Choosing a new Mazda means finding a vehicle that feels responsive, refined, and reassuring on the road. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 recently added an important chapter to that story by earning a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, the 100th IIHS top safety award for Mazda since 2008. At AutoNation Mazda Carlsbad, we're excited to celebrate the milestone and help you understand what sits behind it.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Sets the Mark
The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 did not reach this milestone because of one impressive feature. It earned good ratings in the IIHS small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, and updated side tests. Its standard Smart Brake Support system also received good ratings in the institute's vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian front crash prevention evaluations. The result became Mazda's ninth TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for the 2026 model year.
The Plus Sign Comes with a Higher Bar
Every 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ winner must deliver strong results from several angles. Along with good ratings in three crash tests, a vehicle needs acceptable or good headlights across every trim. Its standard front crash prevention technology must also meet IIHS requirements in pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle testing. That means the award looks at more than what happens during a crash. It also considers technology designed to help avoid one.
A Milestone with Plenty of Company
The latest Mazda CX-5 award brought Mazda's total to 100, and 74 of those honors have carried the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation. The 2026 recipients include Mazda3 models and several members of the Mazda CX family. So whether you prefer a nimble car or a spacious SUV, you have award-winning choices in more than one size and body style.
Discover Your New MAZDA in Carlsbad, CA
An IIHS award is worth knowing about, but it is only part of finding the right vehicle. We can help you compare models, explore their driver-assistance technology, and see how each one feels from the driver's seat. Visit AutoNation Mazda Carlsbad to find the Mazda that fits your daily drive.
