The 2026 Mazda CX-5,
Answered.A Beaverton & Portland Buyer's Guide
Which trim do I need? Will my car seats fit? Is it good in snow? Do I need premium gas? Straight answers to the questions Portland-area drivers ask us every day, from the Herzog-Meier Mazda team on TV Highway.

| $29,990Starting MSRP* | AWDStandard on every trim |
| 33.7 CU FTCargo behind 2nd row | TOP SAFETY PICK+IIHS 2026 award |
Updated · By the Herzog-Meier Mazda sales & service team, Beaverton, OR · Specs from Mazda North American Operations, IIHS and EPA (see sources)
2026 Mazda CX-5 at a glance
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $29,990 (2.5 S) to $38,990 (2.5 S Premium Plus); $1,595 destination |
| Trims | 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus |
| Engine | SkyActiv-G 2.5L four-cylinder, 187 hp, 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission / drivetrain | 6-speed automatic / i-Activ AWD standard |
| Fuel & EPA mpg | Regular unleaded; 24 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined |
| Seating | 5 passengers, 2 rows |
| Cargo | 33.7 cu ft behind rear seat; 66.5 cu ft folded |
| Rear legroom | 39.9 in |
| Length | 184.6 in |
| Ground clearance | 8.0 in (17-in wheels) / 8.2 in (19-in wheels) |
| Towing | Up to 1,500 lbs, properly equipped |
| Infotainment | 12.9-in touchscreen, Google built-in (15.6-in on Premium Plus) |
| Safety | IIHS 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
| Warranty | 3-yr/36,000-mi basic; 5-yr/60,000-mi powertrain |
| Hybrid | Not for 2026; Mazda has confirmed a CX-5 hybrid for model year 2027 |
| 01Help Me Choose → | 02Will It Fit My Life? → |
| 03Show Me How → | 04What To Expect → |
| 05What Ownership Is Like → | 06Answer My Question → |
| 01 / Help Me Choose |
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Which 2026 CX-5 trim do I need?
Each step up adds to the one before it. Here is what you actually get for the money:
| Trim & MSRP* | What it adds | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S $29,990 |
AWD, 12.9-in touchscreen with Google built-in, wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate, 10.25-in digital gauges, reclining 40/20/40 rear seat, 17-in wheels, full i-Activsense safety suite. | Best value. Every safety feature that matters most is already standard. |
| 2.5 S Select $31,990 |
Adds wireless CarPlay & Android Auto, wireless phone charging, leatherette seats with cloth inserts, rear air vents, privacy glass, keyless entry, heated auto-folding mirrors, auto-dimming mirror. | Commuters who want wireless phone connection and back-seat air vents for passengers. |
| 2.5 S Preferred $34,250 |
Adds heated front seats and heated steering wheel, windshield wiper de-icer, power liftgate, full-color Active Driving Display (head-up), 10-way power driver seat with memory, HomeLink, roof rails, 19-in alloy wheels. | Our pick for most Pacific Northwest drivers. The winter-comfort features you will use October through March. |
| 2.5 S Premium $36,900 |
Adds leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker Bose audio with SiriusXM, color-selectable ambient lighting, two extra rear USB-C ports, black exterior accents, Signature Illumination LED lighting. | Families and road-trippers who want every seat comfortable and a brighter cabin. |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus $38,990 |
Adds 15.6-in touchscreen, 360 View Monitor, Cruising & Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist, hands-free power liftgate, adaptive headlights, Front Cross Traffic Alert & Braking, Driver Monitoring, Driver Personalization, paddle shifters. | Highway commuters on US-26 and I-5, tight-parking city drivers, and tech lovers. |
*Starting MSRP excludes $1,595 destination and handling, taxes, title, license and dealer fees. Premium paint (Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Rhodium White, Polymetal Gray, Aero Gray) adds $595. Dealer sets actual price.
