2026 CX-5 Cargo Innovations: Easier Loading for Maritime Families

For families in New Brunswick, a crossover's cargo area needs to work as hard as you do. Grocery runs, hockey equipment, weekend getaways—your vehicle has to handle it all without forcing you to play cargo Tetris every time you open the liftgate. The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5, arriving this spring, addresses these real-world needs with thoughtful cargo improvements that make loading easier and give you more usable space.

The third-generation CX-5 grows in all the right places. It's almost two inches longer in cargo length and over an inch taller inside, creating noticeably more vertical stacking room. The liftover height drops by more than half an inch, reducing the lift required to load heavy items like bags of salt or boxes of supplies. These changes add up to a cargo area that works better for the daily demands of Maritime life.

Lower Liftover Height: Less Lifting, Less Strain

One of the most practical improvements in the 2026 CX-5 is the lower liftover height—the distance from the ground to the cargo floor. Mazda has reduced this measurement by more than half an inch compared to the previous generation.

This makes a real difference when you're loading groceries from a shopping cart, lifting cases of water, or hoisting winter tires into the back. Less lifting means less strain on your back and shoulders, especially when you're loading multiple trips or heavier items. For families with young children, the lower height also makes it easier to reach into the cargo area to secure items or access storage compartments.

The redesigned cargo area maintains a flat, unobstructed floor, so you can slide items in without hitting raised edges or awkward transitions. Combined with the lower entry point, loading and unloading becomes smoother and faster.

Longer Cargo Floor: More Room for Your Gear

The 2026 CX-5's cargo floor extends almost two inches longer than the outgoing model. That extra length accommodates items that previously wouldn't quite fit—strollers that had to go in diagonally, hockey bags that stuck out slightly, or camping gear that required creative positioning.

The longer floor also improves how you organize your cargo. You can line up suitcases side-by-side or stack storage bins without compromising passenger space. For families heading to the cottage or hauling sports equipment across Saint John, the added length means fewer trips and better use of available space.

This extended cargo floor works together with the CX-5's wider body—over half an inch wider than before—to create a more accommodating footprint. You gain usable width for larger items without sacrificing ease of access through the liftgate opening.

Taller Cargo Opening: Stack Items with Confidence

The 2026 CX-5 offers a cargo opening that's over an inch taller than the previous model. This extra vertical clearance makes a significant difference when you're stacking items or loading taller cargo.

Taller items like upright luggage, boxes, or storage bins fit more easily without needing to tilt them or force them into place. You can stack grocery bags higher without worrying about them tipping over. The increased height also improves visibility into the cargo area, making it easier to see what you've already loaded or to reach items stored toward the back.

For winter driving in New Brunswick, this extra height proves useful when loading snow removal equipment, bags of sand, or bulky winter gear. The taller opening accommodates these items comfortably, reducing the effort required to organize your cargo efficiently.

Practical Cargo Design Features

Beyond the dimensional improvements, the 2026 CX-5 includes thoughtful design touches that enhance everyday usability:

Larger Door Openings: The redesigned doors open wider, improving access to the cargo area from the sides. This helps when loading items that are easier to slide in from the side rather than lifting over the rear bumper.

Remote-Folding Rear Seats: The CX-5 introduces remote-folding rear seats, allowing you to drop the second row from the cargo area or via the key fob. This eliminates the need to open rear doors and manually fold seats when you need maximum cargo space.

Optimized Storage Compartments: Additional storage compartments and hooks built into the cargo area provide designated spots for smaller items that would otherwise roll around. These features keep tools, tie-downs, and emergency supplies organized and accessible.

Sub-Trunk Storage: A redesigned sub-trunk area beneath the cargo floor offers hidden storage for valuables or items you don't need to access frequently. This keeps your main cargo area uncluttered while providing secure storage out of sight.

Why These Improvements Matter for New Brunswick Families

The 2026 CX-5's cargo enhancements address specific challenges that Maritime families face:

Winter Readiness: Lower liftover height makes it easier to load heavy winter supplies like ice melt, sand bags, and emergency kits. Taller cargo space accommodates bulky winter clothing, boots, and outdoor gear.

Family Activities: Longer floor space fits hockey equipment, skates, and sports bags without forcing you to fold down seats. The taller opening stacks travel gear for weekend trips or family vacations.

Grocery Runs: Lower loading height reduces strain when transferring multiple grocery bags from cart to vehicle. Extra length accommodates larger shopping trips without overflow into passenger areas.

Everyday Convenience: Remote-folding seats save time when you need quick cargo space expansion. Hidden storage keeps valuables secure while shopping or running errands around Saint John.

Trim Availability and Features

CX-5 Base Trims

The 2026 CX-5 will launch with a 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Standard i-Activ all-wheel drive delivers confident traction on New Brunswick roads year-round. All trims benefit from the redesigned cargo area and larger dimensions.

• Six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode
• Standard i-Activ AWD for all-weather capability
• Redesigned cargo area with improved loading height and dimensions
• Remote-folding rear seats for quick cargo space expansion

Technology-Focused Trims

Higher trims will feature the largest touchscreen ever offered in a Mazda vehicle—a 15.6-inch integrated display with Google built-in. This system provides seamless smartphone-like usability, Google Maps navigation with real-time traffic updates, and access to curated in-vehicle apps through the Google Play Store.

• 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Available panoramic sunroof for enhanced cabin openness
• Advanced driver assistance features for confidence and safety

Hybrid Powertrain Coming in 2027

Mazda will introduce a new hybrid powertrain for the CX-5 in 2027. The Skyactiv-Z engine with Mazda Hybrid System technology will deliver improved performance and fuel efficiency while maintaining the engaging driving experience Mazda customers expect.

Pre-Launch Anticipation for Spring 2026

The redesigned 2026 CX-5 will arrive at dealerships in Spring 2026. This pre-launch period offers New Brunswick families an opportunity to learn about the cargo improvements and plan for the vehicle that best fits their lifestyle.

The dimensional gains—almost two inches of added cargo length, over an inch of increased height, and a more than half-inch reduction in liftover height—combine to create a more practical, family-friendly cargo area. These improvements address the real-world needs of Maritime drivers who rely on their crossover for everything from daily errands to weekend adventures.

Your New CX-5 Awaits at King Mazda

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings thoughtful cargo innovations designed to simplify life for New Brunswick families. Our team at King Mazda in Saint John is ready to answer your questions about the redesigned CX-5, discuss available trims and features, and help you prepare for the spring arrival. Contact our sales team today to learn more about how the 2026 CX-5's cargo improvements can enhance your daily driving in the Maritimes.