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2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. The Competition
How does the all-new CX-5 stack up against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Lexus NX, and Chevy Equinox? Spoiler: it wins where it matters most.
All Six, Side by Side
How the 2026 CX-5 Compares
The CX-5 is the only vehicle in this group to offer standard AWD, a traditional geared transmission, Google built-in connectivity, and 10 airbags — all starting under $30,000.
| Mazda CX-5 | Honda CR-V | Toyota RAV4 | Hyundai Tucson | Lexus NX 350 | Chevy Equinox | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP* | $29,990 | $32,420 (AWD) | $33,350 | $30,800 (FWD) | $45,425 | $28,600 (FWD) |
| AWD Standard? | Yes — StandardWin | No — +$1,500 | No — +$1,400 | No — +$1,500 | Yes (NX 350) | No — +$2,000 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 190 hp | 226–236 hp | 187 hp | 275 hp | 175 hp |
| Transmission | 6-spd AutoGeared | CVT | CVT | 8-spd Auto | 8-spd Auto | CVT / 8-spd |
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 29 MPG (AWD) | 44 MPG (hybrid) | 26 MPG (AWD) | 24 MPG | 26 MPG (AWD) |
| Display Size | 12.9" / 15.6"Largest | 9" | 10.5" / 12.9" | 12.3" | 9.8" / 14" | 11.3" |
| Google Built-In | Yes + Gemini AIWin | No | No | No | No | Google built-in |
| Airbags | 10Most | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Rear Seat Split | 40/20/40Unique | 60/40 | 60/40 | 60/40 | 60/40 | 60/40 |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 1,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 2,750 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Price with AWD* | $29,990Best | $32,420 | $34,750 | $32,300 | $45,425 | $30,600 |
CX-5 vs.
2026 Honda CR-V
The CR-V has been America's best-selling compact SUV for years, and for good reason — it's practical, reliable, and spacious. But the redesigned CX-5 closes the space gap while delivering a fundamentally better driving experience. The CX-5's standard AWD saves you $1,500 over a comparably equipped CR-V, and its available 15.6-inch touchscreen dwarfs Honda's 9-inch display. Where the CR-V relies on a droning CVT, the CX-5's 6-speed geared automatic delivers shifts you can actually feel — preserving Mazda's signature driving engagement. Add in 10 airbags versus Honda's 8, Google built-in with Gemini AI, and Mazda's renowned interior craftsmanship, and the CX-5 delivers a more premium, safer, and more connected experience for less money.
- ✓ Standard AWD included — CR-V charges $1,500 extra
- ✓ Available 15.6" touchscreen vs. Honda's 9" display
- ✓ 6-speed geared automatic vs. CVT — more engaging drive
- ✓ 10 airbags vs. 8 — more comprehensive occupant protection
- ✓ Google built-in with Gemini AI vs. no native smart assistant
- ✓ $2,430 less for AWD-equipped models
CX-5 vs.
2026 Toyota RAV4
Toyota went all-hybrid for 2026, which means better fuel economy — but also a higher starting price ($33,350), a CVT that drones under hard acceleration, and a driving experience reviewers consistently describe as "sensible" rather than exciting. The CX-5 starts over $3,300 less and delivers the athletic handling and responsive steering that make Mazda the driver's choice in this segment. The CX-5's 40/20/40 split rear seat is unique in the class (the RAV4 uses a standard 60/40), and the available 15.6-inch Mazda touchscreen outscales even the RAV4's largest 12.9-inch option. If fuel economy is your top priority, the RAV4 wins that number. If you want the most engaging, connected, and well-crafted compact SUV at the best value — the CX-5 takes it.
- ✓ $3,360 less expensive with standard AWD
- ✓ More engaging, athletic driving dynamics
- ✓ 6-speed geared auto vs. CVT — no hybrid drone
- ✓ Available 15.6" screen vs. RAV4's max 12.9"
- ✓ 40/20/40 split rear seat vs. standard 60/40
- ✓ Higher-quality interior materials and craftsmanship
CX-5 vs.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is a strong competitor — spacious, well-equipped, and backed by Hyundai's excellent warranty. But there are key differences that set the CX-5 apart. The Tucson's FWD-standard base price looks competitive until you add AWD ($1,500 extra), pushing it above the CX-5's standard-AWD price. The CX-5 delivers a noticeably more refined driving experience: reviewers consistently praise its steering feel, cornering precision, and overall engagement — areas where the Tucson feels competent but uninspired. The CX-5's available 15.6-inch touchscreen is the largest in its class, versus the Tucson's 12.3-inch unit. And with 10 airbags, Mazda-first standard safety features, and interior materials that genuinely feel premium, the CX-5 offers a more elevated ownership experience.
