Quick Answer Mazda has been named the 2026 Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports. Every Mazda model comes standard with advanced safety technology, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, at no extra cost. As of March 2026, Mazda leads all brands with more 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other manufacturer. If you are shopping for a new car in Vero Beach, FL, and safety is a priority, Mazda is the clear choice. What Makes Mazda the Safest New Car Brand in 2026? Consumer Reports does not hand out this title lightly. To earn the 2026 Safest New-Car Brand designation, Mazda had to perform consistently across its entire lineup, not just one standout model. Nearly every Mazda model earned Consumer Reports' highest "Best" Safety Verdict. That kind of consistency across a full lineup is rare in the automotive industry. What Safety Features Come Standard on Every Mazda? This is where Mazda separates itself from the competition. Most brands charge extra for advanced safety features or lock them behind higher trim levels. Mazda includes them on every vehicle, regardless of price point. Standard on every 2026 Mazda: Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection Highway Speed Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Monitoring Rear Cross Traffic Alert If you are comparing a Mazda to another brand, ask the dealer which trim level includes those features. With Mazda, you already have them at every price point. How Does Mazda Perform in IIHS Crash Testing? IIHS is the gold standard for crash protection and crash-avoidance ratings in the United States. As of March 2026, Mazda leads all brands with more 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other manufacturer. The following Mazda models have earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+: The Mazda3 Sedan The Mazda3 Hatchback The Mazda CX-30 The Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid The Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-70 PHEV The Mazda CX-90 and Mazda CX-90 PHEV The 2026 Mazda CX-5 results are expected later this summer and are on track to become Mazda's 100th IIHS safety award. In IIHS crash testing, Mazda earns a "Good" rating across every major test category, including Small Overlap Front, Updated Moderate Overlap Front, Updated Side Impact, and Pedestrian Front Crash Prevention. The Mazda CX-90 PHEV was specifically featured in IIHS's newest crash test, where it earned the organization's highest rating. Since 2008, Mazda has accumulated 99 total IIHS Top Safety Awards. That is not a marketing claim. That is an 18-year track record. Why Does Mazda Safety Matter for Drivers in Vero Beach, FL? Florida roads have their own challenges. High-speed highway driving on I-95 and US-1, heavy tourist and seasonal traffic, and frequent afternoon rain showers all reduce reaction time for everyone on the road. What we see at Dyer Mazda in Vero Beach: Many of our customers come in after a close call on the highway or after a fender bender in a parking lot. Features like Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking are the ones they wish they had had before. With Mazda, those features are already in the car. You do not have to upgrade to get them. Florida heat also plays a role in driver fatigue, which increases the risk of slower reaction times on longer drives. Highway Speed Automatic Emergency Braking provides an added layer of protection on stretches of road where attention can drift. Does Mazda Safety Come at a Higher Price? No. That is the point. Mazda's safety technology is standard, which means you are not paying extra to protect yourself and your family. A comparable vehicle from another brand with the same safety package could cost $2,000 to $4,000 more once you factor in required trim upgrades. At Dyer Mazda Vero Beach, every new Mazda comes equipped with the full suite of safety features from the base trim up. What Happens If You Skip the Safety Features to Save Money? Some buyers focus on the base price and choose a brand with fewer standard safety features to keep the sticker price down. That decision can cost more in the long run. Consider the real-world numbers: A minor rear-end collision averages $3,000 to $7,000 in repairs An at-fault accident can raise insurance premiums significantly for three or more years Rear Cross Traffic Alert alone has been credited with preventing thousands of low-speed backup accidents annually Dealership insight from Dyer Mazda Vero Beach: We regularly see customers trade in vehicles after preventable accidents. Backup cameras help, but Rear Cross Traffic Alert adds an active warning layer that many drivers do not realize they are missing until something goes wrong. The drivers who have it rarely want to go without it again. Which 2026 Mazda Models Are Available at Dyer Mazda in Vero Beach? At Dyer Mazda Vero Beach, we carry the full Mazda lineup. Every model below has either earned the 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ or has results pending: The Mazda3 Sedan — 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ The Mazda3 Hatchback — 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ The Mazda CX-30 — 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ The Mazda CX-5 — Results coming soon, on pace for Mazda's 100th IIHS award The Mazda CX-50 and Mazda CX-50 Hybrid — 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ The Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-70 PHEV — 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ The Mazda CX-90 and Mazda CX-90 PHEV — 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Every single vehicle on our lot comes with Mazda's full standard safety package included. Why Buy Your Next Mazda at Dyer Mazda in Vero Beach, FL? Dyer Automotive has served the Treasure Coast for decades. We are a local dealership with deep roots in Vero Beach, not a large out-of-market group. Our team knows the roads, the driving conditions, and the customers in this community. When Mazda earns the title of 2026 Safest New-Car Brand from Consumer Reports and leads all manufacturers in IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, it gives our customers something concrete to point to when comparing options. We would rather show you the data than make a pitch. There is a new leader in safety. And you can find the full lineup right here in Vero Beach. Visit Dyer Mazda Vero Beach or Browse Our Inventory Today Come into Dyer Mazda Vero Beach and see the safest new car brand of 2026 in person. Our team will walk you through the safety features on any vehicle in our showroom. You can see Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert in action before you ever leave the lot. View Our New Mazda Inventory and find the right vehicle for your family, your budget, and your lifestyle. Excellent Service. Easy Car Buying.
2026 Mazda CX-5: A Closer Look at the Interior and Exterior Design
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is not a refresh. It is a ground-up redesign, and the difference shows the moment you see it. A longer body, a reimagined cabin, a brand-new touchscreen interface, and a full suite of standard safety technology make this generation a meaningful step forward for one of the most popular compact SUVs in the segment. At Dyer Mazda in Vero Beach, the redesigned Mazda CX-5 is now available, and this guide covers everything you need to know about what changed inside and out. What Does the Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 Look Like on the Outside? Mazda's KODO design language continues to evolve with this generation of the Mazda CX-5, and the result is a vehicle that feels more modern and more premium than its predecessor. The body is approximately 4.5 inches longer than the outgoing model, giving the Mazda CX-5 a more commanding road presence without making it feel oversized. Key exterior highlights include: A bold front grille with slim LED headlights that emphasize width and a forward stance Sculpted body panels with flowing lines that create a sense of movement at a standstill Available 19-inch alloy wheels with a machine-cut finish and black accents on Preferred trim and above A refined rear end with a clean, uncluttered look Available power panoramic moonroof on Premium trim and above The 2026 Mazda CX-5 also introduces a new exterior color exclusive to this generation: Navy Blue Mica, achieved through an intricate layering process using mica flakes that accentuate the sculpted body lines. Other available colors include Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Polymetal Gray Metallic, Machine Gray Metallic, Rhodium White Premium, Aero Gray Metallic, and Jet Black Mica. Soul Red Crystal remains one of the most visually distinctive paint options in the compact SUV segment, with its multi-layer depth that changes character in different lighting. What Is the Interior Like in the Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5? Mazda describes the 2026 Mazda CX-5 as the most spacious version of this vehicle ever offered. The redesign added meaningful rear passenger room, with increased leg room, knee room, and headroom in the back seat. Rear seats also accommodate child car seats in any position, which matters for young families in Vero Beach and across Indian River County. Interior materials vary by trim level: The 2.5 S Select trim features leatherette-trimmed seats with embossed microsuede inserts The 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus trims move up to leather-trimmed seating Available ambient door panel lighting adds warmth to the cabin at night A 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with 2-position memory function is available on Preferred and above Available Sports Tan leather interior for a lighter, more open feel Physical buttons and knobs have been minimized throughout the cabin for a cleaner, more refined look The overall impression is one of calm and quality. The Mazda CX-5 has always punched above its price point in interior feel, and the 2026 generation takes that further. What Technology Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Have? The biggest technology change in the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the move to a full touchscreen interface, the largest ever offered on a Mazda vehicle. This replaces the rotary