Why the Mazda CX-5 Is a Great Family Vehicle You deserve a reliable SUV that gets you places in style and comfort. You deserve the 2026 Mazda CX-5. When you check it out, you'll find a lot to appreciate in this compact crossover - from its strong safety credentials to its comfortable cabin and fuel-efficient powertrain. Here's a closer look at what makes the Mazda CX-5 such a compelling choice for families like yours. Safety You Can Count On One of the most important factors for any family vehicle is safety, and the Mazda CX-5 delivers in a big way. Mazda was recently named the Safest New-Car Brand by Consumer Reports, a recognition that speaks directly to the brand's commitment to building vehicles that protect the people inside them. The 2026 CX-5 also earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, one of the most respected safety ratings in the industry. So, if you're driving kids to school or heading out on a road trip, knowing your vehicle has earned that level of recognition makes you feel safer. A Comfortable, Family-Friendly Interior The Mazda CX-5 was designed with the driver and passengers in mind. The interior is designed with quality materials and a well-organized layout that makes daily use simple and enjoyable. There's enough room for passengers in both rows to ride comfortably, and the cargo area provides plenty of space for groceries, sports gear, or luggage. Why the Mazda CX-5 is a great family vehicle also comes down to how it feels on longer drives. The cabin is well-insulated from road noise, and the driving experience is more engaging than you might expect from a family crossover - Mazda has always emphasized a connection between driver and road, and the CX-5 is no exception. Fuel Efficiency for Everyday Life Families tend to put a lot of miles on their vehicles, which makes gas milage an important consideration. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S models are EPA-estimated at 24 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined, which helps keep trips to the gas station more manageable on a busy week. That kind of efficiency, paired with a comfortable driving experience, makes the CX-5 well-suited for the mix of city driving and highway travel that most families do. Current Offers Make It Even More Accessible If you've been on the fence about making a move, current incentives on select 2026 Mazda models can make ownership more affordable. Mazda is offering customer cash on select crossover SUVs, giving buyers in the market a chance to get into a well-equipped vehicle at a better value. Find Your Next Family Vehicle at Brown & Wood Automotive As you can see, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a lot going for it - strong safety ratings, a comfortable cabin, solid gas milage, and a driving experience that feels more premium than its segment suggests. That combination is a big part of why the Mazda CX-5 is a great family vehicle for so many buyers. Drivers throughout Greenville, NC can visit Brown & Wood Automotive to explore the 2026 Mazda CX-5 lineup, learn about available offers, and schedule a test drive. Stop in and see what makes this crossover stand out.
How to Change the Battery in a Mazda Key Fob
How to Change the Battery in a Mazda Key Fob If you've noticed your Mazda key fob taking multiple presses to respond, the battery is likely running low. Knowing how to change the battery in a Mazda key fob is a simple, quick DIY skill that will get you back to using your advanced keyless entry system without a trip to the service center. This guide walks you through the exact process so you can swap out the battery yourself. What You'll Need Before You Start Before you open up your Mazda key fob, you'll need to gather a few simple tools: A replacement battery: Most Mazda key fobs use a CR2025 coin-style battery, though some models may use a CR2032. (Check your owner's manual to confirm). A small flathead screwdriver: Essential for prying the housing apart. A small piece of tape: Wrap this around the metal tip of your flathead screwdriver to prevent scratching or gouging the key fob's casing. A clean, flat workspace: Having a clear table prevents tiny internal pieces from rolling away. How to Open Your Mazda Key Fob Remove the auxiliary key: Turn the key fob over to find the small slide release button on the back. Push it and pull the metal emergency key out of the fob. Locate the prying slots: Look inside the slot where the metal key was just stored. You will see a small notch on either side of the inner casing. Pry the case open: Insert your tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver into one of these notches. Gently twist the screwdriver to begin splitting the two halves of the key fob apart. Repeat this on the other side if needed, working slowly until the cover pops open. Replacing the Battery With the case open, locate the battery compartment. Note the orientation of the existing battery before removing it; this is crucial as it ensures you'll place the new battery in the correct direction. Using your fingertips or a small tool, gently lift the old battery out, taking care not to touch any electronic circuitry inside the fob. Place the new battery into the compartment with the positive (+) side facing upwards, ensuring it sits securely within the designated holder. Then, align the two halves of the main key fob case and press them firmly together until you hear them click shut. Finally, slide your metal auxiliary key back into its slot. Pro Tip: Avoid using metal tweezers to pry out the old battery or slide the new one in. Metal tools can touch the internal circuitry and cause a short circuit, potentially damaging the transmitter. Your fingers or a small plastic tool is much safer. Testing Your Key Fob After the Swap With everything clicked back into place, stand near your Mazda and press the lock or unlock button. Your vehicle should respond instantly. If your model features a push-button start, jump inside and start the engine; the low-key battery warning indicator on your dashboard should now be gone. If the fob still isn't responding, open it back up to ensure the battery wasn't put in upside down. When to Visit a Professional While replacing a Mazda key fob battery is typically a five-minute job, sometimes key fob issues run deeper than a dead battery. If a fresh battery doesn't restore your key's remote functions, the transmitter may need to be reprogrammed or replaced altogether. If you need a replacement battery, a brand-new fob, or any other certified Mazda maintenance, the team at Brown & Wood Automotive is here to help. Stop by our Greenville dealership or visit us online at brown-wood.net to schedule a service appointment today!