Gen 3 CX-5: Owners Chime In

[Snake]

Here is a new thread dedicated to the new generation CX-5. New owners, let's learn and share about the new generation together. Share experiences and tips. Ask questions, too.

I am just starting the process of getting to know my next generation 2026 CX-5 Preferred. I test drove one the other day and I was really impressed with the improved interior space and ride comfort compared to our 2024 CX-5, which we love. A lot has changed in functionality so it will take time to get to know it but it still feels like a Mazda, thankfully.

Points I've noticed so far-

The Gen 3 is taller by least a few inches than the Gen 2 so you have a sensation of being inside a larger car, yet it handles and maneuvers like the Gen 2, for the most part.

All trim levels come with automatic folding mirrors so as soon as you are out and the vehicle locks, the mirrors fold in. The added passing clearance this feature provides is something I noticed and appreciated right away.

I am unsure if all trims offer this feature but I know that at least the Select and above feature down tilting mirrors for backing up into and against tight spaces. No more curb-rash rims! This is controlled by the same illuminated buttons (for left or right side) on the driver side door as are used for adjusting the mirrors. The feature only works when the vehicle is in reverse.

Drivability: Bumps are absorbed nicely. The steering is much easier but it doesn't feel numb. It handles nicely for being a taller vehicle. The steering wheel has a little more girth now which is much appreciated as it provides a more solid grip. I have to say the engine is louder. I am told that the transmission has new shift programming which may play a part in higher revs. It does feel under-powered compared to the Gen 2 when you get into it but it launches from a stop quite well. Getting used to controlling everything from the center screen is going to be a lengthy learning process but I've already comes a ways with that. At this point, I can say that this thing will just about brush your teeth, tie your shoes, and comb your hair for you. There is so much capability inside the unit. It is very quick reacting, too.

More as I learn...

 

[Snake]

A few other notes:

The front overhead courtesy lights appear to be LED beams. They are basically hidden from direct sight due to their intensity. The switch to manually turn them on is different than what we are used to in doom light controls. The individual switches very small an sort of hidden in plain site at the front of the overhead console.

The glove box button is now a side swing lever. The split center console lid buttons have a different feel to them than classic Mazda and they aren't as easy to use as the button to open the console lid on our Gen 2, so there are some differences in feel/operation with the physical buttons in this new generation.

I am a bit disappointed that the Preferred trim level does not feature USB ports in the rear seat area. I figured that this would have become a standard feature on all modern vehicles by now, not an option. I have the dealership salesperson researching this. I need to know if there is already an existing, unused wiring harness tucked away inside the center console to plug into if/when I eventually order the optional USB port cover to replace the black cover with.

I've noticed that the online Mazda parts sites offer very little in the way of parts yet for the Gen 3. There are some, but not all accessories offered though. The dealership parts department is a better source at this time.

 

[Snake]

Oh, another big one that may apply to all Mazdas.

I'd read somewhere recently that applying wheels/tires to your CX-5 that are sized other than OEM spec, will void the warranty, at least with the related suspension components of the vehicle.

I asked my salesperson to confirm that with the Service Dept while I was at the dealership. The Service Dept says that it will in fact void the warranty due to the risk of larger, out of spec tires causing undue wear on the suspension components. So be aware of this everyone. I had heard about this before the Gen 3 was released so I assume that it applies to all Mazdas? If anyone has heard otherwise through Mazda officials, I'd like to know.

 

[joe-diy]

A few other notes:

The front overhead courtesy lights appear to be LED beams. They are basically hidden from direct sight due to their intensity. The switch to manually turn them on is different than what we are used to in doom light controls. The individual switches very small an sort of hidden in plain site at the front of the overhead console.

The glove box button is now a side swing lever. The split center console lid buttons have a different feel to them than classic Mazda and they aren't as easy to use as the button to open the console lid on our Gen 2, so there are some differences in feel/operation with the physical buttons in this new generation.

I am a bit disappointed that the Preferred trim level does not feature USB ports in the rear seat area. I figured that this would have become a standard feature on all modern vehicles by now, not an option. I have the dealership salesperson researching this. I need to know if there is already an existing, unused wiring harness tucked away inside the center console to plug into if/when I eventually order the optional USB port cover to replace the black cover with.

I've noticed that the online Mazda parts sites offer very little in the way of parts yet for the Gen 3. There are some, but not all accessories offered though. The dealership parts department is a better source at this time.

I would bet dollars to donuts that the USB cable or at least a harness is sitting behind that black cover plate. Modern manufacturing almost guarantees it.

But your smart to try and verify. I might just pop off the cover and take a look regardless of what dealer claims they verified.

 

[sm1ke]

The down-tilting mirrors are a nice touch, didn't know they had added them to the CX-5.

 

[ruthrj]

I would bet dollars to donuts that the USB cable or at least a harness is sitting behind that black cover plate. Modern manufacturing almost guarantees it.

But your smart to try and verify. I might just pop off the cover and take a look regardless of what dealer claims they verified.

Agreed. The gas 19 RAV4 XLE Premium I used to own had the wire harnesses present for the floor pan lights under the dash. $10 upgrade and easy DIY to get a feature only on the XSE and premium trims. Fingers crossed.

 

[Snake]

I've been working with the storage areas of the Gen 3 this morning. Here is what I can share.

The lower door slots are larger than they are on the Gen 2. They can hold a larger bottle. However they are still far smaller than they were on my Gen 5 CRV. The CRV had hidden storage pockets where you could push items back and out of sight inside the lower door storage space. Mazda needs to get onto that boat.

The leg room in the back seats is simply amazing compared to the Gen 2. It's equal to what I had in the Gen 5 CRV.

Sadly, there is no under rear seat storage in the Gen 3 CX-5. I am unaware at this time if there is any in the Gen 2?

The back hatch storage area is other worldly. It's actually 2" longer than it was in my Gen 5 CRV. The width is equal to that of my former Honda.

I have ordered a back storage area sliding cover. It would seem to have been designed to be positioned at a slightly higher level than it is on the Gen 2 which is a nice feature. More room for more garb!

It turns out that the glove box storage space is actually smaller than it is in the Gen 2. Somewhere else here in another thread, I may have mistaken said that it is larger.

And I can also confirm that the storage in the center console is noticeably smaller than it is in the Gen 2. I guess that means less garb, lol.

 

[madar]

Engine is still CDA?