Commander Control used in prior generations and brings the Mazda CX-5 in line with modern driver expectations. Key technology features include: 12.9-inch center touchscreen display standard on the 2.5 S base trim 15.6-inch center touchscreen display available on the 2.5 S Premium Plus 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster displaying speed, fuel level, range, cruise control settings, and driver assistance alerts Google Built-in -- the 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the first Mazda vehicle to offer this, with a complimentary one-year trial through Mazda Connected Services. It includes Google Assistant for hands-free voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to Google Play apps Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available starting with the 2.5 S Select trim Bose 12-speaker surround sound system available on 2.5 S Premium and above MyMazda App with Mazda Connected Services for remote engine start, door lock and unlock, and vehicle locator The interface philosophy is designed to give drivers flexibility: touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or hands-free voice commands through Google Assistant. What Safety Features Come Standard on the 2026 Mazda CX-5? Mazda was named the Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports, and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 reflects that commitment. This generation adds several safety technologies as standard equipment for the first time: Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (new standard feature) Rear Cross Traffic Braking (new standard feature) Forward Turn-Across Traffic Braking (new standard feature) Emergency Lane Keeping (new standard feature) Blind Spot Assist (new standard feature) Traffic Sign Recognition (new standard feature) Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist (new standard feature) Blind Spot Monitoring Parking sensors front and rear with display and audio alerts Vehicle Exit Warning for rear occupants Smart Brake Support with rear crossing detection Available on higher trims: Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist, and an enhanced 360-degree View Monitor. What Engine Powers the 2026 Mazda CX-5? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is powered by Mazda's SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated fuel economy comes in at 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. One of the most notable updates for 2026 is that i-Activ AWD is now standard on every trim level, so every Mazda CX-5 on the lot comes ready for wet roads, unexpected weather, and off-pavement adventure. What Are the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is available in five trim levels: 2.5 S -- Starting at $29,990. Includes 12.9-inch touchscreen, Google Built-in, and i-Activ AWD standard 2.5 S Select -- Starting at $31,990. Adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leatherette seats with microsuede inserts, and heated mirrors 2.5 S Preferred -- Starting at $34,250. Adds 19-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power driver seat with memory, and programmable power rear liftgate 2.5 S Premium -- Starting at $36,900. Adds Bose 12-speaker audio, power panoramic moonroof, and leather-trimmed seats 2.5 S Premium Plus -- Starting at $38,990. Adds 15.6-inch touchscreen, hands-free power liftgate, and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist FAQ: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior and Exterior Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a completely new design? Yes. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is a ground-up redesign with a longer body, a new touchscreen infotainment system, updated interior materials, expanded passenger space, and Google Built-in as the first Mazda vehicle to offer it. Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have all-wheel drive? Yes. i-Activ AWD is standard on every single 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim level at no additional cost. What colors are available on the 2026 Mazda CX-5? The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is available in Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Polymetal Gray Metallic, Machine Gray Metallic, Rhodium White Premium, Aero Gray Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and the all-new Navy Blue Mica exclusive to this generation. Where can I see the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Vero Beach? Dyer Mazda carries the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in Vero Beach. Browse current inventory at dyermazda.com or stop by at 999 US-1, Vero Beach. See the Redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Dyer Mazda in Vero Beach The 2026 Mazda CX-5 rewards you in person. The quality of the materials, the refinement of the cabin, and the way the new body lines catch light at different angles are things you have to experience for yourself. Dyer Mazda in Vero Beach carries Mazda CX-5 inventory serving Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere & surrounding areas. Browse what is available at dyermazda.com or visit us at 999 US-1, Vero Beach.