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.<\/p>\n
The CX-5 has long been one of Mazda\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
2026 Mazda CX-5 GT at a Glance<\/h2>\n\n- Engine:<\/strong> 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder<\/li>\n
- Horsepower:<\/strong> 187 hp<\/li>\n
- Torque:<\/strong> 186 lb-ft<\/li>\n
- Transmission:<\/strong> Six-speed automatic<\/li>\n
- Drivetrain:<\/strong> Standard i-Activ AWD<\/li>\n
- Seating:<\/strong> Five<\/li>\n
- Highway fuel economy:<\/strong> Up to 7.9 L\/100 km<\/li>\n
- Audio:<\/strong> Bose 12-speaker premium sound system<\/li>\n
- Wheels:<\/strong> 19-inch black metallic alloy wheels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
First Impressions<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s larger SUVs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Exterior Design<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The GT\u2019s 19-inch black metallic wheels add some visual contrast, while the clean side profile and restrained detailing give the CX-5 a premium look.<\/p>\n
It photographed especially well at Spanish Banks, where the shape looked crisp against the ocean and mountains without competing with the scenery.<\/p>\n
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First Impressions<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s larger SUVs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Exterior Design<\/h2>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The GT\u2019s 19-inch black metallic wheels add some visual contrast, while the clean side profile and restrained detailing give the CX-5 a premium look.<\/p>\n
It photographed especially well at Spanish Banks, where the shape looked crisp against the ocean and mountains without competing with the scenery.<\/p>\n
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