Why Mazda Chose Comfort Over Horsepower in the 2026 CX-5

Mazda just revealed their all-new CX-5 for 2026, and while it brings significant improvements in size and technology, many enthusiasts are asking one crucial question: where did the power go? The answer reveals Mazda’s bold strategy to prioritize what most families actually need over what driving enthusiasts want.

The Power Reduction Reality

What’s Missing from the Engine Bay

The 2026 CX-5 launches with only one engine option: a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. This might sound familiar because it’s essentially the same base engine from the current model, just with slight tuning improvements.

Here’s what’s gone: the optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that produced 256 horsepower in the previous CX-5. That’s a significant 69-horsepower difference that performance-minded drivers will definitely notice.

Why Mazda Made This Choice

This wasn’t an oversight or cost-cutting measure. Mazda deliberately chose to streamline their CX-5 lineup around their most popular powertrain. The 2.5 S powertrain package has proven itself as a popular, reliable offering from Mazda, and the company is betting that most buyers prioritize reliability and fuel efficiency over raw acceleration.

For those who still want the turbocharged experience, Mazda hasn’t abandoned you entirely—you’ll just need to look at their CX-50, which continues offering the more powerful engine option.

What You Get Instead: A Much Better Interior Experience

Dramatically More Space

The trade-off becomes clearer when you see what Mazda invested in instead of multiple engine options. The new CX-5’s wheelbase is 4.5 inches longer than before, with 4.5 inches of additional overall length. This isn’t just a numbers game—it translates to real benefits for passengers.

The extra length results in larger door openings for easier ingress and egress—a chief complaint of the previous model. Anyone who’s struggled to get elderly parents or sleeping children in and out of the current CX-5 will appreciate this improvement.

Better Technology Integration

One of the biggest changes Mazda has made to the new CX-5 is to add a massive, 15.6-inch touchscreen display. This represents the largest infotainment screen Mazda has ever offered, powered by Google Built-in technology for seamless smartphone integration.

While some drivers prefer physical buttons, Mazda argues this approach reduces driver distraction by centralizing controls in one intuitive interface.

The Hybrid Hope: Coming in 2027

Mazda’s In-House Solution

Don’t assume Mazda has given up on performance entirely. CX-5 will debut a new hybrid powertrain to the Mazda family in 2027, featuring what they’re calling the SkyActiv-Z engine with Mazda Hybrid System technology.

This is significant because unlike the CX-50, which pairs a Toyota hybrid system with a 2.5-liter engine, the CX-5 will be the first Mazda with the brand’s new Skyactiv-Z unit. Mazda promises this will deliver both better performance and improved fuel efficiency.

The Competitive Landscape

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Those after improved fuel economy may want to wait for the 2027 model year, when Mazda will add a hybrid variant to the CX-5 lineup for the first time. Meanwhile, competitors like the Toyota RAV4 already offer hybrid options, and Honda’s CR-V hybrid continues gaining market share.

Design Evolution That Actually Matters

More Than Just Looks

The 2026 CX-5 isn’t just bigger—it’s smarter about how it uses space. The cargo area is 2 inches longer than before, as well as 1 inch higher, and it also benefits from a larger opening. The liftover height has been reduced, making it easier to load groceries, luggage, or sports equipment.

The exterior styling evolution connects the CX-5 more closely with Mazda’s larger SUVs like the CX-70 and CX-90, creating a more cohesive brand identity across their lineup.

Safety and Quality Improvements

Mazda hasn’t forgotten their reputation for safety. The all-new Mazda CX-5 continues Mazda’s unwavering commitment to safety, based on its legacy as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner. The 2026 model introduces several new Advanced Driver Assistance System features designed to enhance protection and driver confidence.

Should You Wait or Buy Now?

For Most Families: The 2026 Model Works

If you’re a typical family buyer who prioritizes space, reliability, and technology over acceleration times, the 2026 CX-5 delivers exactly what you need. The naturally aspirated engine provides adequate power for daily driving while offering proven reliability and reasonable fuel economy.

For Performance Enthusiasts: Consider Alternatives

If you’re someone who enjoyed the turbocharged CX-5’s extra punch, you have two choices: move up to the CX-50 with its available turbo engine, or wait for the 2027 hybrid that may offer the best of both worlds—more power and better efficiency.

The Bottom Line: A Strategic Simplification

Mazda’s decision to reduce engine options in the 2026 CX-5 reflects their understanding of what most buyers actually want versus what automotive journalists wish for. The CX-5 is Mazda’s biggest seller, moving around 150,000 units a year, and the vast majority of those buyers chose the base engine anyway.

By focusing resources on interior space, technology, and upcoming hybrid development rather than maintaining multiple engine options, Mazda is positioning the CX-5 for long-term success in an increasingly competitive segment.

The 2026 CX-5 may be less powerful on paper, but it’s more practical where it counts—and that’s exactly what most families are looking for in their next SUV.

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