Quick decision guide: if you…
| If you… | Look at |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest price with no safety compromises | 2.5 S: AWD, Google built-in and the full i-Activsense suite are standard. |
| Hate plugging in your phone | 2.5 S Select or above for wireless CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging. |
| Scrape frost every winter morning | 2.5 S Preferred or above for heated seats, heated wheel and wiper de-icer. |
| Carry kids or adults in back regularly | 2.5 S Premium for heated rear seats, rear USB-C ports and the panoramic roof. |
| Spend a lot of time on the freeway | 2.5 S Premium Plus for Cruising & Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist. |
CX-5 or CX-50: which Mazda is right for me?
They look close on paper and sit side by side on our lot, but they are built for different people. The CX-5 is the refined, roomy, tech-forward choice. The CX-50 is the rugged one with more engine options.
| 2026 CX-5 | 2026 CX-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Personality | Polished, quiet, comfort-first | Rugged, outdoorsy, firmer and sportier feel |
| Engines | 2.5L four-cylinder, 187 hp (hybrid coming for 2027) | 2.5L 187 hp, 2.5L Turbo, or Hybrid (219 hp, up to 38 mpg combined) |
| Cargo behind rear seat | 33.7 cu ft | Up to 31.4 cu ft |
| Max towing | Up to 1,500 lbs | Up to 3,500 lbs (Turbo) |
| Dashboard tech | 12.9-in or 15.6-in touchscreen with Google built-in | Center display with more physical knobs and buttons |
| AWD | Standard | Standard |
| IIHS 2026 | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
2026 vs. 2025 CX-5: what actually changed?
| 2025 CX-5 | 2026 CX-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Second generation | All-new third generation |
| Length | About 180 in | 184.6 in (about 4.5 in longer) |
| Cargo, seats up / down | 30.8 / 59.3 cu ft | 33.7 / 66.5 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 39.6 in | 39.9 in, plus more knee room and larger door openings |
| Infotainment | 10.25-in screen with rotary knob | 12.9-in touchscreen (15.6-in available), Google built-in |
| Engines | 2.5L or 2.5L Turbo | 2.5L only; turbo dropped, hybrid due for 2027 |
If you are deciding between a new 2026 and a leftover or pre-owned 2025, the trade-off is simple: the 2026 gives you the bigger cabin and the new tech; a 2025 is the only way to get a CX-5 Turbo.
Should I wait for the CX-5 hybrid?
Mazda has confirmed a CX-5 hybrid using its new in-house SkyActiv-Z powertrain for the 2027 model year, but pricing, fuel economy and timing for Oregon have not been announced. Our honest advice: if fuel economy is your top priority and you can wait, wait, or drive the CX-50 Hybrid now. If you need a vehicle this season, the 2026 CX-5 uses Mazda's long-proven 2.5L engine and six-speed automatic, a simple, durable combination.
| 02 / Will It Fit My Life? |
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Real-world fit: car seats, cargo, snow & garages
Spec sheets don't tell you whether the stroller fits or how it handles Highway 26 in January. Here are the answers to the practical questions we hear most.
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Vehicle fit
Does it fit car seats?
Yes, and it's much easier than before. Mazda enlarged the rear door openings and made them open wider, and rear legroom is now 39.9 inches. Two car seats fit comfortably; three across depends on the seats you own. Bring your car seats and install them in a CX-5 on our lot before you buy.
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Vehicle fit
How much cargo space do I get?
33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 66.5 cubic feet folded, about 9% and 12% more than the 2025. The load floor is lower and longer, so heavy items slide in more easily, and the 40/20/40 rear seat lets skis or lumber pass through while two people ride in back. To be fair, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 still offer more space behind the rear seat.
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Pacific Northwest
Is it good for snow and Mount Hood trips?
Standard all-wheel drive, 8.0 to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, an Off-Road drive mode and G-Vectoring Control Plus with a brake-based limited-slip function give it real winter confidence. Tires still matter most: consider dedicated winter or all-weather tires, check ODOT TripCheck, and carry chains or traction devices when signs require them.
