NOW TRENDING

2026 Mazda CX-5 pricing starts at $29,990 as Mazda reveals all-new SUV for the U.S.

Published

2 months ago

June 26, 2026

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives with a new design, a larger cabin, standard AWD, updated technology and a starting price of $29,990 before destination.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is officially here, and Mazda is using its best-selling SUV in the U.S. to open a new chapter. Now in its third generation, the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives with updated styling, a more refined interior, more technology, a long list of standard safety features and a starting MSRP of $29,990 before destination. For Mazda, this is not just a routine update. It is a major refresh of one of the brand’s most important products in North America.

Mazda says the new CX-5 was developed around the same values that made the outgoing model such a strong seller in the U.S., but with meaningful improvements in the areas customers care about most: driving dynamics, cabin refinement, safety and everyday usability. At launch, every 2026 Mazda CX-5 will come with a SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, while the range will span from the entry-level CX-5 2.5 S to the fully loaded CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 enters its third generation with updated Kodo styling, standard AWD and a starting price of $29,990 in the U.S.

2026 Mazda CX-5 design keeps the familiar shape but pushes the SUV in a bolder direction

Visually, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 stays recognizable, but Mazda has clearly worked to give its compact SUV a stronger and more modern presence. The familiar silhouette remains, yet the brand says the latest expression of its Kodo design language introduces a more assertive front end, highlighted by a Signature Wing grille flanked by new LED headlights with a two-tier daytime running light signature.

Mazda also points to the 110-inch wheelbase, a more aggressive front fascia and a new wide-set “Mazda” script in place of conventional badging as key elements in the new design. Together, those changes are meant to emphasize width, stability and a more planted stance. Buyers will also be able to choose from a curated exterior color palette that includes returning shades such as Soul Red Crystal and Polymetal Gray Metallic, while Navy Blue Mica joins the lineup as a new standard color for the 2026 Mazda CX-5.

The result is a design that does not abandon the CX-5’s identity, but instead sharpens it. That matters because the CX-5 has always been one of the more attractive compact SUVs on the market, and Mazda clearly understands that this visual sophistication is part of the model’s appeal in the U.S.

2026 Mazda CX-5 engine and AWD setup stay simple, but Mazda says the driving experience is better

At launch, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 will be powered by Mazda’s SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD across the range, which means Mazda is continuing to make all-wheel drive a core part of the CX-5 formula in the U.S.

While those headline numbers may sound familiar, Mazda says the powertrain has been updated to deliver a more intuitive connection between driver inputs and vehicle response. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 also benefits from Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), which gives drivers access to Normal, Sport and Off-Road drive modes depending on conditions.

Mazda also says the SUV receives an improved ride and handling package with new shock absorbers, a new wheel and tire setup and the latest version of G-Vectoring Control Plus. In this application, GVC+ now incorporates an electronic brake limited-slip differential, a change aimed at improving traction both in difficult conditions and on more engaging roads. In other words, Mazda wants the 2026 Mazda CX-5 to remain one of the more rewarding compact SUVs to drive, even as the segment continues to move toward comfort-first tuning.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 cabin gets quieter, more digital and more premium

Inside, Mazda says the new CX-5 was designed to create a greater sense of calm and reassurance. The company claims the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is quieter than the outgoing model, and that the relationship between vehicle and occupants has been refined to make the cabin experience more seamless and less distracting.

Technology is a big part of that effort. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 features a large driver’s display, an available head-up display projected on the windshield, and either a 12.9-inch center infotainment screen or an available 15.6-inch display depending on trim. Mazda’s latest Mazda Connect system now uses a more smartphone-like interface based on Google built-in technology, with voice-command functionality that can handle multiple in-car controls and reduce distraction behind the wheel.

