Mazda CX-5 · Buyer's Guide · Jacksonville, FL

2026 Mazda CX-5 in Jacksonville, FL — The Complete Buyer's Guide

What's New for 2026 — The Full Redesign

Mazda hasn't done a full CX-5 redesign since 2017. For 2026, they did one right. The third-generation CX-5 is longer, wider, and more spacious than anything the nameplate has offered before — and it arrives with the kind of cabin technology that the previous model's rotary-dial infotainment was starting to embarrass itself against.

Here is what actually changed.

Exterior — A More Modern Stance

The 2026 CX-5 adopts the latest KODO: "Soul of Motion" design expression. The Signature Wing front grille is now flanked by LED headlights with a two-tier DRL lighting signature — the same design language Mazda uses on the CX-70 and CX-90. Around back, "MAZDA" lettering spans the tailgate, and the taillights mirror the larger CX models for a cohesive family look. The wheelbase and overall length grew — 4.5 inches longer than the outgoing model — giving the CX-5 a presence it didn't have before without losing the clean proportions that made the previous generation so well-regarded.

Interior and Technology

The old rotary-controlled infotainment system is gone. Every 2026 CX-5 gets a touchscreen — 12.9 inches on the base through Premium trims, 15.6 inches on the top Premium Plus. The system runs Google Built-In, meaning navigation, voice search, and the Google Gemini AI assistant are native — no need to mirror your phone for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Select and up. The steering wheel now carries "MAZDA" script and a full set of controls so drivers can manage media, cruise, and drive modes without taking their hands off the wheel.

Dimensions and Passenger Space

The longer platform translates directly into rear passenger room. Second-row occupants get 2.3 additional inches of knee clearance — meaningful for families and anyone who regularly carries adults in the back. Cargo capacity behind the second row expands as well, making the 2026 CX-5 more practical for daily use than its predecessor.

What Didn't Change — And Why That's Fine

The 2026 CX-5 keeps the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder as its sole powertrain. The turbo option from the previous generation was dropped for this redesign year — Mazda confirmed a hybrid powertrain will arrive for 2027, and the naturally aspirated engine with a proper 6-speed automatic remains one of the more engaging drivelines in the compact SUV segment. Unlike competitors that have moved to CVTs, the CX-5 still shifts through gears. You feel it. That matters to a certain kind of driver — and if you're reading a buyer's guide this detailed, you're probably that kind of driver.

Trim Levels and What Each One Gets You

Every 2026 CX-5 uses the same 187-hp engine, the same 6-speed automatic, and the same i-ACTIV AWD. Trim selection is entirely about features, comfort, and technology — not performance. That simplifies the decision considerably.

MSRP figures before $1,495 destination charge. Sources: MNAO, Edmunds, TrimAtlas.

2.5 S — The Entry Point That Doesn't Feel Like One

At $29,990, the base 2.5 S includes standard AWD, the 12.9-inch Google touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Mazda's full i-ACTIVSENSE safety suite (automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring). The cloth seating and lack of wireless CarPlay are the main concessions at this trim. For a buyer who prioritizes a lower payment and plans to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay wired, this trim delivers more than its price suggests. Best for: budget-conscious buyers who want standard AWD and modern tech without paying for features they won't use.

2.5 S Select — The Sweet Spot

The Select adds the features that matter most to daily drivers: synthetic leather seating, heated front seats, and — critically — wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. No cable. Just pick up and drive. For Jacksonville buyers who spend time in stop-and-go traffic on I-95 or US-1, the heated seats aren't as relevant as they'd be in Minnesota, but the wireless connectivity upgrade alone justifies the price step for most people. Best for: most Jacksonville buyers who want the best balance of value and everyday convenience.

2.5 S Preferred — Where It Gets Genuinely Premium

The Preferred adds the panoramic moonroof — and that single feature transforms the cabin. It floods the interior with light in a way that feels immediately open, even on overcast Northeast Florida days. The power driver's seat with memory is a real quality-of-life upgrade for households with two drivers of different heights. If you're considering the Preferred, go see one in daylight. The moonroof closes the deal for a lot of buyers. Best for: buyers who want a noticeable interior upgrade without crossing into $38,000+ territory.

2.5 S Premium — For the Audiophile and the Safety-Conscious

The Premium trim layers in the 12-speaker Bose audio system, a head-up display that projects speed and navigation data onto the windshield, and additional driver assistance technology. If you spend significant time on I-295 or I-10 commuting, the head-up display reduces the micro-moments of looking away from the road that add up over a long commute. The Bose system is a genuine upgrade — not just more speakers, but better tuned. Best for: buyers who spend long stretches on the highway and want a richer audio experience.

