The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Powertrain Explained: One Engine, AWD on Every Trim

The third-generation Mazda CX-5 keeps its powertrain story short. Every trim, from the GX to the GT, uses the same 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine, the same 6-speed automatic transmission and the same i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD). There is no engine upgrade to weigh and no drivetrain option to add. You choose a trim for its comfort, tech and safety features, and the drive underneath stays the same.

That simple lineup brings up one question from shoppers who owned a recent CX-5 Sport Design, Suna Edition or Signature: where did the 2.5 Turbo go? The 2026 CX-5 does not offer it. Below, we cover the engine, the AWD system, the drive modes, fuel economy and the best trim for former turbo owners.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Powertrain at a Glance

The Skyactiv-G 2.5: One Engine for Every Trim

The heart of the 2026 CX-5 is a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine with direct injection. It makes 187 hp at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Those figures are identical in the GX, the GS and the GT.

Mazda recalibrated this latest version of the engine for more flexibility. Press the accelerator firmly and it answers with a quicker response. Drive gently and it settles into a calmer, quieter character.

The engine calls for regular unleaded fuel. That applies to every trim and every fill-up.

Six Speeds, With Manual Control When You Want It

Every 2026 CX-5 uses a Skyactiv-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Most of the time, you leave it in Drive and let it do the work. When you want more control, such as holding a lower gear on a long downhill grade or picking your own shift points on a winding road, manual shift mode lets you choose the gear yourself.

The GT with the Premium Package adds paddle shifters on the steering wheel. They put gear changes right at your fingertips, so you can shift without taking a hand off the wheel.

i-Activ AWD and G-Vectoring Control Plus on Every Trim

Every trim pairs i-Activ AWD with the latest version of G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), which now includes an electronic brake limited-slip differential. This helps improve traction on slippery surfaces and adds confidence on a favourite scenic drive. Mazda paired this with new shock absorbers and a new wheel and tire setup as part of an updated ride and handling package.

• i-Activ AWD is standard on the GX, GS and GT.
• GVC Plus now includes an electronic brake limited-slip differential for added traction.
• Ground clearance is 204 mm (8.0 in) on the GX and 209 mm (8.2 in) on the GS and GT.
• Every trim is rated to tow 1,500 lbs (680 kg).

Mi-Drive: Normal, Sport and Off-Road

Mazda Intelligent Drive Select, or Mi-Drive, gives the driver three modes: Normal, Sport and Off-Road. Each mode adjusts how the transmission and the AWD system work together for the conditions in front of you.

Normal mode handles daily driving, from school runs to highway trips. Sport mode tunes the transmission and AWD for a more responsive feel when the road gets interesting. Off-Road mode sets up the system for loose surfaces such as gravel or dirt roads leading to a trailhead or campsite.

Fuel Economy: 9.0 L/100 km Combined

The 2026 CX-5 is rated at 9.9 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 L/100 km on the highway and 9.0 L/100 km combined. Because every trim shares the same engine, transmission and AWD, the rating is the same across the lineup. Moving up from the GX to the GT for leather seats or a Bose sound system does not change the fuel rating.

Where Did the 2.5 Turbo Go?

Here is the plain answer. The 2026 CX-5 lineup does not include the 2.5 Turbo. Every 2026 model uses the Skyactiv-G 2.5 described above.

In the previous CX-5, the turbo engine came on the Sport Design, Suna Edition and Signature trims. The GT from that generation used the non-turbo 2.5, so GT owners moving into the new model stay with the same type of engine they already know.

Former turbo owners still get plenty of driver control. Sport mode sharpens the response of the transmission and AWD. Manual shift mode lets you pick your gears, and the GT Premium Package adds paddle shifters. GVC Plus now has its electronic brake limited-slip differential for extra grip. The new CX-5 is also 114 mm longer than the outgoing model, with almost all of that added to the wheelbase, and its cabin is quieter than before.

Which 2026 CX-5 Trim Fits Your Driving?

The GX gives you the full powertrain, standard AWD and all three Mi-Drive modes at the start of the lineup.

The GS steps up to 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate with programmable height and a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory.

The GT adds leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Adding the Premium Package, which requires the Panoramic Roof Package, brings paddle shifters, a 15.6-inch centre touchscreen and Cruise and Traffic Support with Lane Change Support. If you are coming out of a previous CX-5 Signature or Sport Design, the GT with the Premium Package is the configuration that will feel most familiar.

Test the 2026 CX-5 Powertrain at Metrotown Mazda

The best way to judge this powertrain is from the driver’s seat. Book a test drive at Metrotown Mazda in Burnaby and switch between Normal, Sport and Off-Road modes to feel how the CX-5 responds. Our team will walk you through each trim, from the GX to the GT with the Premium Package, so you leave knowing which one matches the way you drive.