- ✓ Standard AWD vs. Tucson's $1,500 AWD option
- ✓ Superior driving dynamics and steering feel
- ✓ Available 15.6" screen — largest in the segment
- ✓ 10 airbags vs. Tucson's 6 — significantly more protection
- ✓ Premium-grade interior materials and Japanese craftsmanship
- ✓ 2,000 lb towing with standard AWD from day one
CX-5 vs.
2026 Lexus NX 350
Here's where the CX-5 punches way above its weight. The Lexus NX 350 starts at $45,425 — over $15,000 more than the CX-5. And while the Lexus offers more horsepower (275 hp) and the cachet of a luxury badge, the CX-5 delivers an interior that independent reviewers consistently describe as rivaling vehicles $10,000–$15,000 above its price point. Mazda's KODO design philosophy, premium materials, and meticulous fit-and-finish create a cabin experience that narrows the gap to luxury without the luxury price tag. The CX-5 also offers a larger available touchscreen (15.6" vs. 14"), Google built-in with Gemini AI, and newer standard safety technology. If you're cross-shopping a luxury compact SUV, the CX-5 Premium or Premium Plus delivers 90% of the experience at 65% of the price.
- ✓ $15,435 less expensive — nearly the cost of a second car
- ✓ Available 15.6" touchscreen vs. Lexus's 14" max
- ✓ Google built-in with Gemini AI — Lexus has no native equivalent
- ✓ 10 airbags vs. Lexus's 8
- ✓ Interior quality that reviewers say punches into the luxury class
- ✓ 26 MPG combined vs. Lexus NX 350's 24 MPG
CX-5 vs.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox has the lowest sticker price in this group at $28,600, but that's for a front-wheel-drive model with just 175 horsepower and a CVT. Add AWD ($2,000) and you're at $30,600 — above the CX-5's $29,990, which already includes AWD, 12 more horsepower, a geared 6-speed automatic, and significantly better interior quality. The Equinox's interior, while improved for its 2025 redesign, still can't match the CX-5's premium materials, ambient lighting, and overall craftsmanship. Edmunds noted the Equinox "feels more benign than special" and wished for more power — exactly where the CX-5 shines with its athletic driving character. For Wilkes-Barre area families who want more than "good enough," the CX-5 is the clear step up.
- ✓ Standard AWD — Equinox charges $2,000 extra
- ✓ 187 hp vs. 175 hp — more power where you need it
- ✓ 6-speed geared automatic vs. CVT — better driving feel
- ✓ Available 15.6" touchscreen vs. Equinox's 11.3"
- ✓ 10 airbags vs. 8 — more comprehensive safety
- ✓ Premium interior materials vs. basic cloth and hard plastics
The Verdict: CX-5 Wins on Value, Driving Experience & Safety
No other compact SUV in this price range offers standard AWD, 10 airbags, the segment's largest available touchscreen, Google with Gemini AI, a geared automatic transmission, and Mazda's class-leading interior craftsmanship — all starting at $29,990. Come see why at Bergey's Mazda.
Compare the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson & More Near Wilkes-Barre
If you're shopping for a compact SUV near Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, or Hazleton, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 deserves your attention. While competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Chevrolet Equinox all offer capable vehicles, the CX-5 stands alone as the only option with standard all-wheel drive, a traditional geared transmission, the segment's largest available touchscreen, and 10 airbags — all starting under $30,000.
For drivers who value the way a car feels behind the wheel, independent reviewers consistently rank the CX-5 as the most engaging and fun-to-drive compact SUV in its class. Its Japanese-crafted interior materials rival vehicles costing $10,000–$15,000 more, making it a compelling alternative to luxury options like the Lexus NX — at a fraction of the price.
Visit Bergey's Mazda of Wilkes-Barre in Larksville, PA to test drive the 2026 CX-5 and compare it to any competitor. We proudly serve Pittston, Kingston, Nanticoke, Mountain Top, Back Mountain, Dallas, Drums, Conyngham, Bloomsburg, and all of Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. Family-owned since 1924 — five generations strong.
*All MSRP figures include destination charges and are based on manufacturer data as of early 2026. Mazda CX-5 MSRP excludes taxes, title, license fees. Actual dealer prices will vary. Competitor pricing and specifications sourced from manufacturer websites, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Cars.com. MPG based on EPA estimates; actual results will vary. Comparisons based on base or AWD-equivalent trim levels to ensure fairness. Some competitor specifications may vary by trim. See dealer for complete details.