That is an important shift for the CX-5. Mazda has traditionally excelled at interior design and material quality, but the new infotainment setup suggests the brand is also working harder to modernize the digital experience. For a compact SUV competing in one of the most crowded segments in the U.S., that matters just as much as ride quality or cargo space.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 introduces a quieter cabin, Google-based Mazda Connect infotainment and up to a 15.6-inch center display depending on trim.

2026 Mazda CX-5 safety features are extensive even on the base model

Mazda is also loading the 2026 Mazda CX-5 with a broad list of standard safety and driver-assistance features. Every trim includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Smart Brake Support, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Brake Support (Front), Turn-Across Traffic Alert, Emergency Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Monitoring, Vehicle Exit Warning, Driver Attention Alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera with dynamic lines and tow hitch guide.

That is a serious standard safety package for a vehicle that starts under $30,000 before destination. It also reinforces one of the key messages Mazda is trying to send with the 2026 Mazda CX-5: this may be a more premium-feeling compact SUV, but it still has to deliver the value, practicality and peace of mind expected in the mainstream market.

2026 Mazda CX-5 trims: what each version adds

Mazda will offer the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in five trims for the U.S. market: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Pricing starts at $29,990 and climbs to $38,990 before destination for the flagship version.

2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S

The entry-level 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S rides on 17-inch wheels and includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google built-in, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-speaker audio system, USB-C charging ports, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a 10.25-inch digital tachometer. The front seats are manually adjustable, while the rear bench reclines and features a 40:20:40 split-folding setup.

2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select

Stepping up to the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select adds privacy glass, heated and auto-folding mirrors, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror and upgraded seating trim.

2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred brings 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a power liftgate, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, a full-color Active Driving Display and a Homelink rearview mirror. This trim starts to push the CX-5 into more premium territory without reaching the top of the range.

2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium adds a more upscale look thanks to black exterior accents, black-finished 19-inch wheels, upgraded Signature Illumination LED lighting, and a large panoramic sunroof. Inside, this version gets leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting and a major audio upgrade in the form of a 12-speaker Bose system with SiriusXM support.

2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus

At the top of the lineup, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus adds the most advanced tech and convenience features in the range. Highlights include a hands-free power liftgate, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Driver Monitoring, a 360 View Monitor, Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist, paddle shifters, the larger 15.6-inch infotainment display, and Mazda’s Driver Personalization System, which can automatically adjust mirrors and seating position for the driver.

2026 Mazda CX-5 price in the U.S.: full trim breakdown

Here is the full 2026 Mazda CX-5 price list for the U.S. before destination:

2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S — $29,990
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select — $31,990
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred — $34,250
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium — $36,900
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus — $38,990

Mazda also offers several premium paint options priced at $595, including Machine Gray Metallic, Rhodium White Metallic, Polymetal Gray Metallic, Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Aero Gray Metallic. Destination and handling add $1,495 to the final sticker in the continental U.S.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 lineup will span five trims in the U.S., from the 2.5 S at $29,990 to the Premium Plus at $38,990 before destination.

Why the 2026 Mazda CX-5 matters for Mazda in the U.S.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is more than just another compact SUV launch. It is the next evolution of Mazda’s best-selling vehicle in the United States, which means it will play a major role in the brand’s performance in one of the most competitive segments in the market.

That is why Mazda appears to have taken a careful approach here. The company has not tried to reinvent the CX-5 into something unrecognizable. Instead, it has preserved the formula that made the SUV successful in the first place; clean styling, a premium feel, engaging road manners and strong value—while upgrading the areas where buyers increasingly expect more, especially technology, refinement and standard safety content.

From that perspective, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 looks like a strategically important product. It needs to defend Mazda’s position in the compact SUV space against a flood of rivals from Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Chevrolet, while also giving shoppers a reason to spend a little more for something that feels more polished than the average mainstream crossover.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives with a stronger mix of value, tech and refinement

On paper, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 looks well positioned to keep that momentum going. It brings a cleaner and more modern design, standard AWD, a broad suite of safety features, more digital technology and a trim structure that gives buyers a clear path from a value-focused base model to a near-premium flagship.

