2026 MAZDA CX-5 vs the Competition
The compact SUV segment is full of familiar names. The Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Honda CR-V have all earned their reputations over the years. But the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 isn’t here to blend in with the crowd. See how this model elevates the experience of driving a compact SUV with The Autobarn Mazda of Evanston.
Standard i-ACTIV AWD®
One area where the 2026 Mazda CX-5 immediately separates itself is with standard i-Activ AWD® across every trim level. Each competing model—the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and the Toyota RAV4—are standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive requiring an upgrade. Even when you compare to their all-wheel drive versions, the driving dynamics and athleticism of this new Mazda SUV just can’t be matched.
A Drive That Feels Alive
Mazda has always marched to the beat of its own drum, and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 proves why. Its 2.5-liter Skyactiv®-G engine pairs with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, not the continuously variable transmissions found in the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. That means smoother, more responsive shifts and a connected driving feel that reviewers consistently praise as the best in the class. Mazda also includes Mi-Drive™ with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, plus G-Vectoring Control Plus® with an electronic brake limited-slip differential for sharper handling.
Technology That Inspires
Inside, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 features an available 15.6-inch center touchscreen, which is the largest in the segment. It runs on Google built-in with Google Maps™, the Google Play Store™, and the upcoming Gemini AI assistant. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are also included. The Toyota RAV4 offers up to a 12.9-inch screen, the Honda CR-V tops out at 9 inches, and the Hyundai Tucson provides a 12.3-inch display. And the Mazda model’s screen isn’t just bigger — it’s beautifully integrated into a cabin that feels closer to a luxury vehicle than a compact SUV.
See the Difference with the 2026 MAZDA CX-5
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers more standard equipment, a more engaging drive, and a more refined cabin than the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, or Honda CR-V. Schedule a test drive at The Autobarn Mazda of Evanston to feel the difference firsthand. Our Mazda finance team is ready to help you find the perfect Mazda CX-5 for your lifestyle.