Consumer Reports Flags Six Drawbacks of 2026 Mazda CX-5

The 2026 Mazda CX-5, redesigned with a lower price point, has been evaluated by Consumer Reports, which identified six significant drawbacks. The new model replaces physical controls with a touchscreen interface, eliminating the volume knob and requiring multiple steps for climate adjustments. The interior features hard plastic surfaces even in top trims, with thin padding and no knee padding. Seats in the Premium Plus trim are improved over the CX-50 but still fall short of Mazda's past standards, while fabric seats in the S Preferred trim drew mixed reactions. Engine noise is prominent under acceleration, though road and wind noise are comparable to rivals. Mazda's recent reliability for the CX-70 and CX-90 has been below average, and the new infotainment system may introduce issues. Only one powertrain is available at launch, with a hybrid version expected for the 2027 model year. Consumer Reports advises potential buyers to consider these factors and possibly wait for the hybrid.