New & Used 2026 Mazda CX-5 for Sale near Tennessee

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 earns a 7.17/10 expert rating, and it makes its case as a more substantial compact SUV with a sharper exterior, a more modern cabin, more space, and standard Google built-in. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

That said, the trade-offs are real. The carried-over 187-horsepower engine and six-speed automatic are described as dated, and the added weight of the redesign makes the CX-5 feel even more sluggish. It also does not get a hybrid option until 2027, so fuel economy is expected to trail key rivals.

If you care most about style, interior presentation, and value, the CX-5 fits that brief well. If you want stronger acceleration or better efficiency, you’ll likely feel the compromises more quickly. Even so, 41.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which helps its appeal.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The 2026 CX-5 is positioned as a familiar, carryover-mechanical SUV wrapped in a major redesign, which is usually reassuring for used buyers. Mazda also backs it with a standard three-year basic warranty and a five-year powertrain warranty, both with unlimited kilometres in Canada.

Its performance story is less encouraging, though, because the 2.5-litre engine and six-speed automatic are not especially modern, and the vehicle’s added weight makes the powertrain work harder. Mazda’s broader safety and durability reputation is supported here by a comprehensive standard safety suite and improved insulation for reduced road and wind noise.

If you plan to keep one long term, the biggest ownership risk is that the thirsty, underpowered powertrain may feel increasingly out of step with newer rivals.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Mazda CX-5?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base GX trim rides on 17-inch wheels, while GS and GT move to 19-inch wheels. The GX is also the trim where you’ll notice more basic equipment compared with the better-equipped upper trims.
• Powertrain: Every trim uses the carryover SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. It is smooth enough in normal driving, but it feels underpowered in this larger, heavier CX-5.
• Safety package: Every trim gets adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, automatic emergency braking with turn-across traffic detection and head-on collision mitigation, rear automatic emergency braking with rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, blind spot monitors, vehicle exit warning, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and dynamic guidelines for the rear-view camera. Some competitors reserve several of those features for higher trims.
• Infotainment: All trims get a 12.9-inch touchscreen, Google built-in, a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on GX, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on GS and GT. The GT can also be equipped with a 15.6-inch screen as part of the Premium Package.
• Fuel efficiency: Natural Resources Canada rates it at 9.9 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 9.0 combined.

Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim should I buy?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is offered in 3 trim levels: GX, GS, GT.

Here's the short version:

• GX: This is the entry point, but it still gives you standard AWD, Google built-in, and the full safety suite. It makes sense if you want the lowest price and can live without the extra comfort and convenience features.
• GS: This is the best-value trim. It adds AWD, 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, a head-up display, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, making it the sweet spot for most shoppers.
• GT: This is the most luxurious choice, with leather seating, a Bose 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and available Premium Package upgrades such as the larger 15.6-inch screen, 360-degree View Monitor, driver monitoring, rear USB-C ports, and more advanced highway-assist tech.

The GT trim adds an adaptive front-lighting system, and the Premium Package brings additional safety and driver-assistance features.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Mazda CX-5?

This is a favourable time to shop if you want a well-equipped compact SUV with a meaningful share of discounted listings.

• Deal availability: 41.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 457 listings available.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 safe?

The 2026 CX-5 comes with one of the most comprehensive standard safety suites in its class.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Every trim includes adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, automatic emergency braking with turn-across traffic detection and head-on collision mitigation, rear automatic emergency braking with rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, blind spot monitors, vehicle exit warning, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and dynamic guidelines for the rear-view camera. Seven airbags also come standard across all trims.

The GT trim adds an adaptive front-lighting system. With the Premium Package, you also get front cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, Cruising & Traffic Support with Lane-Change Assist, a driver monitoring system, and a 360-degree View Monitor.

Should I buy a 2026 Mazda CX-5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 41.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• You want the redesigned CX-5’s larger cabin, standard Google built-in, and comprehensive safety equipment.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It offers a more desirable and sporty drive with a premium feel.

The bottom line: Buy the 2026 if you want the newest CX-5 design, more space, and strong standard equipment. If you’re more price-sensitive and value a sportier feel over the redesign, the 2025 remains worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.