09/05/2026
In a segment dominated by sanitized family haulers and appliance-like commuter pods, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT Premium continues to wear a well-deserved crown: it is unequivocally the MX-5 Miata of compact crossovers. While most competitors design their CUVs purely for straight-line errands and parking lot maneuvers, Mazda builds the CX-5 for people who genuinely love the act of driving. It bridges the gap between everyday practicality and dynamic driver engagement better than nearly anything else in its class.
Under the hood, Mazda sticks to a delightfully straightforward powertrain strategy. You won't find tiny, high-strung turbocharged engines or laggy, rubber-band Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) here. Instead, the CX-5 relies on Mazda’s proven Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, pushing out a punchy 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a responsive, traditional six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, power delivery is smooth, linear, and completely predictable—giving you instant throttle response without waiting for a turbo to spool. While 0 to 96km/h in about 8 seconds seems a bit slow these days, the responsiveness and the sound from the dual exhausts makes it feel plenty fast, easily passing our Traffic Light Grand Prix Acceleration Test.
Where the CX-5 GT Premium truly shines, however, is in its suspension and handling dynamics. Upgraded shock absorbers and Mazda’s proprietary G-Vectoring Control Plus work seamlessly to load the front tires upon turn-in, delivering razor-sharp steering precision and remarkably flat body control through corners. Whether carving up a twisty backroad or navigating damp, slippery Canadian asphalt, the chassis feels communicative, poised, and athletic, proving that choosing a CUV doesn't mean surrendering road feel.
Visually, the 2026 model refines Mazda’s signature Kodo design language into near-luxury territory. The GT Premium trim makes a bold statement with 19-inch black metallic alloy wheels, piano-black lower bumper accents, body-colored wheel arch moldings, and sleek LED signature lighting front and rear. Coated in Mazda’s iconic Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint, the sculpted bodywork of our tester catches light in a way that makes standard competitive crossovers look boxy and uninspired.
Step inside the GT Premium cabin, and the upscale ambition becomes immediately obvious. Rich leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seating, customizable ambient door lighting, and a magnificent 12-speaker Bose premium audio system transform the interior into a serene sanctuary. The centre console features two large cupholders in front of the shifter and a wireless charger behind the shifter. While the cupholders accomodated our coffee tumbler and water bottle, the charger is in the perfect spot to catch the sun, with or without the sunroof open, which means it cooks your phone instead of charging it, a partial pass in our Bare Essentials Test.
Speaking of sunroof, the new for 2026 available power panoramic moonroof floods both rows with natural light, elevating the cabin atmosphere far beyond what you’d expect at this price point. The one drawback we found with the sunroof was that the shade and glass opening controls are integrated which means you have to have the shade fully open to open the roof. While this might not sound like a big deal, it means your rear seat passengers, including babies and children, must sunbathe in order for the sunroof to be open; not exactly ideal in a family oriented vehicle.
The biggest change for 2026 comes in the form of interior technology. The GT Premium debuts a massive 15.6-inch center touchscreen display—the largest ever fitted to a Mazda—complete with Google built-in, real-time Google Maps navigation, and conversational Gemini AI voice assistant integration. While the system earns high praise for its lighting-fast processing speeds, razor-sharp graphics, and intuitive smartphone mirroring, purists will certainly criticize the complete loss of physical HVAC hard buttons, which makes it difficult to adjust the HVAC settings on the fly, and the loss of the beloved centre-console Commander k**b in favor of touchscreen-docked digital controls. The upside of the new screen is that the cameras, including the 360 camera, are high resolution and that, along with the automatic emergency rear braking, kept Moose safe during our signature Moose Baby Parking Test, a solid pass.
When it comes to interior comfort and daily usability, the third-generation CX-5 addresses previous generation complaints directly. The vehicle stretches its wheelbase by 4.5 inches, translating almost all of that extra length directly into expanded rear-seat legroom. The wide opening rear doors made loading Moose and his car seat a breeze, passing our Moose Baby Seat Test. Coupled with rear climate control vents, dual USB-C charging ports, and heated outboard rear seats, back-seat passengers now enjoy genuine long-haul comfort regardless of their size, also a pass for our Moose Parent Backseat Test.
Practicality remains a strong suit for growing families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The versatile 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats make hauling long items like hockey sticks or skis a breeze without sacrificing passenger seating, an easy pass for our Canadian Cargo Test. Access is easier than ever thanks to a hands-free power liftgate with programmable height settings, while a standard 2,000 lb towing capacity ensures you can easily pull small utility trailers or recreational gear for family getaways.
Fuel economy remains efficient for a naturally aspirated, full-time all-wheel-drive crossover, striking a sensible balance between daily commuting and spirited weekend drives. Despite being a larger vehicle, we were able to average 8L/100km during our week with it which is comparable to many compact cars such as the Honda Civic. In terms of pricing, the fully loaded 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT Premium carries a starting MSRP of $46,700 CAD. When stacked against luxury subcompacts pushing well over fifty grand, the CX-5 delivers an incredible amount of premium content and advanced driver-assist safety technology for the money.
Ultimately, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT Premium proves that practical crossover ownership doesn't have to be a compromise. By combining standard all-wheel-drive utility with an unyielding commitment to steering feel, linear power, and chassis balance, it remains the undisputed Miata of the CUV world. It’s a crossover built not just to transport you, but to remind you how much fun driving can actually be.
