2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD

The CarCody take

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD is a small sport utility vehicle running on gasoline. Its EPA combined rating is 26 MPG, with 24 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. It uses four-wheel drive, an automatic S6 transmission and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. EPA annual fuel cost is $2,600.

Who it suits. Drivers wanting a gasoline SUV with four-wheel drive Mixed city and highway driving Shoppers comparing small 4WD SUVs by EPA MPG

What it is

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD is a gasoline-powered SUV in the EPA's Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class.

Power comes from a 2.5 L 4-cyl engine. Mazda places this model within the Mazda car lineup.

The numbers

The figure that matters most here is 26 MPG combined. That blends the EPA city and highway ratings into one number for mixed driving.

The city rating is 24 MPG. The highway rating is 30 MPG, so steady highway trips use less fuel than stop-and-go travel.

Its tailpipe output is 339 grams of CO2 per mile.

What it costs to run

The EPA annual fuel-cost figure is $2,600. That is the listed yearly gasoline cost for this CX-5 4WD.

Your result will vary with how much of your driving is in town versus on the highway. The 24 MPG city figure points to higher fuel use in urban trips than the 30 MPG highway figure.

How it compares

Use the 26 MPG combined figure when comparing this CX-5 with other small 4WD SUVs. Its 24 city and 30 highway ratings show how the result changes by driving type.

Who it suits

This CX-5 suits a buyer who wants SUV body style, gasoline power and four-wheel drive, while keeping a single combined estimate of 26 MPG in view.

It also fits drivers who split their miles between city streets and highways and want both ratings stated clearly.

Trade-offs

Four-wheel drive comes with a 24 MPG city rating and 339 grams of CO2 per mile. Highway mileage is better at 30 MPG, but the combined result is 26 MPG.

The 2.5 L four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission define the powertrain. Fuel cost, rather than electric charging, is the running-cost measure for this model.

Verdict

Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 4WD if your priorities are an SUV shape, four-wheel drive and a gasoline powertrain with a clear 26 MPG combined estimate.

Its EPA figures make the compromise easy to see: 30 MPG on the highway, 24 MPG in the city and $2,600 in annual fuel cost. Buyers who spend most miles in town should plan around the lower city number, while highway-heavy use makes better use of its 30 MPG rating.