A successful redesign isn't necessarily about adding power. Sometimes the more demanding task is improving how a vehicle responds, rides, and communicates with its driver. That's the approach Mazda has taken with the third-generation 2026 CX-5. Revised suspension engineering, standard AWD, and a longer wheelbase promise a more accomplished compact SUV for drivers around Vancouver, Washington. A Familiar Engine with a Different Brief The 2026 CX-5 uses Mazda's SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, producing 187 hp and 186 lbs. ft. of torque. Power reaches the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The previous generation's turbocharged option has disappeared. Instead, Mazda has concentrated on recalibrating its established powertrain for smooth, predictable responses. There's a sound engineering argument here: consistent throttle behavior and well-judged transmission shifts can contribute more to driving satisfaction than impressive peak-power figures. Sport mode sharpens powertrain responses when greater acceleration is required. AWD Designed Around Predictability Standard i-ACTIV AWD® continuously evaluates driving conditions and adjusts torque distribution to support traction. On Vancouver's rain-soaked roads, that ability is particularly relevant. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select provides Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. Each changes the vehicle's responses to suit different conditions, from ordinary commuting to loose or uneven surfaces. The objective isn't to turn the CX-5 into a dedicated off-road vehicle. It's to make its behavior more consistent as available grip changes. Suspension: Where the Real Work Happens The most interesting developments concern the chassis. Revised shock absorbers and wheel-and-tire specifications aim to improve ride comfort without sacrificing steering precision. Mazda's updated G-Vectoring Control Plus incorporates an electronic brake limited-slip differential, helping manage traction and vehicle behavior through corners. Electric power-assisted steering completes the arrangement. The challenge is balancing stability, comfort, and responsiveness, particularly on imperfect pavement. These engineering changes suggest Mazda understands that good handling depends on the relationship between components, not any single feature. Efficiency Without Mechanical Complexity The 2026 CX-5 achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Those figures apply to its standard AWD configuration. The naturally aspirated engine and conventional 6-speed automatic provide a straightforward mechanical package, with no need to choose between different engine outputs or drivetrain arrangements. For regular journeys along Interstate 5, that consistency makes comparison between trim levels easier. A Longer Wheelbase, a More Accommodating Cabin The redesigned CX-5's 110-inch wheelbase creates additional room for rear passengers. Seating for 5 and expanded cargo accommodations preserve its family-friendly character. An available 15.6-inch touchscreen introduces Google built-in technology with Google Gemini voice assistance. Updated materials and interior design complement the mechanical improvements. Safety equipment includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Smart Brake Support. The 2026 CX-5 also earned an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. Experience the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in Vancouver, WA The redesigned CX-5 makes its case through chassis development, predictable performance, and standard AWD rather than additional horsepower. Visit Alan Webb Mazda in Vancouver, WA, to explore available 2026 CX-5 trim configurations and examine the engineering changes. Schedule a test drive online to discover how those improvements translate to the road.
