How the All-New 2026 Mazda CX-5 Transforms Rear-Seat Comfort for Prairie Road Trips

Saskatchewan families regularly drive 2-4 hours to lakes, rural relatives, or cross-province destinations where rear-seat comfort becomes critical. A cramped second row turns these journeys into endurance tests, with adult passengers arriving stiff and uncomfortable. Children complain, teenagers slouch, and parents spend the trip managing discomfort rather than enjoying the drive.

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5, arriving in Spring 2026, addresses this precise issue through deliberate dimensional changes. The wheelbase extends by 76 mm and overall length increases by 114 mm compared to the outgoing model. These measurements translate directly into tangible rear-seat improvements—more legroom, better knee clearance, and increased headroom. For Regina families planning summer trips to regional parks or visiting relatives across the province, this redesign eliminates a long-standing compromise.

The Numbers Behind the Improvement

The 2025 CX-5 provides 1,007 mm of rear legroom—adequate for many situations but restrictive during longer trips when passengers want to stretch or adjust position. Adult passengers frequently find their knees pressing against the front seatbacks, limiting comfort during extended highway driving across Saskatchewan's long, straight roads.

The 2026 model's 76 mm wheelbase extension addresses this directly. Wheelbase—the distance between front and rear axles—determines how much space exists within the cabin. By stretching this measurement, Mazda creates room specifically for rear passengers rather than just increasing overall vehicle length without interior benefit.

While exact interior dimensions for the 2026 CX-5 have not yet been released, the wheelbase and overall length increases indicate substantial rear-seat gains. The press materials describe the improvement as delivering "increased rear leg, knee and headroom" with rear-seat occupants able to "stretch out their legs comfortably." For reference, a 76 mm legroom gain would bring the 2026 CX-5 into territory currently occupied by larger mid-size crossovers, making it significantly more comfortable for adult passengers during multi-hour trips.

Real-World Impact for Saskatchewan Driving

Saskatchewan's geography creates specific rear-seat demands. A trip from Regina to Waskesiu Lake spans approximately 350 kilometres and takes roughly four hours of highway driving. Regina to Yorkton covers 185 kilometres. Visiting family in Swift Current requires 250 kilometres of travel. These distances mean passengers spend substantial time in the rear seats.

The 2025 CX-5's rear-seat dimensions work adequately for short urban trips but create discomfort during these longer journeys. Adult passengers can't fully extend their legs, forcing them into static positions that cause stiffness. Teenagers approaching adult height find the space particularly restrictive. Even children in booster seats benefit from additional room—more space means they can move naturally without constantly kicking front seats or feeling confined.

The 2026 CX-5's expanded wheelbase changes this experience. Rear passengers gain space to adjust their seating position, cross their legs comfortably, or simply stretch during long prairie drives. Knee clearance increases, reducing the sensation of being cramped against the front seats. This additional space doesn't just improve comfort—it reduces fatigue, making the entire family more relaxed when reaching their destination.

Door Openings and Access

Space inside the cabin matters, but getting into and out of that space influences daily usability. The 2026 CX-5 features "much larger" door openings compared to the previous generation, addressing a specific pain point for Saskatchewan families: car seat installation and child loading.

Modern car seats are bulky. Installing them through narrow door openings requires awkward angles and physical contortion, particularly rear-facing infant seats that must be positioned carefully to ensure proper installation. The 2025 CX-5's door openings are adequate but not generous—parents often struggle to achieve proper car seat positioning, especially when installing multiple seats across the rear bench.

The 2026 model's wider door openings simplify this process. Parents can access the rear seat more directly, reducing the awkward reaching and twisting required to secure car seats properly. This improvement extends beyond initial installation—daily loading and unloading of children becomes easier when door openings don't restrict access.

The benefit also applies to adult passengers. Regina's winter weather means heavy coats and bulky winter gear. Wider door openings allow passengers to enter and exit without brushing against door frames or contorting to clear the opening. This seemingly minor change improves daily usability, particularly during Saskatchewan winters when quick entry and exit from heated interiors matters.

Headroom and the Panoramic Sunroof Option

Vertical space contributes as much to perceived comfort as legroom. The 2026 CX-5 offers increased rear headroom, though specific measurements have not been released. The press materials note that the available panoramic sunroof "makes the vehicle feel even more open," suggesting the sunroof option doesn't significantly compromise the headroom gains.

Saskatchewan's wide-open skies and expansive prairie landscapes create an environment where panoramic sunroofs enhance the driving experience. The additional light and sense of openness appeal to families making weekend trips to provincial parks or summer drives through agricultural landscapes. The 2026 CX-5's rear headroom improvements mean families can enjoy this feature without forcing taller passengers to slouch or tilt their heads.

