2026 · Compact SUV

Mazda CX-5: stopping, space, visibility and safety, measured

The redesigned third-generation CX-5: a roomier body around the familiar 187-hp 2.5 and standard AWD.

Figures are for the CX-5 2.5 S Preferred (2 trims in the catalog, listed below). Last checked Oct 24, 2026.

Open the CX-5 in the 3D lab

Where it stands among compact SUVs

#1 of 17Large suitcases, packed: 6
#8 of 15Braking 70–0 mph, tested: 173 ft
#9 of 17Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction: 359 ft
#5 of 17Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in: +3.7 in
#6 of 17Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver: +1.0 in
#3 of 10Cabin sound at 70 mph: 67 dBA
#4 of 17Starting price, this trim: $35,845

Ranked against the default trim of every compact SUV in the catalog that has the figure.

At a glance

Starting price, this trim	$35,845PublishedMazda
Powertrain	2.5 L four-cylinder, direct injection, cylinder deactivation · i-Activ AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling)
0–60 mph, tested or claimed	8.0 sTestedCar and Driver
Braking 70–0 mph, tested	173 ft (52.7 m)TestedCar and Driver
EPA combined	26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA
Cargo behind the second row	33.7 cu ft (954 L)PublishedMazda
Large suitcases, packed	6Simulated from Mazda
Seats	5PublishedMazda
Crash ratings	IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Acceleration

Why some cars pin you to the seat and others just hum along.

Power	187 hp (139 kW)PublishedMazda
Torque	186 lb-ft (252 Nm)PublishedMazda
0–60 mph, tested or claimed	8.0 sTestedCar and Driver
0–60 mph, our simulation	7.9 sSimulated from Car and Driver
Passing, 50–70 mph	5.5 sTestedCar and Driver
Quarter mile	16.2 sTestedCar and Driver

Watch it in The Shove

Braking and stopping distance

The distance between "I saw it" and "I stopped" decides everything.

Braking 70–0 mph, tested	173 ft (52.7 m)TestedCar and Driver
Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction	359 ft (109.4 m)Simulated from Car and Driver
Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction	276 ft (84.0 m)Simulated from Car and Driver
Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction	166 ft (50.7 m)Simulated from Car and Driver

Watch it in The Stop

Rollover

Where the weight sits decides how easily a car falls over.

Sideways slide that trips it into a roll	11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs from NHTSA
Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height)	1.21Simulated, estimated inputs from NHTSA

Watch it in The Tipping Point

Efficiency and running costs

At highway speed most of your energy is spent shoving air.

EPA combined	26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA
Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year	$2,583/yrDerivedEPA
Steady 75 mph, our simulation	30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs from Car and Driver
Drag coefficient	0.37DerivedMazda

Watch it in The Invisible Wall

Grip, snow and maneuvering

Four palm-sized patches of rubber. Every maneuver spends their grip.

Skidpad grip, tested	0.83 gTestedCar and Driver
Cornering grip, our simulation	0.83 gSimulated from Car and Driver
Pulling away on packed snow	0.26 gSimulated from Car and Driver
Turning circle	36.8 ft (11.2 m)PublishedMazda
Ground clearance	8.2 in (21 cm)PublishedMazda
Tires	Toyo Open Country H/T 225/55R19 99V all-season (as on C/D’s Premium Plus) · 225/55R19TestedCar and Driver

Watch it in The Grip Budget

Space, luggage and fit

Will your knees, your luggage and your kids actually fit?

Seats	5PublishedMazda
Large suitcases, packed	6Simulated from Mazda
Carry-ons in the space left	0Simulated from Mazda
Cargo behind the second row	33.7 cu ft (954 L)PublishedMazda
Cargo, seats folded	66.5 cu ft (1,883 L)PublishedMazda
Towing	1,500 lb (680 kg)PublishedMazda
Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver	+1.0 in (3 cm)Simulated from Mazda
Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver	+3.4 in (9 cm)Simulated from Mazda
Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver	+6.3 in (16 cm)Simulated from Mazda
Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger	+3.4 in (9 cm)Simulated from Mazda
Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in	+3.7 in (9 cm)Simulated from Mazda
Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in	+0.8 in head · −0.6 in kneeSimulated from Mazda
Front head room, published	39.7 in (101 cm)PublishedMazda
Rear head room, published	40.2 in (102 cm)PublishedMazda
Rear leg room, published	39.9 in (101 cm)PublishedMazda

Watch it in Live In It

Cabin noise

How loud is it inside at 70 mph, and what exactly are you hearing?

Cabin sound at 70 mph	67 dBAEstimateCar and Driver

Watch it in The Quiet Test

Visibility

Every car hides some of the road. How much, and who could be standing in it?

Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver	22 ft (6.8 m)Simulated
Ground visible within 33 ft ahead	37%Simulated

Watch it in Can You See Me?

Headlights and night stopping

IIHS measured how far these headlights reach. Can you stop inside that light?

IIHS headlight rating	AcceptableTestedIIHS
Low beams, straight road (right edge)	248 ft (75.7 m)TestedIIHS
Fastest you can stop inside the low beams	58 mph (94 km/h)Simulated from IIHS
High beams, straight road (right edge)	498 ft (151.9 m)TestedIIHS

Watch it in After Dark

Crash safety

Official crash ratings side by side, and the physics of what happens when two cars meet.

IIHS small overlap front	GoodTestedIIHS
IIHS moderate overlap front (updated)	GoodTestedIIHS
IIHS side (updated)	GoodTestedIIHS
IIHS award	2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS
Curb weight	3,856 lb (1,749 kg)PublishedMazda

Watch it in The Impact

CX-5 compared

Trims in the catalog

CX-5 2.5 S Preferred · from $35,845 · figures on this page
CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus · from $40,585

Other compact SUVs

Sources

Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.