Mazda’s redesigned 2026 CX-5 has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest safety rating, Top Safety Pick+. This marks Mazda’s ninth model awarded this honor for 2026, the most of any brand. The CX-5 is also Mazda’s 100th Top Safety Pick since the program began.
Stricter IIHS Safety Standards for 2026
The IIHS updated several award criteria for 2026, aiming to improve pedestrian crash prevention, enhance crash-avoidance technology, and strengthen back seat protection. One notable change includes adding a rear-seat dummy in moderate overlap front crash tests to better reflect real-world injuries to child and smaller adult passengers.
These updates raise the safety bar and encourage automakers to develop more advanced occupant protection systems and crash prevention technologies.
Mazda’s Safety Focus and Technology
Mazda credits its strong safety record to strategic engineering, human-centric design, and standard advanced safety features. All Mazda models come equipped with key crash-avoidance technologies such as:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
These features use integrated cameras and sensors to help reduce the risk of common accidents.
2026 CX-5 Pricing and Upgrades
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 starts at $31,485, including shipping. This represents a price increase of about €29,000 (approx. €29,500) compared to the previous model but brings more technology, bigger screens, improved connectivity, enhanced safety features, and more interior space.
Why It Matters
The CX-5 is Mazda’s best-selling model in the U.S., so this Top Safety Pick+ rating is significant. It highlights Mazda’s ongoing commitment to safety amidst rising industry standards. For buyers, it means added confidence in a compact SUV that continues to evolve with modern safety and technology.
Source: autonews.com