2026 Mazda CX-5 review: Premium feel without the premium price

The Mazda CX-5 is the Japanese company's best-selling U.S. car. The popular model is also one of the few compact crossover SUVs on the market that starts under $30,000.

I drove the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus for a week to see if it deserves the Newsweek Best New SUV award and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute Top Safety Pick+ accolades that it received.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus all-wheel drive model that I tested is the highest trim of the popular SUV, and it starts at just under $39,000. Entry-level models start at a more modest $29,990.

The vehicle is available in five all-wheel-drive trims.

I've recently tested other crossover gas-powered and electric SUVs, including the Toyota RAV-4 plug-in hybrid, fully electric Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota bZ and Lexus RZ. I have also reviewed three-row SUVs like the Kia EV9 and hybrids such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander.

Here's what I learned after a week behind the wheel of Mazda's popular two-row crossover SUV.

The Mazda CX-5 stands out for its modern features, smooth handling and appealing exterior. The vehicle is available in nine colors, including the…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/