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 will continue to serve as Mazda’s best-selling SUV in the U.S., now with more technology, more refinement and a starting MSRP of $29,990.

Just as importantly, Mazda has not abandoned the characteristics that helped the CX-5 stand out in the first place. The brand is still emphasizing driving dynamics, cabin quietness, intuitive technology and standard safety, and that combination could keep the 2026 Mazda CX-5 near the top of the shopping list for buyers who want a compact SUV that feels more refined than the segment norm without crossing into luxury-brand pricing. For Mazda, that may be exactly the point: evolve its most important U.S. model without losing the identity that made it a success.

Up Next

Audi Q9 interior revealed: Audi previews its new flagship SUV cabin ahead of 2026 debut

Don't Miss

Honda Brings U.S.-Built Acura Integra Type S And Passport To Japan In Strategic Reverse-Import Move

Marcelo Lagos

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

RACING

Honda IndyCar Teams Ready for Washington GP Debut

Published

1 hour ago

August 20, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Honda-powered teams head to Washington, D.C., for the inaugural Freedom 250 Grand Prix with Alex Palou leading the title fight and Honda seeking another street-course win.

The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington will bring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the streets of Washington, D.C., for the first time on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The race will begin at 1 p.m. ET, with pre-race coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. ET and live coverage on Fox.

The inaugural event will take drivers around the nation’s capital and past some of its most recognizable museums and monuments. The race also celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Honda enters another major street-course test

Honda arrives in Washington with a strong record on street circuits during the 2026 season.

Honda-powered drivers have won all five street-course races held so far this year. Four of those victories were part of all-Honda podium sweeps.

Honda-powered teams have won every street-course race of the 2026 IndyCar season ahead of the Washington debut.

Alex Palou opened the season with a victory at St. Petersburg before leading all-Honda podiums at Long Beach and Detroit.

Kyle Kirkwood then won the inaugural race in Arlington, while Marcus Ericsson followed with victory at Markham last weekend.

The results have helped Honda build a 169-point lead in the manufacturers’ championship.

Palou leads a major championship fight

The Washington race could also have a major impact on the 2026 drivers’ championship.

Alex Palou currently leads the standings by 133 points, giving the Chip Ganassi Racing driver a significant advantage heading into the second half of the season.

Alex Palou holds a 133-point championship lead heading into the inaugural Washington street race.

Palou has collected victories at St. Petersburg, Barber, Long Beach, Detroit, Nashville, and Portland during the 2026 campaign.

Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood is currently second and represents one of the biggest threats to Palou’s championship advantage.

The Washington street circuit gives Palou’s rivals another opportunity to reduce the gap. A strong result for the championship leader, however, could bring him significantly closer to a fifth NTT INDYCAR SERIES title.

Acura joins the Washington celebration

The inaugural race will also feature an important Acura celebration.

Marcus Ericsson’s No. 28 Andretti Global Honda will carry an Acura-themed livery during the Washington race.

Marcus Ericsson’s No. 28 will feature an Acura livery celebrating both America’s 250th anniversary and 40 years of Acura.

The special design celebrates 250 years of the United States while also marking 40 years of Acura, which entered the American market in 1986 as the first Japanese luxury car brand.

The partnership gives Acura another opportunity to connect with motorsport fans through the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Honda lineup for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix

Honda will field a strong group of drivers across its participating teams in Washington.