2.5 S Premium Plus — The Full Expression

The top trim adds the 15.6-inch touchscreen — the largest display in the segment at this price point — along with a 360-degree camera system. At $38,990 before destination, it's a meaningful jump in price but keeps the CX-5 under the entry point of most luxury compact SUVs. If you're comparing this against a base-level BMW X1 or Audi Q3, the CX-5 Premium Plus wins on value and loses only on badge cachet. Best for: buyers who want the flagship technology package and the full luxury-feel interior without crossing into a luxury brand payment.

How the 2026 CX-5 Drives

Mazda's design philosophy is Jinba Ittai — rider and horse as one. It sounds like marketing, but it describes something real in how the CX-5 drives. You feel connected to what the vehicle is doing in a way that most compact SUVs at this price don't bother to engineer.

The 187-hp Skyactiv-G engine isn't the fastest thing in the segment. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid puts out 236 hp; the Honda CR-V Hybrid makes 204 hp. But raw horsepower misses the point with the CX-5. The 6-speed automatic responds predictably, downshifts when you ask it to, and doesn't hunt for gears in highway passing situations. G-Vectoring Control Plus — standard across all trims — subtly adjusts engine torque during cornering to improve stability and reduce steering corrections. Most drivers never consciously notice it, which is exactly the point.

The i-ACTIV AWD system does more than engage when wheels slip. It continuously monitors road conditions, weather sensors, steering angle, and throttle input — proactively distributing torque before traction is lost. In Northeast Florida's rain events, which can be sudden and heavy, that proactive sensing makes a real difference. During a Florida summer downpour on I-95, you want a system that's already adjusted before the car moves sideways, not one that reacts after.

Interior, Technology, and Cargo

The Cabin — Materials and Feel

The CX-5 has always punched above its price class on interior quality. The 2026 redesign extends that advantage. Even the base 2.5 S has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a dashboard that favors horizontal lines and clean integration over the button-laden complexity of some competitors. The knurled metal accents on available trims add tactile quality that's rare under $40,000. This is a cabin where the materials pass the fingertip test — you run your hand across the dash and don't feel hard plastic trying to pass itself off as something nicer.

Infotainment — Google Built-In

The switch to Google Built-In is significant. Previous CX-5 generations used Mazda's proprietary rotary interface — functional, but increasingly dated against smartphone-integrated systems. The 2026 model runs native Google Maps, Google Assistant, and will receive Google Gemini in a future over-the-air update. For Jacksonville drivers who rely on real-time traffic data on I-295, I-10, and the Beach Boulevard corridor, having Google Maps native — not mirrored — means the system stays connected and updates without the phone-to-car lag that mirrored navigation can introduce. One note: the connected services features require a data subscription ($15/month) after the included one-year trial.

Passenger Room and Cargo

The extended wheelbase translates into a noticeably roomier rear seat. If you regularly carry adults — not just children — in the back, the difference from the previous generation is apparent. Cargo capacity behind the second row expanded with the redesign as well, making the CX-5 better suited to airport runs, Costco trips, and weekend gear hauling than the model it replaces.

CX-5 vs. the Competition

Pricing, Financing, and the Tom Bush Difference

Buying a car shouldn't require a spreadsheet to figure out what you're actually paying. At Tom Bush Mazda, it doesn't. Our pricing is straightforward because transparency is not a marketing strategy — it's how we've operated for over 50 years in Jacksonville.

What You'll Pay at Tom Bush Mazda

The 2026 CX-5 2.5 S starts at $29,990 MSRP, plus Mazda's $1,495 destination charge. At Tom Bush Mazda, you add Florida sales tax, tag and title fees (which vary by county), and our Pre-Delivery Service Charge — which covers the vehicle inspection, preparation, and servicing completed before delivery. That's the complete list. No add-on packages. No dealer-installed accessories you didn't ask for. No "market adjustment" line items. The number on the window is the number we work from.

Financing Options

Tom Bush Mazda works with multiple lenders to find the most competitive rate available for your credit profile. Mazda Financial Services typically offers manufacturer incentive rates on select models — ask our team what current MFS programs apply to the 2026 CX-5 when you visit. We'll walk you through the numbers before you sit down to sign anything.

Leasing is also available and worth considering for drivers who prefer lower monthly payments and the option to upgrade every three years. The 2027 CX-5 Hybrid is confirmed — if you want to drive the new CX-5 now and upgrade when the hybrid arrives, a 24- or 36-month lease may be the most sensible path.

Frequently Asked Questions