We’ve driven our share of Mazda vehicles but nothing prepared us for how beyond the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT, Premium Package was. Spaciousness, comfort, and user-friendliness highlight this Compact Crossover SUV, which we had to privilege of driving in a flashy Soul Red Crystal Metallic.
At first glance, its elevatedness is apparent to the eye, not only with its bold front end, but also with its elegant Sport Tan/Black interior. It is powered by a 6AT AWD 2.5L I4, SKYACTIV-G 2.5, four-cylinder engine and it all begins with a push-button start. And let’s not forget its stunning 19″ black metallic alloy wheels. While this CX-5 is built for families as a cozy five-seater, it functions just as well for single drivers!
We had a very active week that included a quick scenic roadtrip, star sightings, concerts, fine and casual dining, and family time. We can’t wait to show you the CX-5 in action!
The CX-5 is a balance of utility class with a versatile floor area covered with sturdy mats, but also everything about this CX-5 exudes sophistication and pure class.
Running on a 58L fuel tank, it has a very solid Fuel Economy of 9.9 (City), 7.9 (Highway), and Combined 9.0 litres/100 km. With current gas prices, any help goes noticed.
Some highlights you get with the Premium Package include a super-sized 15.6″ full colour centre touchscreen display. Whether you’re navigating your daily route, its entertainment system (12-speaker Bose Premium Sound System), or its dual-zone Climate Control (including seat warmers/coolers), doing so has never been easier!
Connecting with your Smartphone is a breeze as with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. We appreciated navigating Google Maps with its super-sized display, making everything super-clear. The CX-5 also comes with wireless charging under the arm rest versus its usual place by cupholders, which admittedly takes a bit of getting used to, however you do receive reminders that you’ve forgotten it. Overall, this SUV’s cockpit is designed specifically for user-friendliness because your focus should always be on driving, with minimal distractions.
Drives feels bright and open, illuminated by a big one-touch panoramic moonroof, making drives feel that much more relaxed and stress-free. It’s all in the details – small nice-to-haves like its ambient lighting add so much more to the experience.
Other noted features with the Mazda CX-5 GT, Premium Package include:
• Power rear liftgate (programmable height adjustable) with hands-free access
• Paddle Shifter
• 360° View Monitor
• Driver Personalization System
• Driver Monitoring (DM)
• Cruise and Traffic Support (CTS) with Lane Change Assist
• Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA)
• Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB)
A litany of safety features included with the CX-5:
• Smart Brake Support (SBS) with Obstacle Detection
• Rear Crossing Traffic Braking (RCTB)
• Turning Across Path (TAP)
• Head-on collision mitigation
• Smart Brake Support Rear (SBS-R) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with: Vehicle Exit Warning and Turn warning
•Emergency Lane Keeping with:
• Road Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane keep-Assist
• Head-on traffic avoidance assist
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
• High Beam Control system (HBC)
• Rearview camera (w/dynamic guidelines and trailer hitch view)
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) with Speed Limit Assist
• Distance & Speed Alert
• Advanced dual front, knee, side curtain, and front and rear seat side impact airbags
• 3-point seat belts for all seating positions (2 front; 3 rear)
• Front and rear seat-belt pretensioners with force limiters
• Integrated child-safety-seat anchors & upper tether anchors
• Child-safety rear door lockouts
• Front and rear Seat Belt Reminders
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Secondary Collision Reduction
• Engine immobilizer anti-theft system
Above this, the CX-5 gives you additional piece of mind including PRIVATE eCALL. In the event of an accident or impairment, an emergency call centre will be called to manage the situation, helping save lives. You enable this by pressing a manual SOS button in the car, and you get a one year trial. STOLEN VEHICLE ASSISTANCE also is now a standard feature in select Mazda vehicles. In the unfortunate event of theft, a call to a call centre will initiated, helping authorities track your vehicle, after the claim is validated. You can drive assured, knowing Mazda has done all they can to keep you and your passengers safe.
Our Test Drive in the 2026 CX-5 GT, Premium Package:
Did we love it? We adored it and would jump at the chance to do it again!
Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT, Premium Package begins at $46,700 CAN.
More here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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