Andretti Global

No. 26 Will Power — Series Champion, Indianapolis 500 winner, Race Winner
No. 27 Kyle Kirkwood — Race Winner
No. 28 Marcus Ericsson — Indianapolis 500 winner, Race Winner

Chip Ganassi Racing

No. 8 Kyffin Simpson
No. 9 Scott Dixon — Series Champion, Indianapolis 500 winner, Race Winner
No. 10 Alex Palou — Series Champion, Indianapolis 500 winner, Race Winner

Dale Coyne Racing

No. 18 Romain Grosjean
No. 19 Dennis Hauger — Series Rookie

Meyer Shank Racing

No. 60 Felix Rosenqvist — Indianapolis 500 winner, Race Winner
No. 66 Marcus Armstrong

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

No. 15 Graham Rahal — Race Winner
No. 45 Louis Foster
No. 47 Mick Schumacher — Series Rookie

With Honda already dominant on street circuits and Palou holding a commanding championship lead, the Honda IndyCar Washington GP will provide another important test for both the manufacturer and its leading drivers.

NOW TRENDING

Lucid Gravity GT-S Debuts With 1,070 HP and 3.1-Second 0-60

Published

2 hours ago

August 20, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Lucid has introduced the new Gravity GT-S, a 1,070-horsepower three-row electric SUV that combines supercar performance with seating for up to seven adults.

Lucid is expanding its electric SUV range with the Gravity GT-S, a new performance-focused version of the Gravity. The model brings technology and ideas from the Lucid Air Sapphire into a larger, more versatile package.

With 1,070 horsepower, the Gravity GT-S becomes one of the most powerful three-row SUVs in the United States. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds while still offering seating for up to seven adults.

The model made its global debut during Monterey Car Week, where Lucid displayed it alongside the Air Sapphire at Pebble Beach.

A Three-Row SUV With Supercar Performance

The new Gravity GT-S is designed to combine extreme performance with the practicality expected from a family SUV.

Its 1,070-horsepower output comes with standard performance hardware designed to keep that power under control. The SUV receives Lucid’s Dynamic Handling Package, which includes independent rear-wheel steering and an adaptive three-chamber air suspension.

The Lucid Gravity GT-S combines three-row practicality with 1,070 horsepower and performance-focused chassis technology.

The air suspension can lower the vehicle at higher speeds, helping improve stability and aerodynamic performance.

The rear-wheel-steering system also makes the large SUV more agile. By turning the rear wheels, the system can improve response during cornering while making the vehicle easier to maneuver at lower speeds.

Lucid says the GT-S was developed to provide a more expressive driving experience without sacrificing the space and comfort that define the Gravity.

A More Aggressive Gravity Design

The Lucid Gravity GT-S also receives several visual changes that separate it from the standard Gravity.

The exterior features blue accents and painted blue brake calipers, creating a more distinctive appearance for the performance model.

Blue exterior accents and painted blue brake calipers distinguish the Gravity GT-S from other versions of the electric SUV.

Inside, Lucid continues the performance theme with a Mojave PurLuxe Premium interior.

Blue stitching and piping are used across the first and second rows. The SUV also receives blue seatbelts, blue stitching on the steering wheel and center armrest, and a blue steering wheel marker.

The front seat headrests feature an embossed Lucid Bear logo, adding another exclusive detail to the cabin.

Performance Without Losing Practicality

Unlike many high-performance EVs, the Gravity GT-S does not sacrifice its family-oriented layout.

The SUV can accommodate up to seven adults and provides generous cargo capacity. That makes its 1,070-horsepower output even more unusual because the vehicle remains suited to everyday transportation.

he Gravity GT-S retains the Gravity’s spacious interior while adding performance-focused details throughout the cabin.

The model also benefits from Lucid’s broader electric vehicle technology platform.

The current Gravity range offers up to 450 miles of EPA-estimated range, depending on configuration. Lucid lists the GT-S with a projected range of 373 miles, while charging capability can add up to 200 miles in approximately 14 minutes under the appropriate conditions.

For the GT-S specifically, Lucid’s configurator currently lists the model as a 2027 vehicle with a starting price of $125,900. The company lists the GT-S as available in Q4 2026.

