Comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs the 2026 Mazda CX-5

New Mazda CX-5 Interior Options: What to Expect The new Mazda CX-5 interior is the biggest upgrade in the SUV's history. The fully redesigned 2026 CX-5 is about 4.5 inches longer, and nearly every inch of that growth went into the cabin. The result is more rear-seat room, a larger cargo area, the biggest screens Mazda has ever offered, and Google built-in on every trim. If you're shopping for a compact SUV around Myrtle Beach, Conway, or Murrells Inlet, here's what to expect inside the new CX-5, trim by trim. A Bigger, Cleaner Cabin Inside the 2026 Mazda CX-5 The third-generation CX-5 keeps the upscale feel Mazda is known for, but gives passengers a lot more room to enjoy it. Mazda stretched the wheelbase by about 4.5 inches and designed the dashboard around a simpler, driver-focused layout with fewer buttons and less visual clutter. What's Changed From the Previous CX-5 More space: Increased rear legroom, knee room, and headroom compared with the 2017–2025 model. Simplified controls: The old rotary commander knob is gone, replaced by a touchscreen, Google Assistant voice control, and new steering wheel shortcuts. Wider rear doors: A larger door opening makes it easier to load kids, car seats, and passengers. Premium materials: Soft-touch surfaces and refined trim carry Mazda's reputation for interiors that feel a class above. Key Interior Dimensions Rear legroom: 39.9 inches Rear headroom (without sunroof): 40.2 inches Seating: Five passengers across two rows, with car seat compatibility in every rear position Technology and Infotainment: The Biggest Screens Ever in a Mazda Technology is the headline of the new CX-5 interior. The 2026 CX-5 is the first Mazda with Google built-in, and it offers the largest touchscreen Mazda has ever put in a vehicle. Touchscreen Options 12.9-inch center touchscreen: Standard on the 2.5 S through 2.5 S Premium, replacing the previous 10.25-inch display. 15.6-inch center touchscreen: Exclusive to the top 2.5 S Premium Plus trim and the largest display ever offered in a Mazda. 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster: Standard on every trim. Full-color head-up display: Available from the 2.5 S Preferred and up. Google Built-In and Smartphone Integration Google built-in: Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play apps are standard on all five trims, with a complimentary one-year trial. Hands-free voice control: Adjust navigation, climate, and audio just by asking. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Wired on the 2.5 S; wireless from the 2.5 S Select and above. Wireless phone charging: Standard from the 2.5 S Select and above. USB-C ports: Dual front USB-C ports on every trim, plus two rear ports on Premium trims. Audio Upgrades Standard: 8-speaker audio system with HD Radio on the 2.5 S through 2.5 S Preferred. Premium: Bose 12-speaker system with SiriusXM 360L on the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus. Seating, Comfort, and Cargo Space The new CX-5 is built for real Grand Strand life: beach chairs, coolers, golf clubs, and passengers who want room to stretch out. Upholstery Options Cloth: Standard on the 2.5 S. Leatherette with embossed microsuede inserts: 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Preferred. Genuine leather: 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Comfort Features Dual-zone automatic climate control: Standard on every trim. Rear air vents: Added from the 2.5 S Select, a welcome feature during hot South Carolina summers. Heated front seats and heated steering wheel: From the 2.5 S Preferred. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats: From the 2.5 S Premium. Power driver's seat with memory: 10-way adjustment with two memory positions from the 2.5 S Preferred. Ambient lighting: Color-selectable lighting on Premium trims. Panoramic sunroof: Standard on the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus. Cargo Space and Versatility 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. 66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. New 40:20:40 split rear seat: Fold the middle section for long items like paddleboards or fishing rods while two passengers ride in back. Power liftgate: Programmable height from the 2.5 S Preferred; hands-free on the Premium Plus. 2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior Options by Trim Level All five 2026 CX-5 trims come with standard i-Activ AWD. Here's how the interior builds from one trim to the next. 2.5 S 12.9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Dual-zone automatic climate control Cloth seats 2.5 S Select Leatherette seats with embossed microsuede inserts Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless phone charger Rear seat air vents Smart Keyless entry and push-button start 2.5 S Preferred Heated front seats and heated steering wheel 10-way power driver's seat with two-position memory Full-color windshield head-up display Power liftgate with programmable height HomeLink garage door opener 2.5 S Premium Genuine leather seats Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats 6-way power passenger seat Bose 12-speaker audio with SiriusXM 360L Panoramic sunroof and color-selectable ambient lighting Rear USB-C ports 2.5 S Premium Plus 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest ever in a Mazda Mazda Driver Personalization System 360-degree camera with underfloor view Paddle shifters Hands-free power liftgate Safety Features Built Into the Cabin The 2026 CX-5 earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, and its standard i-Activ Sense suite is more complete than any previous CX-5. Standard on Every Trim 10 airbags, including front knee and rear side airbags Rear Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection Blind Spot Monitoring and Blind Spot Assist Safe Exit Warning to alert passengers of approaching traffic before opening a door Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist Front and rear parking sensors Added on the 2.5 S Premium Plus Driver Monitoring Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist Experience the New Mazda CX-5 Interior at Beach Mazda Photos and spec sheets can only tell you so much. The best way to appreciate the new Mazda CX-5 interior is to sit in it yourself, stretch out in the roomier back seat, and try the 15.6-inch touchscreen in person. At Beach Mazda, our non-commissioned sales team will walk you through every trim at your own pace, with no pressure, so you can find the CX-5 that fits your life and budget. Backed by nearly 30 years of Grand Strand hospitality and our $1,000 Low Price Guarantee, we make it easy to drive home happy. Browse our new Mazda CX-5 inventory, schedule your test drive online, or visit us at 851 Jason Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. You can also call our sales team at 843-279-2305. We proudly serve drivers from Myrtle Beach, Conway, Carolina Forest, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and beyond.

