How the 2026 Mazda CX-5's Larger Cargo Area Handles Weekend Errands and Getaways from Burnaby

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a full third-generation redesign, and one of the most practical changes is how much more cargo space it now offers. The previous model was a strong seller in British Columbia — over 300,000 CX-5s have been sold across Canada since 2012 — but tight rear cargo dimensions were a consistent point of feedback from owners. Mazda addressed that directly with the 2026 model by adding 4.5 inches to both the overall length and wheelbase, while also widening the vehicle by over half an inch.

The cargo area itself grew nearly two inches in length and over an inch in height, with a lower lift-in point that dropped over half an inch from the outgoing model. In total, the 2026 CX-5 now offers 954 L of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,882 L with the rear seats folded. For Burnaby drivers who use their CX-5 for everything from weekend grocery runs to camping trips along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, that added space shows up in everyday tasks.

More Room Where It Counts

The 2026 CX-5's cargo gains are not just about the numbers on a spec sheet. The changes were shaped by how people actually load and use a compact crossover. The lower lift-in height means less effort when hoisting heavy items — cases of water, hockey bags, or a stroller — over the bumper and into the cargo floor. The taller cargo ceiling creates clearance for items that previously had to be laid flat or angled.

For families in Burnaby, this translates to loading a double stroller without collapsing it, stacking reusable grocery bins two-high, or fitting a set of carry-on suitcases upright behind the second row. The wider opening also helps when sliding in awkwardly shaped items like flat-pack furniture or large pet crates.

Rear-Seat Passengers Benefit Too

The extra length in the 2026 CX-5 does not all go to the cargo area. A meaningful portion of the added wheelbase went into rear-seat legroom, knee room, and headroom. Rear passengers can sit more comfortably on longer drives, and the larger door openings make getting in and out easier — a detail that parents installing child seats will appreciate.

This is a useful trade-off for drivers in British Columbia who regularly carry both passengers and cargo. A longer day trip to Whistler or a weekend visit to family in the Fraser Valley often means a full second row and a loaded trunk. The 2026 CX-5 handles both at the same time more easily than its predecessor.

Everyday Cargo Scenarios in Burnaby

To put the cargo dimensions in context, here are a few common loading scenarios where the added space makes a difference for drivers in the Burnaby area.

A weekly Costco run typically involves several large boxes, a case of paper towels, and a few bags of produce. The previous CX-5 could handle this, but bulkier items sometimes required folding a rear seat. The 2026 model's 954 L behind the rear seats provides more breathing room for a full shop without touching the second row.

Weekend sports gear — hockey bags, soccer equipment, a couple of folding chairs, or a set of golf clubs — fits more easily with the taller cargo ceiling and lower floor. Families juggling multiple activities on a Saturday morning spend less time rearranging.

For road trips along the Sea-to-Sky corridor or out to the Okanagan, the 1,882 L of total cargo space with seats folded accommodates camping gear, coolers, and weekend bags without stacking items above the sight line.

Key Cargo and Dimension Highlights

• 954 L of cargo space behind the rear seats (SAE)
• 1,882 L of total cargo space with rear seats folded (SAE)
• Cargo area nearly two inches longer and over one inch taller than the previous generation
• Lift-in height reduced by over half an inch for easier loading
• Door openings are larger for improved ingress and egress

What Else Comes With the Redesign

The cargo improvements are part of a broader redesign that includes the largest touchscreen Mazda has ever offered — an available 15.6-inch display with Google built-in — along with standard i-Activ all-wheel drive, the Skyactiv-G 2.5 L four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and an updated suite of i-Activsense safety and driver-assistance features. The exterior follows a "Wearable Gear" design concept inspired by Japanese woodworking principles (Kigumi), giving the CX-5 a more muscular and stable stance. Available 19-inch wheels further emphasize the vehicle's width and road presence.

A hybrid powertrain is also planned for the CX-5 lineup. The new Skyactiv-Z engine, paired with Mazda's in-house hybrid system, will arrive in 2027, adding an electrified option for buyers who want improved fuel efficiency and performance from the CX-5 platform.

See the Difference at Metrotown Mazda

Cargo space is one of those things that is hard to evaluate from a screen. The best way to gauge how the 2026 CX-5's larger cargo area works for your routine is to load your own gear into it. Visit the team at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby to see the redesigned CX-5 in person and test how the added space fits into your daily life.