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Vehicle fit
Will it fit in my garage?
The 2026 CX-5 is 184.6 inches long, about 66.7 inches tall and about 81.8 inches wide. That is roughly 4.5 inches longer than the outgoing model, so measure a tight garage before you buy. Premium Plus adds a 360 View Monitor that makes tight spaces much easier.
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Utility
Can it tow a small trailer?
The CX-5 is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, enough for a small utility trailer, a jet ski or a bike rack setup. The standard rearview camera includes a tow hitch guide. Need more? The CX-50 Turbo tows up to 3,500 pounds.
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Comfort
Is it quiet and comfortable on long drives?
Mazda says the new CX-5 is quieter than the outgoing model, with new shock absorbers and a reworked wheel and tire setup. The rear bench reclines on every trim, and Premium adds heated rear seats and rear USB-C ports to keep the back row comfortable on a coast trip.
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| 03 / Show Me How |
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How the CX-5's key features work
The 2026 CX-5 is the most connected Mazda yet. These are the features people ask us to demonstrate most, and how to use them.
Setting up Google built-in
| 01 |
Sign in on the touchscreen
Use the 12.9-inch (or 15.6-inch) screen to sign in with your Google account. We will do this with you on delivery day if you like.
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| 02 |
Talk instead of tap
Google Assistant with Gemini handles navigation, calls, messages, music and many vehicle settings by voice, so your eyes stay on the road.
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| 03 |
Navigate with Google Maps
Maps runs natively on the car's screen without your phone, with live traffic once connected services are active.
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| 04 |
Add apps from Google Play
Download supported audio and navigation apps right to the car.
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| 05 |
Know the subscription
Connected services include a one-year trial; an annual subscription applies after that.
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More features we demo every day
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Select and up
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Standard on Select and above; the 2.5 S connects by USB-C cable. Pair once and your phone connects automatically every time you get in.
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All trims
Mi-Drive drive modes
Choose Normal for everyday driving, Sport for quicker throttle response on the Sunset Highway on-ramp, and Off-Road for gravel trailhead roads, mud or deep snow.
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Premium Plus
Lane Change Assist
Part of Cruising & Traffic Support. On the highway with the system active, signal and the CX-5 changes lanes on its own once the system determines it is safe. You stay in charge with hands on the wheel.
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Premium Plus
360 View Monitor
A bird's-eye camera view with underfloor, parking and mirrors-folded views, so curbs, posts and tight Pearl District parking stop being guesswork.
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Preferred and up
Active Driving Display
A full-color head-up display projects speed, navigation turns and safety alerts onto the windshield in your line of sight.
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Premium Plus
Driver Personalization
First seen on the CX-90, it helps set your seat and mirrors automatically for your driving position, ideal when two drivers share the car.
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| 04 / What To Expect |
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What to expect at Herzog-Meier Mazda
Buying a car shouldn't feel like a mystery. Here is how each step works at our Beaverton store on SW Tualatin Valley Highway, serving Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard and Portland since 1966. Our team is bilingual: hablamos español.
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Test drive
What happens on a test drive?
We start by asking how you'll use the car, then match you to a trim. We'll set up your seat and pair your phone, and you'll drive a route that mixes TV Highway traffic with highway merging. Want to compare? Drive the CX-5 and CX-50 back to back in the same visit. Bring your driver's license, plus car seats or gear if you want to test the fit.
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Trade-in
How long does a trade-in take?
An in-person appraisal usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a walkaround and a short drive. Bring your title or loan payoff information, both keys and any service records to speed things up.
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Delivery day
What should I expect at delivery?
After paperwork, a team member walks you through your CX-5: Google built-in sign-in, phone pairing, the MyMazda app, saving your driver profile and how the safety systems work. Bring your license, proof of insurance and any financing or trade-in documents.
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Service
What are service visits like?
Our factory-trained Mazda technicians use genuine Mazda parts, offer online scheduling and send updates through Mazda Digital Service, so you can see what your car needs before you approve it.
