2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus

·45 min·4 clips

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 ditches its knob-based controls for a frustrating touchscreen system—will drivers adapt?

Hosts Mike Quincy, Maddie McCarty, and John Williams open the episode by introducing the 2026 Mazda CX-5, highlighting its new touchscreen infotainment system as a major change from Mazda's previous knob-based controls. They discuss the car's ride quality, noting it has been softened for more comfort while retaining good handling on the track. Maddie praises the adaptive headlights and comfortable seats but criticizes the touchscreen climate controls for being difficult to use while driving. John points out the transmission tuning improvements but notes the lack of a turbo option. Mike expresses strong dislike for the seats and overall lack of personality in the CX-5. The hosts compare the CX-5 to the Mazda CX-50 hybrid, noting the latter has a nicer interior, better fuel economy, and is cheaper. They explain Consumer Reports' approach to buying test cars, focusing on the most popular trim rather than the top trim. The team discusses whether top trims are worth it, with John mentioning powertrain upgrades and Maddie highlighting features like ventilated seats. They share their personal small SUV picks, with Maddie choosing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid for reliability and physical controls, John preferring the Mazda CX-50 or Honda CR-V hybrid, and Mike dismissing the CX-5 in favor of hybrids from Kia, Hyundai, Honda, or Subaru. The episode concludes with an audience question about camera lens visibility in rain, where the hosts suggest using a microfiber towel or rain shields.

As heard by us

Mazda's softer ride matters, but the touchscreen and missing basics drive the real debate.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 reads as a familiar compact SUV with a few clear updates: it is longer and a bit wider, and it still tends to be seen as the sportiest of the small SUVs. In the top-trim Premium Plus borrowed here, the price lands at $41,080.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Mazda's touchscreen-only CX-5, softened ride, and missing convenience basics land in one small SUV.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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