Compare the 2026 MAZDA CX-5 in Chesapeake, VA
Compact SUVs near Virginia Beach have a lot of ground to cover. It needs to handle the daily commute, shrug off a sudden summer downpour and still feel rewarding on weekend runs and road trips. If your shortlist has come down to the 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, you are comparing three of the most popular names in the segment -- but one comes out on top.
A side-by-side look at the specs shows where the Mazda CX-5 pulls ahead. The team at Cavalier Mazda has broken down how these SUVs compare when it comes to power, all-wheel drive, cabin technology and standard safety. If you're ready to feel the difference driving a Mazda CX-5 makes, our Mazda dealership near Virginia Beach is right on South Military Highway in Chesapeake.
2026 MAZDA CX-5 Performance vs. CR-V and Forester
Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G 4-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. That torque figure tops both the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine in the Honda CR-V and the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® in the Forester. The result is a confident, responsive feel whenever you are behind the wheel.
The CR-V holds the slightest horsepower edge, but the Mazda CX-5 easily counters with standard i-ACTIV AWD® on every trim. The Forester also includes all-wheel drive, while CR-V shoppers need to choose an eligible configuration to have it included. When nor'easters push up the coast or summer storms leave low-lying Chesapeake roads slick, that added traction comes built in without an upgrade.
2026 MAZDA CX-5
- Standard Engine: 2.5-liter liter SKYACTIV®-G 4-cyilnder
- Standard Horsepower: 187
- Standard Torque (lb.-ft.): 186
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard
2026 Honda CR-V
- Standard Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged engine
- Standard Horsepower: 190
- Standard Torque (lb.-ft.): 179
- All-Wheel Drive: Available
2026 Subaru Forester
- Standard Engine: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER®
- Standard Horsepower: 180
- Standard Torque (lb.-ft.): 178
- All-Wheel Drive: Standard
2026 MAZDA CX-5 Features & Safety Comparison
The Mazda CX-5 makes its case the moment you settle into the driver's seat. A standard 12.9-inch touchscreen display anchors the dash, outsizing the 9.0-inch screen in the CR-V and the dual 7.0-inch displays in the Forester. Navigation, audio and compatible smartphone apps are easier to read at a glance, whether you are waiting out tunnel traffic or mapping a route to Northwest River Park.
All three SUVs include a standard driver-assistance suite: i-ACTIVSENSE® on the Mazda CX-5, Honda Sensing on the CR-V and EyeSight® on the Forester. The difference is in the details though. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on every Mazda CX-5, while it is listed as available on both rivals, so you get that added awareness from day one when you buy a Mazda near Norfolk.
2026 MAZDA CX-5
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): 12.9
- Standard Safety Suite: i-ACTIVSENSE®
- Blind Spot Monitoring w/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Standard
2026 Honda CR-V
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): 9.0
- Standard Safety Suite: Honda Sensing
- Blind Spot Monitoring w/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Available
2026 Subaru Forester
- Standard Touchscreen Size (in.): Dual 7.0
- Standard Safety Suite: EyeSight®
- Blind Spot Monitoring w/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Available
Test-Drive the 2026 MAZDA CX-5 Near Norfolk, VA
Numbers only tell part of the story, and the best way to compare the Mazda CX-5 vs. Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester is from behind the wheel. Our Chesapeake auto sales team can walk you through Mazda CX-5 trims, current new Mazda incentives and finance or lease options that fit your budget. Schedule a test-drive or contact us to see why more Hampton Roads drivers are choosing the 2026 Mazda CX-5.
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2026 MAZDA CX-5 Comparison FAQs
How does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 compare to the Honda CR-V?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers more standard torque than the Honda CR-V, along with standard all-wheel drive, a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen and standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The CR-V offers all-wheel drive and blind spot monitoring as available features.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
Yes, every 2026 Mazda CX-5 includes standard i-ACTIV AWD®, giving Chesapeake drivers added traction during heavy rain and coastal storms. The Subaru Forester also includes standard all-wheel drive, while the Honda CR-V offers it on select configurations.
How big is the touchscreen in the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes with a standard 12.9-inch touchscreen display. That is larger than the standard 9.0-inch screen in the Honda CR-V and the dual 7.0-inch displays in the Subaru Forester.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have blind spot monitoring?
Yes, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on every 2026 Mazda CX-5 as part of the i-ACTIVSENSE® safety suite. The Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester list this feature as available.
Where can I test-drive a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Norfolk, VA?
You can test-drive the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Cavalier Mazda on South Military Highway in Chesapeake. Our team can help you review Mazda CX-5 trims, current incentives and finance or lease options.