Your Mazda key fob is more than just a tool for locking and unlocking your car—it’s an essential part of your vehicle’s security system. When it’s working properly, your key fob provides convenience and peace of mind. However, when it malfunctions, it can cause frustration. Whether you’ve lost a fob, need to program a new one, or are dealing with an unresponsive remote, understanding how your Mazda key fob works and how to troubleshoot common issues is important. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key fob programming process and offer troubleshooting tips to help you get back on the road. Key Fob Basics: What You Need to Know Your Mazda key fob is a small electronic device that communicates with your car’s onboard computer. It uses radio frequency to send signals to your vehicle, allowing you to lock or unlock doors, start the engine, and more. Most Mazda key fobs also include a push-to-start feature, remote start, and sometimes even a panic button for added security. Key fobs are powered by a small battery, and the fob communicates with the vehicle through a system known as keyless entry or proximity sensors. How to Program a New Mazda Key Fob If you’ve recently purchased a new key fob for your Mazda or need to reprogram your existing one, it’s helpful to know how the programming process works. While some newer Mazda models offer self-programming, others may require professional assistance. Below, we’ll explain the general steps for programming your key fob yourself. Before You Begin Make sure you have two working keys (or key fobs) to complete the process. If you only have one, you may need to visit a Mazda dealership or locksmith for assistance. You will need access to your Mazda’s ignition or push-to-start button. Self-Programming Steps for Mazda Key Fobs Sit in the driver’s seat and close all doors. Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). Turn the ignition back to "OFF" and repeat the process for a total of three times. On the third turn, leave the ignition in the “ON” position. Press and hold the "Lock" button on your key fob for about five seconds. Afterward, release the button. The security light on your dashboard should start blinking to indicate that the fob is in programming mode. Press the “Lock” button on the key fob again. The security light will blink and then stay solid, confirming the programming is successful. Turn the ignition off to complete the process and exit programming mode. You can repeat the process for additional key fobs, as needed. Note: If this process doesn’t work for your Mazda, or if you’re unable to program the fob yourself, it’s best to contact Beach Mazda for professional assistance. Troubleshooting Common Mazda Key Fob Issues If your key fob isn’t working properly, there could be several reasons behind the issue. Here are some common problems and their solutions: 1. Key Fob Not Unlocking or Locking the Car If pressing the buttons on your key fob doesn’t seem to do anything, there are a few things to check: Check the Battery: The most common reason for a non-responsive key fob is a dead battery. Open the back of the fob and replace the battery with a new one. Be sure to use the correct battery type (usually a CR2032 or CR2025). Reprogramming Needed: If the fob was recently reprogrammed or lost sync with your car, it may need to be reprogrammed. Follow the steps in the previous section to try programming it yourself or visit Beach Mazda for assistance. 2. Key Fob Not Starting the Car If the push-to-start feature isn’t working and your car won’t start with the key fob in your pocket or near the ignition, you may need to: Check the Key Fob Battery: A weak or dead key fob battery can prevent the car from detecting the fob. Replace the battery and test the fob again. Check the Vehicle’s Battery: Sometimes, a weak or dead vehicle battery can interfere with the communication between the key fob and the car. If replacing the fob battery doesn’t solve the issue, check your car’s battery. Contact Beach Mazda: If the problem persists, your vehicle may need diagnostic testing to rule out issues with the car's keyless entry system or security features. 3. Key Fob Buttons Aren’t Responding Properly If individual buttons on your key fob aren’t responding or are slow to react, try the following: Clean the Fob: Dirt and grime can build up around the buttons, preventing them from functioning properly. Use a microfiber cloth and some gentle cleaning solution to clean around the buttons. Check for Physical Damage: If your key fob has been dropped or exposed to water, internal damage may be causing the malfunction. In this case, you may need a replacement fob. 4. Key Fob Doesn’t Lock or Unlock Doors Remotely If the fob doesn’t work from a distance, it might not be within range. Try the following: Move Closer to the Vehicle: Ensure that you're within the proper range (usually 3-5 feet) of the vehicle