When it comes to reliable SUVs, the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is at the top of the list. This compact SUV earned a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 from RepairPal, ranking it number 1 of 26 on their list of midsize SUVs. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 rating is above average, as the average score is 3.5 out of 5 for similar vehicles.
RepairPal noted that the average cost of annual repair is $447, and the severity of repairs needed is low and less frequent than average. This also makes this Mazda SUV a very reliable SUV for Richmond drivers.
Whitten Mazda explores more about what makes the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a reliable SUV.
Since its release in 2013, the Mazda CX-5 has been a favorite, thanks to its affordable price, fun and fuel-efficient performance, and a luxe interior.
For the 2026 model year, this Mazda SUV was fully redesigned. It starts at $29,990 MSRP and comes in five trim levels. It’s wider, and the wheelbase is about 4.5 inches longer, adding extra room in the cargo area and second row.
Technology has been updated, adding an available 15.6-inch touchscreen and a Google-based infotainment system. Part of this redesign includes more standard vehicle safety features, making it an even more reliable SUV than previous model years.
When compared to similar SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Kia Sportage, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes out ahead thanks to this exciting redesign.
Don’t just take our word for the reliability of this Mazda SUV. Reviews from top automotive publications agree that if you’re looking for a reliable SUV, the Mazda CX-5 is it.
Car and Driver: Car and Driver also ranks the Mazda CX-5 in its list of the top 10 best compact SUVs and notes that it “retains its fun-to-drive attitude”. This review highlights the addition of several new driver-assistance safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and blindspot assist. There are also added applications for automatic emergency braking.
U.S. News and World Report: U.S. News ranks the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at number 1 on its list of compact SUVs. It’s also ranked in the top 10 on the crossover SUV and SUVs with 2 rows lists. The publication highlights the spacious rear seats, “nimble handling”, and the Google-based infotainment system. “The CX-5’s traditional strength is its ability to handle better than any class rival,” according to U.S. News, and the publication notes that the standard all-wheel drive (AWD) isn’t common in its class. This combination of AWD and superior handling helps make the 2026 Mazda CX-5 one of the most reliable SUVs.
Edmunds: In this review, Edmunds notes, “The first thing I notice after setting off in the 2026 CX-5 is how well it rides.” It adds that this Mazda SUV “isn’t upset by rougher roads in construction zones” and it “feels like it’s one of the better — if not the best — handling small SUVs on the road”.
CarBuzz: CarBuzz reviewed a decade’s worth of J.D. Power Quality and Reliability scores to determine the most reliable SUV, and their results found that the Mazda CX-5 took first place. This review notes that since 2018, the Mazda CX-5 has earned consecutive “Great” reliability scores. No competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, or Ford Escape have earned as many “Great” scores over the past decade. These consecutive above-average rankings demonstrate that this Mazda SUV is consistently reliable over time.
As noted in the reviews, the newly redesigned Mazda CX-5 offers more standard vehicle safety features:
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 runs on a 187-hp Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 186 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg/city, 30 mpg/highway, and 26 mpg/combined.
As noted, this Mazda SUV has standard i-Activ AWD on all trim levels. What makes this AWD system unique is that it’s always engaged and proactively monitors vehicle data. The system notices wheel-load variations in real time and provides the necessary distribution of torque so you can properly handle different road conditions.
The combination of standard i-Activ AWD, i-Activsense suite of standard and available safety features, and a strong performance makes the 2026 Mazda CX-5 an incredibly reliable SUV for drivers from Richmond and Ashland to Midlothian, Petersburg, and the rest of central Virginia.
To learn more about what this Mazda SUV has to offer, contact us online, explore our Mazda CX-5 inventory, or visit our Mazda dealership to experience the reliability of the CX-5 for yourself on a test drive.
When you’re ready to start the car-buying process, we offer auto financing pre-approvals and accept trade-in vehicles. We look forward to helping you find a reliable SUV for daily commutes, drop-offs, and fun adventures!
