As one of Mazda’s most popular midsize, mid price, mid format SUVs, the 2026 Mazda CX5 GT got me a lot of attention this week. I had several people asked me how it was and if I liked it? Was it comparable to its predecessors, considering it was the latest model?
Most notable change is the wheel, gone is the logo and now the name “Mazda” is spelled out in a block font. Also gone are the plastic buttons on the wheel and in its place a soft matte plastic. This I found it quite stylized, but not as enjoyable to push down given the low response push back.
Like the wheel, the dash was stylish and felt grown-up, minimal, discreet, and all business. The entertainment system is a larger screen with easy navigation and the climate control clearly visible at the bottom row. The home screen buttons included map, media, apps, and settings alongside volume control, and the options to toggle video and audio controls, visually.
I enjoyed the soft pecan buttercream full leather details, running across the dash and over the seats. Once again this gave the vehicle an overall adult feel, hidden within the classic Mazda red exterior. From the outside, I couldn’t tell that there was this many changes within. They really did try to elevate and update the model.
As for the way it handled, I’ve always found Mazdas easy to pick up and drive, and the CX5 one was no exception. There was definitely a lot more gusto underneath the hood and you felt it. This did take more gas with no option for an eco mode and no ability to recharge.
I appreciated the status reports at the end of the drive, another way that the vehicle felt like your 9-5 business, daily commuter. This was a screen recapping distance and fuel, calendar, settings, odometer reading, trip kilometres, and current drive efficiency.
