Mazda’s best SUV is still a bargain for 2026

Even with a sharper design, a fresh coat of paint, and a host of new features for 2026, the Mazda CX-5 is still a bargain. Mazda’s compact SUV remains one of the most affordable options in its segment, even with an all-new generation coming to market this year.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $31,485, including the mandatory $1,495 destination charge. That’s just $940 more than the outgoing 2025 model, which retailed for $30,545. Both figures apply to the base 2.5S, which will continue largely unchanged until 2026.

The updated CX-5 is also only slightly more expensive than its swoopier brother, the CX-50. The 2026 CX-50 starts at $31,395 with destination, a negligible $90 difference.

Here’s how prices for the entire 2026 CX-5 range break down (including destination):

For that price you get a stylish compact SUV that’s 4 inches longer than last year’s model, which translates into more cargo space and improved passenger space. Power still comes from the familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Mazda says a hybrid version is on the way, but for now the petrol engine remains unchanged.

Mazda hasn’t released a full options list for the 2026 CX-5 yet, but premium paint will cost extra. Aero Grey, Polymetal Grey, Rhodium White, Soul Red Crystal and Machine Gray all add $595 to the sticker.

Mazda CX-5 versus the alternatives

Photo by: Mazda

Photo by: Toyota

Even with a modest price increase for 2026, the CX-5 remains competitive. Mazda’s compact crossover undercuts a few key rivals, including some newer ones.

The new Toyota RAV4 starts at $33,350. The recently updated Volkswagen Tiguan costs $32,840. The ever-popular Honda CR-V costs $32,370. Heck, even the somehow still alive Ford Escape costs more than the CX-5, with a starting price of $31,845.

That said, the CX-5 is still not the cheapest option in its segment. That title belongs to the Kia Sportage, which starts at $30,285 for 2026. There are also a handful of older compact SUVs that still fall below the CX-5 this year:

Taking Motor1s: If the new Mazda CX-5 has the same driving dynamics and overall appearance as the current model, we can’t imagine it will be anything less than a hit, especially at that price. I hope the hybrid arrives sooner or later to beat the new RAV4 too.