when pressing the button. Check for Interference: Other electronic devices, such as cell phones or electronics, can interfere with the signal. Move away from these devices and try again. Replace the Battery: Even if the key fob seems to work for other functions, a weak battery can impact its range. When to Seek Professional Help If you’ve tried troubleshooting the issues yourself and your key fob still isn’t working, it may be time to visit Beach Mazda for professional assistance. Some issues, such as faulty internal components or issues with your car’s security system, may require specialized equipment to fix. Beach Mazda can Help! Your Mazda key fob is a key component of your vehicle’s security and convenience features. Whether you need to program a new fob, troubleshoot an existing one, or replace a dead battery, knowing how to handle these issues can save you time and frustration. By following the steps outlined above, you can keep your key fob working smoothly and ensure a seamless driving experience. If you're ever in need of key fob programming or troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to visit Beach Mazda. Our team of professionals is here to assist you with all your Mazda needs! Beach Mazda Your Trusted Mazda Experts in Myrtle Beach Ready to get your Mazda key fob working perfectly? Contact Beach Mazda today to schedule an appointment or get advice from our expert team!

In Part 1 of our Mazda series, we covered essential driveway checks every owner can perform to keep their vehicle performing like new. Catching basic fluid and tire issues at home builds great habits, but maintaining Mazda’s unique driving feel requires understanding what makes your vehicle’s engine special under the hood. Mazda’s flagship engineering achievement—its high-compression powertrain design—delivers impressive throttle response and outstanding fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. However, these engines operate under conditions quite different from standard automobiles. Here is why specialized care for your Skyactiv engine is essential to preserving long-term performance—and how the certified technicians at Beach Mazda protect your investment. 1. The Science Behind High-Compression Skyactiv Technology Standard gasoline engines typically operate at compression ratios around 10:1. In contrast, Mazda’s naturally aspirated engines achieve ultra-high compression ratios of up to 13:1 or 14:1. The Efficiency Win: Compressing the air-fuel mixture more tightly extracts significantly more energy from every drop of fuel, giving you responsive acceleration and superb gas mileage. The Engineering Demand: Higher cylinder pressures generate immense internal heat and force, placing premium stress on motor oil, spark plugs, and fuel injection components. 2. Why Low-Viscosity Full-Synthetic Oil Matters Because internal engine pressures are so high, friction management is critical. Mazda engineers designed these powertrains to run on specialized, low-viscosity full-synthetic motor oils. Preventing Engine Wear: Generic heavy-weight oils cannot flow quickly enough through tight engine tolerances during cold starts, increasing friction and fuel consumption. The Factory Advantage: Genuine Mazda synthetic oil contains specific molybdenum additives that shield high-compression engine components from wear, ensuring silky-smooth operation. 3. Direct Injection & Fuel System Maintenance To prevent engine knock (pre-ignition) under extreme compression, fuel is sprayed directly into the combustion chamber at ultra-high pressures. Carbon Accumulation: Over time, direct-injection engines can develop carbon buildup on the intake valves because fuel no longer washes over them during intake strokes. Professional Cleaning: Factory-trained technicians use specialized intake cleansers and high-pressure fuel system flush procedures to clear carbon deposits, restoring full horsepower and crisp throttle response. 4. Specialized Spark Plug Replacement Cycles Igniting a tightly compressed air-fuel mixture requires precise electrical timing and strong spark delivery. Precise Heat Ranges: Mazda high-compression engines use high-grade iridium or platinum spark plugs calibrated to precise heat ranges. Preventing Misfires: Running worn or incorrect aftermarket spark plugs under high compression can cause rough idling, power loss, and reduced fuel economy. Replacing plugs at recommended intervals preserves engine smoothness. Schedule Your Mazda Service at Beach Mazda Don't trust your vehicle's specialized engineering to generic quick-lube shops. Whether you need a full-synthetic oil service, a fuel system cleaning, or a multi-point inspection before your next road trip, our factory-trained team is here to help. Visit the Beach Mazda Service Department to explore our complete list of specialized maintenance offerings, or conveniently Schedule Your Service Appointment Online today!