Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Is Right for You?

Plan on exploring a 2026 Mazda CX-5 for sale soon? No matter which trim you choose, you’re going to enjoy a peppy engine, impressive fuel economy, and Mazda’s always thrilling behind-the-wheel feel. But you will be faced with a variety of trim options, and each one delivers distinct benefits.

We’re here to help you assess your choices and understand the differences between every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim. While we understand some shoppers favor the most economical option, others want something luxurious, and others want something in between.

Mazda smartly designed the all-new 2026 CX-5 lineup to ensure that every shopper can find something that suits their taste—and their budget. Let’s get to know the five available trims below!

2.5 S

The 2.5 S is the starting trim of the Mazda CX-5, and it packs a punch.

Performance

Like with all 2026 trims, it’s going to have a 2.5L I-4 engine churning away beneath the hood. This engine delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque for an energizing behind-the-wheel feel. Its fuel economy is nothing to sneeze at, either. If you tackle long commutes or you love exploring faraway places, the standard 2026 Mazda CX-5 engine won’t land you at the pump too often.

Also standard is i-Activ AWD®. This intelligent all-wheel drive system continuously monitors road conditions and driving behaviors, adjusting torque delivery as needed to give you maximum traction. As a part-time AWD system, it can also prioritize efficiency when traction is not the main concern. So you can unlock impressive fuel economy on paved roads.

Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 enjoys driver-selectable Sport and Off-Road drive modes. So you can activate more exhilarating dynamics when you want them, or tap into the model’s rugged side for challenging terrain.

Technology

In the technology department, the 2.5 S has wired smartphone connectivity, allowing you to connect your device to the new 12.9-inch touchscreen center display. Plus, with one year of Google built-in, your new Mazda CX-5 also gives you access to Google Maps, Google Play, Google Assistant, and more without having to connect your phone.

As for the sound system, the 2.5 S kicks things off with a standard eight-speaker setup. This is a massive upgrade from the four-speaker and six-speaker systems normally found in base trims.

The standard safety features of the starting trim are more than solid. This model is more than ready to help you command the roads with perks like:

• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist
• Smart Brake Support – Reverse with Pedestrian Detection
• Vehicle Exit Warning

2.5 S Select

When you step up to the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select, you have the freedom to leave the USB cords at home. This system has wireless smartphone connectivity, along with a wireless phone charger. So you get a tidy dash area, and can always sync your device to your screen and power up.

The driver’s seat is upgraded from a manual seat to a power-adjustable seat with added lumbar support. If you want a bit more ease when it comes to adjusting your seat position than the starting trim offers, this is a nice touch. The seating upholstery is also upgraded. You’ll sit on leatherette-trimmed seats with embossed microsuede inserts rather than the cloth seats of the base trim.

On the climate front, rear-seat passengers get their own air vents—a feature not available on the base trim. This makes it a smart choice for drivers who routinely carry passengers. When you want a few more creature comforts than the starting trim offers, the 2.5 S Select is a smart choice.

2.5 S Preferred

The 2.5 S Preferred is ideal for those who have long, busy days behind the wheel. We say this because it offers an enhanced 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, complete with two-position memory. This gives you a bit more flexibility when it comes to finding that perfect seating angle, height, and distance from the steering wheel. And your vehicle will recall your preferred settings.

This trim also adds three levels of heating for the front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. For that reason alone, the 2.5 S Preferred is a great choice for Connecticut drivers who want more warmth on cold winter days.

At the rear of this trim, you’ll find the true star of the show: a power liftgate with programmable height adjustment. You can decide how high the trunk opens, which means you can set it low for low carports or high for tall users.

Finally, this trim adds a windshield-projected active driving display. It projects time-sensitive information onto your windshield, like navigation and safety details. Having these directly in your line of vision improves safety.

2.5 S Premium

If you routinely load up your Mazda CX-5 with passengers and want to ensure everyone is content, we recommend the 2.5 S Premium trim. It provides some passenger perks that the other trims do not.

Let’s start with the six-way power-adjustable passenger front seat, which appears for the first time on this trim. Your co-pilot can get nearly as cozy as you now. You also get ventilated front seats in this trim, with three levels of ventilation. If you can’t stand hot summer weather, you’ll enjoy this breeze on your back.

Moving to the second row, even rear-seat passengers now enjoy heated seats, with three levels of warmth. This trim also adds dual USB-C ports for backseat passengers. Lower trims only offer charging ports in the front row, but this trim gives backseat riders a way to plug in, too.

This is also the first trim in the lineup where you move away from the base eight-speaker sound system to a Bose 12-speaker system, complete with Centerpoint and AudioPilot. AudioPilot adjusts your music in real time to compensate for other noises, such as engine or road noise, ensuring a premium listening experience. Centerpoint delivers a surround-sound experience.

2.5 S Premium Plus

Now we arrive at the Premium Plus trim, the top-end trim. It focuses on performance perks by adding paddle shifters, levers on the steering wheel that let you shift gears without taking your hands off the wheel.

There’s also a new Mazda Driver Personalization System on this trim. This VIP feature uses facial recognition to automatically restore hundreds of your preferences the moment you turn on the ignition. From seating position to climate to audio, it quickly prepares your Mazda CX-5 for all the ways you like to drive.

Further, this is the only 2026 trim to feature a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen center display, offering nearly three additional inches of display compared to the previous trims. This screen can be used to display a 360º View Monitor for a better picture of your surroundings.

Make the Most of Your Mazda Experience at Manchester Mazda

Come explore the all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 today! We have all of the available trims and a team of Mazda experts who can pair you with your ideal model. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 lineup has something for everyone. It maintains Mazda’s reputation for delivering thrilling performance and cutting-edge technology.

We’d love to take you for a spin in any of these trims and show you features we didn’t have time to cover today. When you need an easy-to-drive, city-friendly SUV with Mazda’s famously thrilling dynamics and style, check out the Mazda CX-5.