The $41,000 Problem For The Honda CR-V

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes no financial sense on a spreadsheet. Mazda expects you to pay $41,080 for a 3,856 pound crossover forced to rely on only 187 naturally aspirated horsepower and a six speed automatic transmission. We test whether a preloaded all wheel drive torque coupling and aggressive steering geometry are enough to justify ignoring the Honda CR-V. We evaluate the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus to see if its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv G engine and six speed automatic transmission can keep up with the modern compact crossover segment. By analyzing the 14.1 to 1 steering ratio, the new electronic brake limited slip differential, and G-Vectoring Control Plus, we determine if the chassis engineering actually compensates for the lack of a turbocharger. We also compare its driving dynamics and $41,080 MSRP directly against the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 to see who actually benefits from this 3,856 pound package. 00:00 The spreadsheet problem against the CR-V 00:42 Drivetrain Performance: Software diff and the 187 horsepower reality 04:01 Handling Dynamics: Steering precision, GVC+, and brake pedal feel 08:38 Driver Interface/Ergonomics: 15.6-inch screen and the climate control debate 12:31 Sponsor: Go Clean 13:09 Owner Intel: SOS bugs, i-STOP menus, and mourning the turbo 14:56 Verdict: The driver's crossover for the 87% 2026 Mazda CX-5 First Drive Review: https://youtu.be/BCEDX8YLuqk /// THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY GOCLEAN I’ve been using GoClean Waterless Car Wash in my cleaning kit for the last 2 months to get cars camera ready before shoots. Use code MAKSE15 for 15% off. Free shipping on orders over $100 in Canada. Available in the US and Canada at https://www.goclean.ca/ and tell 'em I sent ya! ——————————————————————— // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link) /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ /// SUBSCRIBE Subscribe NOW to Brian Makse's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=brianmakse /// SOCIAL Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack Spotify: https://sptfy.com/brianmakse Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/ /// MORE About Brian: http://makse.com/about /// WHAT I'M LISTENING TO Real AF With Andy Frisella https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast Be sure to let us know what you think about this video and smash the subscribe button if you haven’t already! Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own. Music © 2026 Russell Soares (russellsoares.com), used with permission, all rights reserved. #MazdaCX5 #Mazda #CompactSUV #CarReview #HondaCRV #brianmakse