The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 steps confidently into its third generation with the kind of thoughtful upgrades shoppers near Sun Prairie, WI, expect when researching their next compact SUV. Mazda increased overall length and wheelbase by 4.5 inches and widened the body by more than half an inch, unlocking noticeably better rear-seat leg, knee, and headroom, along with a larger, more useful cargo area and a lower lift-in height. Inside, the cabin is calm and uncluttered, crafted with harmonious materials and subtly illuminated ambient lighting on the front door panels. Up front, an available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen with Google built in anchors an intuitive tech experience that feels like a natural extension of your digital life. Add in Mazda’s latest evolution of Kodo design—now with a more chiseled grille flanked by angular lighting, available 19-inch wheels, and bold “MAZDA” rear lettering—and the 2026 CX-5 looks as composed in the parking lot at Sun Prairie’s Prairie Lakes as it feels merging onto US-151.
Mazda’s commitment to engaging dynamics carries forward in the 2026 CX-5. At launch, every model is powered by the proven 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The recalibrated 6-speed automatic emphasizes both quick response and relaxed, quiet cruising based on your inputs, while standard i-Activ AWD gives you confident traction whether you’re navigating the Beltline or pulling away from an angled intersection on Main Street. Mazda’s chassis tuning—supported by technologies like G-Vectoring Control—helps the CX-5 feel stable and precise without sacrificing everyday comfort. An electrified alternative joins the family soon, with a Mazda hybrid powertrain arriving in 2027, but the 2026 model already delivers a composed, driver-centered ride that makes every mile feel a touch more enjoyable.
The 2026 CX-5 makes daily life easier the moment you open its wider doors, whether you’re installing a child seat or helping a rear passenger climb in after a long day. It’s serene by design, using uncluttered surfaces and refined materials to create a calming space. The available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen modernizes the experience with Google built-in, so your signed-in Google Maps, favorite apps from the Google Play Store, and personalized preferences travel with you. It all works naturally: speak conversationally for hands-free assistance, tap through familiar tiles, and set your shortcuts so your must-haves are always a touch away. Available ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof add subtle warmth and openness to the cabin, while the expanded cargo area and lower lift-in height make quick work of strollers, gear, and groceries.
Mazda’s safety approach is holistic, pairing strong active safety systems with a stable, predictable driving feel. The 2026 CX-5 builds on a track record of IIHS Top Safety Pick+ performance, underscoring Mazda’s commitment to protecting you and your passengers. Expect a robust roster of i-Activsense driver-assistance features—standard and available—that support confidence and awareness while you drive across Dane County. With standard i-Activ AWD managing grip and balance in the background, the CX-5 helps you feel in command even when conditions change.
| Trim | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2.5 S | Standard i-Activ AWD, expanded cargo area, advanced i-Activsense features |
| Select | Upgraded interior materials, added convenience features, benefits from wider door openings |
| Preferred | Heated front seats, power driver’s seat, enhanced cabin accents |
| Premium | Available panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting with seven colors, advanced connectivity |
| Premium Plus | Available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, available 19-inch wheels, expanded ADAS |
We pair Mazda product knowledge with local insight to help Sun Prairie drivers make smart decisions. Our team knows how the CX-5’s expanded cargo area, quiet ride, and standard i-Activ AWD fit everyday routines, from school drop-offs to Costco runs. Visit us just off the Beltline to see the 2026 CX-5 in person, compare trims, and map out your ideal configuration. With online tools that simplify shopping and a service department staffed by factory-trained technicians, we make ownership straightforward from day one.
Upgrading to the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is even easier when you use our trade-in resources. Start with our online valuation to get a real-time estimate for your current vehicle, then apply that amount directly toward your new CX-5. You can upload details from home, refine scenarios, and share preferences with our team so we’re ready with next steps when you arrive. We streamline trade-ins to help you save time and focus on the fun part—choosing the color, tech, and features that fit your life.
The 2026 CX-5 starts with an advantage that resonates here in Dane County: standard i-Activ AWD. While competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson typically reserve AWD for upper trims or option packages, every CX-5 gets confidence-inspiring traction from the start. Tech-forward shoppers also appreciate the available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built in—larger and more integrated than what many rivals offer—blending app access, navigation, and voice assistance with a customizable home screen. Practical wins matter too: the CX-5’s expanded rear-seat space and lower lift-in height simplify daily routines around Sun Prairie, and Mazda’s precise chassis tuning and G-Vectoring Control help the vehicle feel composed on Beltline merges and lane changes. Plenty of compact SUVs can move people. The 2026 CX-5 stands out by moving people—and the drive—forward.
Ready to take a closer look? Browse our current 2026 Mazda CX-5 inventory online, schedule a test drive, and use our secure application to get pre-qualified for financing. If you have a vehicle to trade, start with our online valuation to see how much equity you can bring to your new CX-5. Our team is here to answer questions about trims, features, and availability—reach out anytime or stop by when it’s convenient for you.
From family trips to Sheehan Park to weekday commutes along US-151, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is sized, equipped, and tuned for life around Sun Prairie. We’re happy to guide you through the features that matter most here—standard i-Activ AWD, a quieter and roomier cabin, intuitive Google built-in technology, and easy cargo loading. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Madison, our goal is to help you compare options, value your trade, and feel confident about your next SUV. When you’re ready, we’re ready with the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
*Vehicle images and features shown are for illustration only and may vary by trim and option.
