2026 Mazda CX-5 Pricing: Advanced Tech Now Standard Across All Trims
January 22 2026,
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives in Ontario this spring with a strategic pricing approach that addresses a common buyer concern: paying extra for essential technology. Mazda Canada announced pricing starting at $36,300 MSRP, with even the base GX trim now including a 12.9-inch touchscreen display with Google built-in technology and Gemini AI assistant functionality as standard equipment.
This is a notable shift in Mazda's value proposition. Rather than reserving advanced infotainment features for higher trims or optional packages, the 2026 CX-5 makes these capabilities accessible from entry level. Drivers no longer need to pay extra for core connectivity and voice control features.
Standard Technology Across the Lineup
Every 2026 CX-5 trim benefits from the new Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring Google built-in technology. This integration brings Google Maps navigation, Google Play app access, and the Gemini AI assistant directly to the vehicle's screen without requiring smartphone mirroring for basic functions.
The system supports conversational voice commands, allowing drivers to adjust climate settings, tune radio stations, send messages, and control various vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. The interface follows smartphone-like gestures including pinch-to-zoom and swipe controls, with commonly used functions like climate control docked at the bottom of the screen for quick access.
All models also include wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard, providing flexibility for drivers who prefer smartphone mirroring. The GS trim and above upgrade to wireless connectivity for both platforms, eliminating cable management in the cabin.
Display Sizes and Trim Progression
The GX and GS trims feature the standard 12.9-inch touchscreen display - Mazda's largest base-level screen to date. This is an increase from previous CX-5 generations and matches the display size found in many luxury competitors.
The GT trim introduces the option of upgrading to a 15.6-inch touchscreen through the Premium Package, making it the largest display ever offered in a Mazda vehicle. This massive screen maintains the same interface while providing enhanced visibility for navigation maps and vehicle information.
Beyond the central display, all CX-5 models include a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that presents driving information, navigation turn-by-turn guidance, and advanced driver assistance system alerts in a clear, customizable format. The GT trim adds a windshield-projected Active Driving Display that's 122% larger than previous models, projecting speed, navigation, and safety alerts directly in the driver's line of sight.
Pricing Structure and Value Analysis
|
Trim Level |
Starting MSRP |
Key Tech Highlights |
|
CX-5 GX |
$36,300 |
12.9-inch display, Google built-in, wired smartphone mirroring, 8-speaker audio |
|
CX-5 GS |
$39,200 |
Wireless connectivity, power liftgate, heated steering wheel, frameless auto-dimming mirror |
|
CX-5 GT |
$42,200 |
Bose 12-speaker audio, leather seats, ventilated front seats, Adaptive Front-lighting System |
|
CX-5 GT (Panoramic Roof Package) |
$44,200 |
Power panoramic moonroof |
|
CX-5 GT (Premium Package) |
$46,700 |
15.6-inch display, Driver Monitoring, 360° View Monitor, Cruise and Traffic Support with Lane Change Support |
The $3,750 price increase from 2025's base GX ($32,550) to the 2026 GX ($36,300) reflects substantial content additions beyond just the screen size upgrade. The third-generation CX-5 is 4.5 inches longer than its predecessor with almost all additional length in the wheelbase, creating more rear legroom and cargo space. The vehicle also includes a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and updated ride and handling components with new shock absorbers and electronic brake limited-slip differential.
Comparing the technology package to competitors in the compact SUV segment, the 2026 CX-5's standard equipment rivals what many brands offer only on mid-level trims. The inclusion of Google built-in functionality at the base level matches or exceeds the connectivity features found in vehicles priced several thousand dollars higher.
Premium Package Technology Deep Dive
The GT Premium Package ($46,700) is the most technologically advanced CX-5 configuration. Beyond the 15.6-inch touchscreen, this package introduces several driver assistance technologies new to the CX-5 lineup:
- Driver Monitoring: Uses facial recognition to detect driver distraction or fatigue and provides alerts to maintain focus.
- Driver Personalization System: Automatically adjusts the driver's seat, steering wheel, and mirrors to preset positions when it recognizes the driver's face.
- Cruise and Traffic Support with Lane Change Support: Enables driver-initiated lane changes at highway speeds between 70-140 km/h. The system detects vehicles in the target lane and provides steering and acceleration assistance to help execute lane changes safely.
- 360° View Monitor: Includes See-Through view, underfloor view, parking view, and side views with folded mirrors - providing complete visibility around the vehicle during low-speed maneuvering.
This level-two driver assistance technology reduces fatigue during highway driving while keeping the driver engaged and responsible for vehicle operation.
Voice Control and Hands-Free Operation
The Gemini AI assistant is an advancement in natural language processing for automotive applications. Unlike traditional voice command systems that require specific phrases, Gemini allows conversational interaction with follow-up questions and context awareness.
Ontario drivers can speak naturally to control climate settings, navigation destinations, entertainment sources, and vehicle information without memorizing commands or button sequences. The system processes complex requests and maintains conversation context.
This hands-free capability becomes particularly valuable during Ontario winters when gloves make touchscreen interaction less practical, or during highway driving when minimizing distraction is critical.
Over-the-Air Update Capability
The 2026 CX-5's Mazda Connect system is designed to accept over-the-air updates, ensuring the infotainment system remains current without requiring dealership visits for software updates. This capability allows Mazda to continuously improve system performance, add new features, and expand Google built-in functionality throughout the vehicle's ownership lifecycle.
This is a fundamental shift from previous Mazda infotainment systems that required manual updates via SD card or USB drive. The over-the-air capability keeps the CX-5's technology current as Google adds new services and features to its automotive platform.
Audio System Progression
The base GX trim includes an eight-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD Radio support. While this delivers solid audio quality for daily driving, the GT trim's upgrade to the Bose Premium Sound System with 12 speakers provides a substantial improvement in audio fidelity.
The Bose system features Perceptual Sound Rendering, Centerpoint 2 Surround Technology, BassSync, AudioPilot 3, and BassMatch technologies that optimize sound quality based on cabin acoustics and road noise. The system includes a three-month complimentary SiriusXM 360L subscription, providing access to hundreds of channels including music, news, sports, and entertainment programming.
Safety Technology Integration
All 2026 CX-5 models include a comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features as standard equipment:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Rear Smart Brake Support and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Pedestrian Detection
- Smart Brake Support Front with Turning-Across Path alert
- Emergency Lane Keeping with Blind Spot Assist
- Road Keep Assist and Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist
- Obstacle Detection
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Vehicle Exit Warning
- Driver Attention Alert
These systems work together to provide multiple layers of protection and awareness. The integration with the digital instrument cluster and optional Active Driving Display ensures drivers receive safety alerts in their primary viewing area without requiring them to look away from the road.
The GT Premium Package adds Front Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking to the safety suite, providing protection when entering or exiting parking spaces where cross-traffic visibility may be limited.
Connectivity and Charging Infrastructure
The 2026 CX-5 includes USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin, reflecting the shift to this faster charging standard. The GX trim provides USB-C ports plus two 12-volt power outlets. The GS and higher trims add wireless phone charging for compatible devices, eliminating cable clutter in the centre console.
This charging infrastructure ensures all occupants can keep devices powered during Ontario road trips, whether heading to cottage country or navigating downtown traffic.
Your New CX-5 is Coming Soon
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 raises the bar in the compact SUV segment by making advanced technology standard rather than optional. Ontario drivers no longer face the choice between budget and connectivity - the CX-5 delivers both from the base trim up. Contact our team at Scarboro Mazda to pre-order your 2026 CX-5 and be among the first to experience this new standard in tech-inclusive pricing.
