I transport my 26" Kona Blast mountain bike in my CX-5 all the time. I have it standing up, front wheel off with only the middle pass-thru open. I have the handlebars towards the hatch. I usually throw a towel over the handlebars as ocassionally it touches the glass. I also have an ajustable bungee that I bought at walmart. The CX-5 has 2 hidden tiedowns right where the plastic wells are in the cargo area by the hatch. I loop once around the bike neck and then hook it into the tiedowns. Prevents it from shifting around. I also have the soft cargo cover so the back of the seat where the rear tire rests is protected.

This way works great so far for me. I can even have 4 people in the car, as long as the back seaters don't mind having the bike between them It also leaves me plenty of cargo space

I have a number of complaints about the CX-5, but I think I would have a hard time getting a car without a 40/20/40 split.

 

Finally took my Trek 7.2FX to the dealer today (now have hitch rack installed on back of Altima) and it fits fine in the back of the CX-5 w/o removing front wheel. CX-5 Touring (2.5L) now at the top of my shopping list....

IRizer...thanks for the tip on tie downs....will def use along with sheet or blanket to protect interior.
BTW, bike is never dirty as only ride on pavements, etc...no trails.