Pricing and Availability

The Lucid Gravity GT-S starts at $125,900 in the United States, before taxes, title, registration, options, destination, and documentation fees. Lucid’s current configurator lists it for the 2027 model year and indicates availability in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The GT-S is positioned above the regular Gravity Touring and Grand Touring models. Lucid currently lists those versions from $79,900 and $98,900 respectively, giving the GT-S a significant premium for its additional performance hardware and 1,070-horsepower powertrain.

Lucid’s Monterey Car Week program ran from August 13 through August 16, 2026, providing the setting for the Gravity GT-S global debut.

The Lucid Gravity GT-S represents a different approach to the high-performance SUV. Instead of choosing between extreme acceleration and everyday practicality, Lucid is trying to combine both. With 1,070 horsepower, three-row seating, advanced suspension technology, and a projected 373-mile range, the GT-S pushes the Gravity into a much more performance-focused category.

NOW TRENDING

2027 Jeep Wrangler Smoky Mountain Edition Debuts With 4×4

Published

2 hours ago

August 20, 2026

Marcelo Lagos

Jeep has unveiled the 2027 Wrangler Smoky Mountain Special Edition, adding exclusive styling, Trail Rated capability, 33-inch tires, and unique details inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains.

Jeep has introduced the 2027 Wrangler Smoky Mountain Special Edition, a new four-door model created to celebrate the brand’s off-road community. The special edition debuted at the 14th annual Smoky Mountain Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The event attracts nearly 50,000 people and 20,000 Jeep vehicles, making it one of the largest Jeep enthusiast gatherings in the United States.

The new Wrangler is the 10th installment in Jeep’s Twelve 4 Twelve series and is based on the Wrangler Willys platform.

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler Smoky Mountain features exclusive graphics, dark wheels, and a body-color hardtop.

The exterior package includes Smoky Mountain hood-side decals, 17-inch smoky black wheels, and a gloss-black seven-slot grille.

The Wrangler also receives a body-color hardtop and fender flares, while a Sky One-Touch power top remains available.

For off-road driving, the special edition comes with 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires as standard. Buyers can also choose available 35-inch KO2 tires.

Trail Rated hardware comes standard

The Smoky Mountain package is more than an appearance upgrade. Jeep has included several mechanical features designed for demanding terrain.

The Wrangler comes with steel rock rails, Dana 44 front and rear axles, a locking rear differential, a 4.10 axle ratio, and a trailer hitch.

The Smoky Mountain edition combines Willys hardware with Trail Rated components designed for demanding off-road terrain.

Those features give the special edition the hardware needed to tackle rocky trails, steep climbs, and uneven surfaces.

The four-door configuration also gives the Wrangler enough room for passengers and outdoor gear, keeping the vehicle practical for longer adventures.

A cabin with exclusive Smoky Mountain details

Inside, Jeep continues the theme with a combination of durable materials and special commemorative touches.

The seats use Premium Black Ferndale cloth with a rugged texture and deeper side bolsters. The upper seat sections feature an embossed 1941 Willys parachute graphic, connecting the special edition to Jeep history.

The cabin features exclusive seating, Terracotta stitching, Blaze Orange details, and commemorative Smoky Mountain graphics.

The interior also includes Terracotta contrast stitching, metallic Blaze Orange accents, Addax technical-pattern trim, and smoked-finish carbon details.

A commemorative plaque on the rear swing gate features the Wrangler drop motif with a 1941 Willys parachute against a star-filled Smoky Mountain night sky.

Additional standard equipment includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a universal garage-door opener.

Pricing and availability

Orders are now open for the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Smoky Mountain Special Edition.

The package is offered on the four-door Wrangler with either the 2.0-liter automatic or 3.6-liter automatic powertrain.

Jeep says the special edition costs only $80 more than a comparably equipped Wrangler Willys, giving buyers a relatively affordable way to add exclusive styling and equipment.

With its distinctive design, Trail Rated hardware, larger tire options, and limited-series status, the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Smoky Mountain is designed to appeal directly to the enthusiasts who have made Jeep culture such a major part of the brand.