety and driver confidence remain central to the CX-5’s identity, you can expect a robust suite of driver assistance technologies informed by the model’s legacy as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner. If you’re considering a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near St. Paul, MN, our team is ready to guide you through everything new.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Overview
The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 builds on a proven formula with meaningful upgrades in design, space, technology, and safety. Mazda’s evolved Kodo design gives the CX-5 a chiseled, wider-set front end featuring the Mazda Signature Wing grille and more angular lighting elements, complemented by available 19-inch wheels and bold “MAZDA” rear lettering. The body is longer and wider than before, which translates directly to a more spacious cabin—particularly in the rear seats—plus larger door openings for easier child-seat loading and a notably bigger cargo area with a lower lift-in height for simpler loading of everyday gear.
Inside, a calm, uncluttered layout pairs beautifully with available ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. At the center of it all is an available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen—Mazda’s largest ever—featuring Google built-in for seamless access to Google Maps, Google Play, and soon, Google Gemini for natural voice assistance. Under the hood, a recalibrated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine pairs with a 6-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. The result is a crossover that feels more intuitive, more comfortable, and more confident, whether you’re navigating tight streets, open highways, or your daily routine near St. Paul, MN.
5 Key Reasons the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Stands Out near St. Paul, MN
Here are five reasons the latest CX-5 stands out for drivers who value design, practicality, and confidence on every drive.
- Roomier cabin that prioritizes real-world comfort and easier child-seat access
- Available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in for intuitive, connected driving
- Standard i-Activ AWD for confident traction and control across changing conditions
- Evolved Kodo design with Mazda Signature Wing grille and available 19-inch wheels
- Robust suite of driver assistance technologies rooted in an award-winning safety legacy
Each of these strengths shows how Mazda has rethought the way the CX-5 supports everyday life. It is easier to live with, more engaging to drive, and more intuitive to use—qualities that make it a standout choice for families, commuters, and anyone who wants an SUV that feels special every time they get behind the wheel.
Key Features of the 2026 Mazda CX-5
Evolved Kodo Design with Mazda Signature Wing
The 2026 CX-5 embraces Mazda’s latest Kodo design language to deliver a stronger stance and a more confident presence. The front fascia is wider set and more chiseled, anchored by the Mazda Signature Wing grille and flanked by angular lighting elements that call to mind the brand’s CX-70 and CX-90. Inspiration from the Japanese “Kigumi” architecture principle appears where body and fender trim meet—visually communicating precision craftsmanship. Around back, the model proudly wears bold “MAZDA” lettering in place of the traditional badge, while available 19-inch wheels further enhance the SUV’s planted look. This is a familiar silhouette refined with more elegant proportions, and those proportions aren’t just for show—they helped Mazda expand the cabin and cargo area while telegraphing capability and stability from every angle.
15.6-inch Touchscreen with Google built-in
Mazda’s largest screen ever takes center stage in the 2026 CX-5. The available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen delivers smartphone-like responsiveness and a customizable home screen for quick access to frequent functions. With Google built-in, you can tap into Google Maps for confidently navigating to your favorite destinations and new finds alike, sign in for saved places, and personalize your experience. You can also access a curated selection of in-vehicle compatible apps through Google Play, bringing entertainment and information into easy reach. Coming soon to cars with Google built-in, Google Gemini will enable natural, conversational voice assistance, allowing you to ask complex questions and follow up with ease. Taken together, these capabilities make the CX-5 feel intuitive from day one—whether you are setting up your commute, queuing a podcast, or exploring a new route on the fly.
Recalibrated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G with 6-speed Automatic and i-Activ AWD
Every 2026 CX-5 launches with a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. The powertrain has been recalibrated for sharper response when you want it and a quieter, more relaxed demeanor when you don’t—an ideal balance for everything from quick merges to long-haul comfort. Standard i-Activ AWD continuously monitors conditions and helps predict and distribute torque before wheel slip occurs, so you feel securely connected to the road in everyday driving. This thoughtful tuning keeps the CX-5 feeling composed and engaging without sacrificing refinement. And for future-focused shoppers, Mazda has confirmed an electrified alternative is on the way, with a new SkyActiv-Z hybrid powertrain debuting for the CX-5 family in 2027.
Expanded Cabin and Cargo Space
One of the most noticeable changes in the 2026 model is space. The CX-5 grows in overall length, wheelbase, and width, delivering meaningful improvements for passengers and cargo alike. Rear-seat occupants benefit from increased leg, knee, and headroom, making adult-friendly comfort the norm rather than the exception. Larger door openings simplify ingress and egress—especially helpful for loading child seats—while the available panoramic sunroof adds an open, airy feel to every row. In the back, the cargo area is longer and higher than before, and the lift-in height is lower, making it easier to load everything from strollers and sports gear to home improvement supplies. Ambient lighting with seven selectable colors adds a calm, premium vibe without distracting the driver at night, and Mazda’s meticulous material choices support a refined, uncluttered environment that feels right at home on daily drives and road trips.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Safety has always been central to the CX-5’s appeal, and the 2026 model advances that reputation with a robust suite of standard and available driver assistance technologies. Building on a legacy of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recognition, Mazda equips the CX-5 with systems designed to enhance protection, awareness, and confidence every time you drive. While features and availability vary by configuration, the technology suite emphasizes intuitive alerts and assistance calibrated to support the driver rather than overwhelm them. The result is a crossover that feels reassuring in busy traffic, on the highway, and when the unexpected happens. From its strong structure to its thoughtful tuning, the new CX-5 aims to keep you in control and your passengers at ease—an advantage that matters whether you are tackling daily errands or heading out for a longer journey.
