The redesigned Mazda CX-5 brings more space, better technology and an upscale cabin to everyday city driving.

The real test of a compact SUV is not always about towing, trail ratings or dramatic off-road adventures. In Vancouver, it is often about camera gear, coffee, tight parking spaces and whether you still enjoy driving after a full day around the city.

I spent a week driving the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT around Vancouver. It proved easy to place in the city, comfortable enough for longer days and polished without feeling unnecessarily complicated.

The CX-5 has long been one of Mazda’s most recognizable vehicles, but the 2026 model is not simply a minor refresh. This third-generation CX-5 is longer, roomier and considerably more technology-focused than the vehicle it replaces.

2026 Mazda CX-5 GT at a Glance

• Engine: 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder
• Horsepower: 187 hp
• Torque: 186 lb-ft
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Standard i-Activ AWD
• Seating: Five
• Highway fuel economy: Up to 7.9 L/100 km
• Audio: Bose 12-speaker premium sound system
• Wheels: 19-inch black metallic alloy wheels

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed about the redesigned CX-5 was that it still looked unmistakably like a Mazda, but it had more presence than the previous generation.

The front end is wider and more sculpted, while the slimmer lighting and stronger body lines give it a more contemporary appearance. At the rear, bold MAZDA lettering replaces the traditional badge and connects the CX-5 visually with Mazda’s larger SUVs.

It looks more substantial, but it has not become so large that it feels cumbersome in the city. That balance matters in Vancouver, where a vehicle may spend one day cruising along the waterfront and the next negotiating a narrow parkade.

Exterior Design

Mazda describes the new CX-5 design as functional but stylish, and that’s a fair summary. It avoids the exaggerated grilles and overly complicated bodywork appearing on some newer SUVs.

The GT’s 19-inch black metallic wheels add some visual contrast, while the clean side profile and restrained detailing give the CX-5 a premium look.

It photographed especially well at Spanish Banks, where the shape looked crisp against the ocean and mountains without competing with the scenery.

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Interior and Comfort

The interior is where the CX-5 GT makes its strongest case.

Leather-trimmed seats, thoughtful material choices and a relatively uncluttered layout create a cabin that feels calm and upscale. The GT also includes ambient lighting in the front door trim, with a selection of colours available to subtly change the atmosphere at night.

The redesigned model offers more room than the previous CX-5, particularly in the rear seats. Larger door openings also make it easier to get in and out or load bulky items.

For my purposes, the larger cargo space easily accommodated my cider haul and the other equipment that seems to follow me everywhere. The lower loading height also made it easy to put everything in without a wrestling match at the liftgate.

Technology

The 2026 CX-5 introduces a much more modern technology experience, including Google built-in and a large centre touchscreen.

Navigation, voice controls and phone connectivity are integrated into the display, while the windshield-projected Active Driving Display places useful information closer to the driver’s line of sight.

The GT’s 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was another highlight. It delivered the clarity and depth I wanted for music without requiring an unnecessarily complicated setup.

How the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT Drives

The CX-5 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive.

Those numbers aren’t super agressive, but the CX-5 feels composed and predictable in everyday driving. The throttle response is easy to manage, the steering feels reassuringly direct and the suspension controls body movement without making the ride harsh.

It was easy to manoeuvre through neighbourhood streets. The powertrain is more focused on smooth, usable performance than outright speed, which suits the character of the vehicle.

Living With It: The Real Vancouver SUV Test

I decided to judge the CX-5 using the questions that actually come up during my week:

• Can it fit everything I need for a day of shooting?
• Is there somewhere sensible to put my coffee?
• Can I get it into a tight parking spot without raising my blood pressure?
• After a full day around Vancouver, do I still want to drive it?

The answer was yes across the board.

The cargo area swallowed my equipment without forcing me to reorganize everything. The cabin storage handled the everyday clutter of phones, cups and charging cables. Visibility was good, and the available camera technology made tight urban parking much less dramatic.

Most importantly, the CX-5 remained pleasant after the novelty of driving a new vehicle had worn off. It felt comfortable on errands, polished enough for an evening out and ready for a weekend drive beyond the city.

What I Loved

• The upscale and comfortable interior
• The more spacious rear seats and cargo area
• The clean exterior design
• Standard all-wheel drive
• The Bose 12-speaker audio system
• Its manageable size for Vancouver streets and parking
• The balance between ride comfort and responsive handling

What I Would Change

The naturally aspirated engine is smooth and dependable, but drivers looking for stronger acceleration may wish for more power.

The increasing reliance on the touchscreen may also divide longtime Mazda drivers who appreciated the previous rotary controller and physical controls. The new system looks modern, but a few commonly used functions are often easier to operate with a dedicated button.

I would also check the equipment list carefully when comparing the GT with the GT Premium Package, as some of the most appealing camera and display technology is reserved for the upgraded package.

Who Should Buy the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT?

The CX-5 GT is a strong match for drivers who want a compact SUV with an upscale cabin, standard all-wheel drive and enough room for everyday life without moving into a much larger vehicle.

It should particularly appeal to couples, smaller families and urban drivers who regularly travel beyond the city but do not need three rows of seats.

It is also well suited to Vancouver life: easy enough to park, comfortable in traffic and capable of carrying everything needed for a day at the beach, a content shoot or a weekend road trip.

Good Life Vancouver Verdict

The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT does not need a contrived wilderness adventure to prove its value.

It succeeds in the situations most owners will face every week. It carries the gear, accommodates the coffee, handles the parking and still feels like somewhere you want to spend time at the end of the day.

That may not be the most dramatic SUV test, but in Vancouver, it is probably the one that matters.

2026 Mazda CX-5 GT Specifications

Vehicle specifications and equipment may vary by trim, package and production date. Confirm current Canadian specifications and pricing with Mazda Canada or an authorized Mazda retailer.