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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $30,889–$40,048 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $30,889–$40,048, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda CX-5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.3/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,889 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Across the CX-5 model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $30,889 | |
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $30,889 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $29,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $29,090 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $28,190 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $27,290 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $26,391 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $25,491 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $24,591 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.7/10 | $23,692 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $22,792 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $21,892 | Read review → |
We rate the 2026 Mazda CX-5's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #84 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 97% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $30,889 and ranges up to $40,048 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.