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Mazda CX-5
As you narrow your search, keep these five points in mind to match the 2026 CX-5 to your needs and preferences.
- Cabin space and accessibility for family duties and frequent passengers
- Infotainment priorities including Google built-in and app preferences
- Driving feel and traction with standard i-Activ AWD and powertrain tuning
- Design details such as available 19-inch wheels and ambient lighting
- Future-ready thinking with confirmation of a hybrid CX-5 arriving in 2027
These considerations help clarify what matters most for your daily routine and weekend plans. If you value a refined drive with useful tech and genuinely improved space, the 2026 CX-5 delivers the kind of thoughtful upgrades that are easy to appreciate on day one and even easier to live with a year from now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is new about the 2026 Mazda CX-5 compared to the previous generation?
Mazda significantly expands interior space, improves rear-seat comfort, enlarges door openings, and increases cargo room with a lower lift-in height. The design evolves with a wider, more sculpted front end featuring a Mazda Signature Wing grille, angular lighting, available 19-inch wheels, and bold rear “MAZDA” lettering. Inside, an available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in introduces a more intuitive, connected experience, and safety receives a boost with a robust suite of driver assistance technologies. Power comes from a recalibrated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G paired with a 6-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD.
Does the 2026 CX-5 support Google Maps and in-car apps?
Yes. With Google built-in available, the 2026 CX-5 can provide Google Maps with fresh traffic and place information, access to saved places when you sign in, and a curated selection of in-vehicle compatible apps through Google Play. Coming soon to cars with Google built-in, Google Gemini will enable natural voice assistance for hands-free help and follow-up questions, making common tasks simpler while you stay focused on driving.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 CX-5?
Yes. Every 2026 CX-5 includes i-Activ AWD as standard equipment. This predictive system monitors road and driver inputs and helps allocate torque to support composure and traction in everyday conditions. The result is a balanced, confident driving feel that complements the recalibrated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Will there be a hybrid version of the CX-5?
Mazda has confirmed that an electrified alternative is coming, with a new SkyActiv-Z hybrid powertrain debuting within the CX-5 family in 2027. If you are mapping out a longer-term plan or considering a two-vehicle household, this roadmap provides a clear path to electrification while retaining the engaging drive Mazda owners expect.
Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2026 Mazda CX-5
A great test drive helps you feel the difference in space, technology, and ride quality that set the 2026 model apart. Use these steps to make the most of your visit.
- Walkaround and seating checks in both rows to feel door opening size and rear legroom
- Cargo area demo with a couple of bulky items to appreciate the lower lift-in height
- Infotainment setup by pairing your phone and exploring Google built-in on the 15.6-inch screen if equipped
- Neighborhood loop to evaluate steering feel and low-speed comfort
- Highway merge and lane change to gauge acceleration and cabin quietness
- AWD confidence check on varied surfaces to experience i-Activ AWD composure
- Driver assistance preview to understand alerts and assistance in real time
As you drive, notice how the chassis feels over expansion joints, how naturally the infotainment responds to your inputs, and how easy it is to communicate with passengers in the rear seats. If your daily life includes errands near St. Paul, MN, ask to try a route that mirrors your commute so you get an authentic sense of how the CX-5 will fit your routine.
Why Buy from Morrie's Auto Group near St. Paul, MN?
Choosing where to buy matters as much as what you buy. Here is how we make the process smooth, transparent, and centered around you.
- Our team knows Mazda technology and can set up Google built-in features before you leave
- Flexible scheduling with options for test drives and delivery that respect your time
- Locations convenient to major Twin Cities routes for easy service access
- Support long after the sale with certified service and genuine OEM parts
- Community-minded culture focused on creating a positive ownership experience
At Morrie's Auto Group, we are here to help you get the most from your SUV from day one. Our locations near Richfield and Buffalo make it easy to shop, test drive, and service where it’s most convenient for you, and our dedicated Mazda specialists are happy to explain every feature and setting at your pace.
Next Steps
Ready to see how the new CX-5 fits your life? Use this simple checklist to move forward with confidence.
- Schedule a test drive to explore space, tech, and driving dynamics firsthand
- Bring a stroller, golf bag, or gear you carry often to check cargo fit
- Ask our team to demo Google built-in and driver assistance systems
- Review maintenance planning with our service advisors
- Explore color and accessory options to personalize your CX-5
If you are comparing options near St. Paul, MN, we can arrange back-to-back drives and walk you through trims and available features. Our goal is to make every step clear, efficient, and tailored to your needs, so you can decide with confidence.
Request More Info About the 2026 Mazda CX-5 near St. Paul, MN
The 2026 CX-5 brings together craftsmanship, comfort, and confidence in a way that feels instantly familiar yet meaningfully new. From the evolved Kodo design and expanded cabin to the available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and standard i-Activ AWD, Mazda has refined the details that matter most. If you are shopping for a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near St. Paul, MN, our team at Morrie's Auto Group is ready to help you explore configurations, compare features, and get hands-on with the technology and space improvements you will use every day. Tell us how you drive, what you carry, and which features you value most—we will tailor recommendations around your life and help you find the CX-5 that is a perfect match. Reach out today to request more information or set up your personalized test drive.