2026 Mazda CX-5 Engine and Trim Guide for Québec Drivers

23 July 2026

 

Choosing a compact SUV in Quebec often comes down to how the cabin feels on a daily commute, not just what’s under the hood. The 2026 CX-5 keeps its powertrain consistent across the lineup, so the real decision between GX, GS and GT lives in the seats, the screens and the small conveniences you touch every drive.

This guide breaks down what changes as you move up the lineup and who each trim actually suits.

The 2026 CX-5 Lineup at a Glance

Every 2026 CX-5 trim, GX, GS and GT, runs the same 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD. Drivers get access to Normal, Sport and Off-road drive modes on all three trims, letting the chassis tuning shift for daily commuting, highway stretches or rougher backroads without changing vehicles.

The shared foundation also includes a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs (680 kg) across the lineup and a standard safety suite: airbags, a rearview camera, and radar cruise control with traffic sign recognition come on every trim. That consistency means the choice between GX, GS and GT is about cabin character and comfort tech, not performance.

GX, GS and GT: What Each Trim Is Really About

The GX is the entry point, and it earns that spot honestly rather than feeling stripped down. Cloth seats, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and a manual liftgate cover the basics well. Keyless entry uses standard key fob buttons, the exterior mirrors fold manually, and the rearview mirror is a simple day/night unit.

This trim suits a commuter or a first SUV buyer who wants Mazda’s driving feel without paying for convenience features they may not use.

The GS is where the CX-5 starts feeling considerably more livable day to day. Leatherette and cloth upholstery replaces GX’s cloth, front seats gain 10-way power adjustment for the driver, and heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, advanced proximity keyless entry, a power liftgate, and a frameless auto-dimming mirror all show up. Roof rails, privacy glass and rain-sensing wipers with a de-icer become standard too.

For Quebec families juggling car seats, sports gear and cold-weather mornings, this is the trim that answers the most everyday frustrations without pushing into GT pricing territory.

The GT moves into genuinely richer materials. Leather seating, a 10-way power driver’s seat with a power passenger seat, front and rear outboard heated seats, and a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen (versus 12.9 inches on GX and GS) mark the jump. Audio steps up with a 12-speaker system and USB port count doubles to four, both improvements over GX’s 8 speakers and 2 ports.

LED signature lighting and a shark fin antenna round out the exterior. A panoramic roof and a Premium Package, which adds a 360-degree view monitor and hands-free power liftgate, extend the GT further for buyers who want the CX-5’s most complete cabin experience.

Quick Trim Snapshot

• GX: cloth seats, 12.9-inch screen, manual liftgate, best for straightforward commuting
• GS: leatherette and cloth, heated wheel and seats, power liftgate, suited to families and daily winter driving
• GT: leather, larger 15.6-inch screen, 12-speaker audio, built for buyers who want the most upscale cabin

2026 CX-5 Trim Comparison

Spec	GX	GS	GT
Engine	2.5L I4, 187 hp / 186 lb-ft	2.5L I4, 187 hp / 186 lb-ft	2.5L I4, 187 hp / 186 lb-ft
Transmission / Drivetrain	6-speed automatic, AWD	6-speed automatic, AWD	6-speed automatic, AWD
Interior Material	Cloth	Leatherette and cloth	Leather
Instrument Cluster	10.25-inch LCD	10.25-inch LCD	10.25-inch LCD
Touchscreen	12.9 in	12.9 in	15.6 in
Wheels & Tires	17-inch, 225/65R17	225/55R19	19-inch

Which Trim Is Right for You?

If your CX-5 mostly handles a solo or two-person commute and you want Mazda’s driving feel at the lowest entry point, the GX covers what you need without extra cost for features you won’t miss.

If you’re shuttling kids, gear or passengers through a Quebec winter and want heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a power liftgate for cold-hand days, the GS is built for that routine.

If cabin materials and screen size matter to you as much as the drive itself, the GT’s leather seating, larger touchscreen and stronger audio setup make the case, especially with the Premium Package’s added camera coverage.

Finding Your 2026 CX-5 at Planète Mazda

Across GX, GS and GT, the 2026 CX-5 keeps its driving character consistent while letting cabin materials, seating comfort and tech presence scale with the trim you choose. CAA-Québec’s 2026 warranty comparison also notes Mazda as the only brand offering unlimited mileage coverage on both its New Vehicle and Powertrain warranties, a detail worth factoring into any trim decision.

Visit Planète Mazda in Mirabel to sit in the GX, GS and GT side by side and book a test drive to feel the differences firsthand.

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