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| 05 / What Ownership Is Like |
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Living with a 2026 CX-5
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need premium gas? | No. The 2.5L engine is rated on regular unleaded. |
| What mileage will I get? | EPA-estimated 24 mpg city / 30 highway / 26 combined. Honest note: that trails hybrid rivals; the CX-50 Hybrid is rated up to 38 mpg combined. |
| How often do I need maintenance? | Follow Mazda's schedule in the owner's manual. The maintenance monitor reminds you when oil, filter and tire rotation are due, with inspections added at higher mileage. |
| What does service cost? | It depends on the mileage interval. Call our service team at (888) 295-0640 for an exact quote, and check our service specials before you book. |
| What warranty do I get? | 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranties from Mazda. |
| Are connected features free? | Mazda Connected Services include a one-year trial; an annual subscription applies after that. |
Ownership tips from our service drive
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Think about tires before November
All-wheel drive helps you go; tires help you stop and turn. All-weather or dedicated winter tires make the biggest difference for Mount Hood and coast-range trips.
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Use the wiper de-icer
On Preferred and above, the de-icer clears frozen wiper blades on frosty mornings. Turn it on while the cabin warms up.
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Keep your Google account signed in
Map updates, voice control and app features work best when you stay signed in and connected services stay active.
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Keep a service record
Servicing at a Mazda dealer keeps a documented history, which supports warranty coverage and resale value.
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| 06 / Answer My Question |
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Common misconceptions
| What people assume | What's actually true |
|---|---|
| “All-wheel drive costs extra.” | AWD is standard on every 2026 CX-5, including the $29,990 base 2.5 S. |
| “The base model skimps on safety.” | Every trim gets the full i-Activsense suite, including front and rear automatic braking and blind spot monitoring. |
| “The new CX-5 still has a turbo.” | The turbo was dropped for 2026. Want turbo power? Look at the CX-50 Turbo or a pre-owned CX-5 Turbo. |
| “The CX-5 and CX-50 are basically the same.” | They share an engine, but the CX-5 has more cargo room and a touchscreen with Google built-in; the CX-50 offers turbo and hybrid engines and tows more. |
| “Touchscreen only means no CarPlay.” | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work on every trim, wireless from Select up. |
2026 Mazda CX-5 FAQ
Tap any question to see the answer.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 cost? |
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Which 2026 CX-5 trim do I need? |
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Should I buy the Mazda CX-5 or the CX-50? |
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Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 CX-5? |
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Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 need premium gas? |
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Does the 2026 CX-5 fit car seats? |
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How much cargo space does the 2026 CX-5 have? |
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Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 good in snow? |
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Does the 2026 CX-5 have a third row? |
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Is there a 2026 Mazda CX-5 hybrid? |
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How does Google built-in work in the CX-5? |
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How often does the 2026 CX-5 need maintenance? |
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What warranty comes with the 2026 Mazda CX-5? |
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Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 safe? |
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What happens on a test drive at Herzog-Meier Mazda? |
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How long does a trade-in appraisal take? |
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What should I expect on delivery day? |
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Sources
Specifications, pricing and features on this page come from these sources. Information is subject to change; confirm details with our sales team.
· Mazda USA Newsroom: 2026 CX-5 pricing and packaging
· IIHS: 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ ratings
Ask us anything about the CX-5.
Whether you're comparing trims, measuring your garage or fitting car seats, the Herzog-Meier Mazda team will give you a straight answer, with no pressure.
| Sales (833) 868-4612 | Service & Parts (888) 295-0640 | Visit 14105 SW Tualatin Valley Hwy Beaverton, OR 97005 |
Pricing, specifications and features are from Mazda North American Operations for the 2026 model year and are subject to change. MSRP excludes $1,595 destination and handling, taxes, title, license and dealer fees; dealer sets actual price. Fuel economy figures are EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Towing requires proper equipment. IIHS award applies to vehicles built after specific dates; see iihs.org. Driver-assistance features do not replace safe driving.