The current 2025 CX-5 provides 991 mm of rear headroom with the moonroof option—adequate for most passengers but occasionally restrictive for taller adults. The 2026 model's increased dimensions suggest this measurement will improve, reducing the headroom penalty that sunroof options typically impose.

Cargo Space for Prairie Road Trips

Rear-seat comfort matters, but Saskatchewan families also need cargo capacity for road trips. The 2026 CX-5's dimensional increases extend to the cargo area, which gains "almost two inches" in length and "over an inch" in height. The load floor sits lower, dropping more than half an inch, making it easier to load heavy or bulky items.

These measurements might seem modest, but they create practical advantages. The 2025 CX-5 provides 871 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats—competitive within the compact SUV segment but limiting when packing for family trips. A week at the lake requires coolers, beach gear, sports equipment, and luggage. Weekend camping trips demand tents, sleeping bags, and outdoor equipment. The current cargo area handles these loads but requires careful packing and often forces compromises on what to bring.

The 2026 model's expanded cargo dimensions reduce these compromises. The additional length and height increase total volume, and the lower load floor makes heavier items easier to manage. Loading a cooler full of ice for a lake trip or lifting camping gear becomes less physically demanding when the load floor sits closer to waist height rather than chest height.

The cargo area improvements complement the rear-seat gains. Families can carry more passengers comfortably while maintaining cargo capacity—a balance that defines family vehicle utility. For Regina families planning summer road trips or regular visits to rural relatives, this combination delivers meaningful practical value.

Comparing Against Current Segment Standards

The compact SUV segment includes several strong competitors, each offering their own rear-seat compromises and advantages. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 provides 1,007 mm of rear legroom—matching the current 2025 CX-5. The 2026 Honda CR-V offers approximately 1,000 mm. The Hyundai Tucson delivers similar measurements. These established competitors define the segment's current comfort standards.

The 2026 CX-5's wheelbase extension aims to exceed these standards. By adding 76 mm of wheelbase specifically to increase rear-seat space, Mazda positions the new CX-5 to offer noticeably more comfort than its direct competitors. This advantage matters most during the extended highway drives common in Saskatchewan, where small differences in legroom compound over hours of travel.

The cargo volume comparison tells a similar story. The RAV4 provides approximately 1,062 litres behind the rear seats, the CR-V offers roughly 1,028 litres, and the Tucson provides about 1,095 litres. The 2026 CX-5's dimensional increases suggest it will compete directly with or potentially exceed these figures, though exact specifications have not been released.

Technology and Long-Distance Comfort

Physical space creates the foundation for rear-seat comfort, but technology features enhance the experience during long trips. The 2026 CX-5 introduces Google built-in integration through a 15.6-inch touchscreen—the largest display Mazda has ever offered. This system provides entertainment options that matter for family road trips.

Google Play Store access means families can install streaming apps for music or podcasts during highway drives. Google Maps integration provides accurate navigation across Saskatchewan's rural highways. The system's smartphone-like interface reduces the learning curve, allowing passengers to help with navigation or entertainment management without complicated controls.

The ambient lighting system, offering seven colour choices on the front door trims, creates a calming cabin environment during evening drives—relevant for families returning from weekend trips after sunset. The lighting doesn't distract the driver but enhances the sense of a comfortable, private space for all occupants.

Spring 2026 Arrival Timing

The 2026 CX-5 arrives in Spring 2026, timing that aligns well with Saskatchewan's seasonal patterns. Spring marks the beginning of road-trip season—trips to regional parks, weekend getaways to the lake, and visits to rural relatives increase as weather improves. Families shopping for a compact SUV in spring 2026 will find a redesigned CX-5 that specifically addresses long-distance comfort.

The vehicle will launch with a 2.5 L Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. This proven powertrain package delivers reliable performance for Saskatchewan highway driving. Mazda has confirmed a hybrid version will arrive in 2027 as a subsequent addition to the lineup.

Key Improvements Summary

Learn More at Regina Mazda

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 transforms rear-seat comfort through deliberate dimensional increases that directly benefit Saskatchewan families. The 76 mm wheelbase extension creates tangible legroom gains for adult passengers during multi-hour prairie drives. Wider door openings simplify car seat installation and winter access. Expanded cargo dimensions reduce packing compromises for family road trips.

Visit Regina Mazda when the 2026 CX-5 arrives in Spring 2026 to experience these improvements firsthand and discover how the redesigned cabin fits your Saskatchewan family's road trip needs.