2025 CX-5 vs New 2026 model!?

[a69mach1377]

I too purchased the same version just 4 short days after you. Love it throughout, and the headlights are amazing coming from a 2019 Ridgeline, although the Toyos came flat spotted going back in next week to see what they can do.

What did you find out about the tires...I am not impressed with the Toyos either.

 

[cz5gt]

From Mazda Procedure to Remove Flat-Spots on Tires:


Adjust the tire inflation pressure to 26 PSI
Drive the vehicle for approximately 10 miles.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the value specified on the door label or owner's manual and then verify that the symptoms are gone.

All tires get flat spots when sitting longer time if the pressure is not higher than the usual for the sitting period.

 

[a69mach1377]

Thanks for the tip, had not seen that before.
Still curious what @Drocca92 found out...

 

[chickdr]

Thanks for the tip, had not seen that before.
Still curious what @Drocca92 found out...

I guess you didn't see his post above about what the dealer did?

 

[Pitter]

Good for you. I still have a 2020 Signature and the ride off paved roads is horrible.

 

[a69mach1377]

Got the flat spot tire replaced and road force balanced, much better now. I can actually focus on the features again. Starting to fit more like a glove each day I drive. So far when I fill up averaging about 30 MPGs doing the math the old way. Infotainment shows between 32-34 MPGs.

Now I did...
Looks like a bad tire vs. just a flat spot from sitting too long.

 

[Antoine]

Official pics (plus some details) released in Europe!

Official 2026 Mazda CX-5 Pics Released

 

[DG_1234]

During the past 10 years my family has owned seven CX-5's of various colors and trim levels.
For the 2026 model I am disappointed that Mazda lengthened its size, because my assumption is that CX-5's sporty handling and maneuverability will be diminished.
Considering that Mazda offers its CX-70 and CX-90 models I do not understand the reasoning behind making the CX-5 larger.

 

[RedBaron]

Considering that Mazda offers its CX-70 and CX-90 models I do not understand the reasoning behind making the CX-5 larger.

Well, it may be larger, but it's not AS large as the CX-70/90. I expect the next CX-30 will be larger too, and take the slot of the current CX-5

 

[DG_1234]

Well, it may be larger, but it's not AS large as the CX-70/90. I expect the next CX-30 will be larger too, and take the slot of the current CX-5

The CX-5 for the the past 13 years has been produced on a platform designed especially for the CX-5. In contrast, the Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-50 share the same platform, which diminishes the handling dynamics of those vehicles.

 

[chickdr]

The CX-5 for the the past 13 years has been produced on a platform designed especially for the CX-5. In contrast, the Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-50 share the same platform, which diminishes the handling dynamics of those vehicles.

And for about the same 13yrs, folks have complained about the cramped back seat of the CX-5 compared to other competitors. It appears to be the same platform - again- but has been stretched to give more legroom and cargo space. They are keeping the independent rear suspension from what I have read.

The biggest fail to me is not having the new motors ready at launch. How they could put so much time into this and use a motor that was introduced in 2014 is beyond me. Of course it has been tweaked over the years, but it is the same basic motor. The 6-sp auto is also the same since 2014 (I mean they designed a new 8-sp for the CX-90, why not get one ready for the FWD based cars as well?). The turbo has been axed and there is no upgrade model available at launch. We are promised an upgraded hybrid which will supposedly exceed the 2.5T's performance and economy, but this remains to be seen.

To me Mazda has been having some pretty big fails of late (CX-70 that is just a 4-5 seat CX-90 was the first). The CX-5 is not an all new car. They weren't designing a new CX-5 from the ground up. Heck, it even looks like the current car with a mid cycle refresh. Most uninformed folks wouldn't even notice the difference between a 25 and 26. The CX-90 didn't come out with an incomplete range of engines and the CX-5 shouldn't have either with it being Mazdas best selling car in the US.

 

[RedBaron]

The CX-5 for the the past 13 years has been produced on a platform designed especially for the CX-5. In contrast, the Mazda 3, CX-30 and CX-50 share the same platform, which diminishes the handling dynamics of those vehicles.

Well, given that we have BOTH the CX-5 and CX-50 in our household, I can say the CX-50 has BETTER handling than the CX-5, although a somewhat stiffer ride compromise.

So there's that...

 

[a69mach1377]

Longer wheelbase...would have been nice vs. our '25.
No turbo? No deal for us...glad I got the '25 while it had a turbo.

 

[docKiwi75]

It seems odd that the 2026 top of the line CX-5 will discard the turbo for one model year and then switch to a new engine. I've had a 2016 GT NA and 2021 Signature turbo and was thinking about buying a 2026 until this announcement. A 2027 with a new generation hybrid engine aimed at meeting and exceeding current turbo performance is not something I'm willing to wait for (or trust out of the gate). Guess I'll be test driving competitors over the next few months if this proves true.

 

[DG_1234]

Well, given that we have BOTH the CX-5 and CX-50 in our household, I can say the CX-50 has BETTER handling than the CX-5, although a somewhat stiffer ride compromise.

So there's that...

I drove a CX-50 and was astonished at how poorly it handled compared to the CX-5. For me the CX-50 suspension felt soft and floaty compared to the relatively firm suspension of the CX-5. So, different strokes for different folks.

 

[docKiwi75]

I drove a CX-50 and was astonished at how poorly it handled compared to the CX-5. For me the CX-50 suspension felt soft and floaty compared to the relatively firm suspension of the CX-5. So, different strokes for different folks.

That sums up my experience driving a 2024 NA CX-50 loaner for 3-4 days while my 21 Sig's valve stem seals were switched out last summer. Focusing only on driving feel and handling on local highways -- not 0-60 performance -- the CX-50 was disappointing. Fit and finish of the CX-50 was noticeably less tight. I was happy to have my CX-5 back. The CX-5 is a very fun car to drive in my experience.

 

[N7turbo]

Huh. I drove two of them, One with the 20" wheels and the other with the 17" wheels. Neither seemed soft or floaty to me. They both had a lot less body roll than the CX-5 and the turn-in was more direct, sort of the feeling you get with larger sway bars.

 

[RedBaron]

I don't know what to say about those poor CX-50 reports. Mine (a '23 model) is noticeably tighter and less floaty than the wife's 2019 CX-5. Now mine is a turbo with the 20" wheels, so that might account some for the stiffer ride. Also, the fit & finish on mine, inside & out, is just as good as our CX-5.

I can only assume you had bad examples.

 

[hoodlum]

I don't know what to say about those poor CX-50 reports. Mine (a '23 model) is noticeably tighter and less floaty than the wife's 2019 CX-5. Now mine is a turbo with the 20" wheels, so that might account some for the stiffer ride. Also, the fit & finish on mine, inside & out, is just as good as our CX-5.

I can only assume you had bad examples.

Keep in mind that Mazda went to a softer suspension setup for the 2024 CX-50, along with less heavier steering

 

[N7turbo]

Keep in mind that Mazda went to a softer suspension setup for the 2024 CX-50, along with less heavier steering

I could see that as I tested 2023s. But the steering was already lighter than the CX-5.