2026 Mazda CX 5 Trim Levels Explained: Which CX 5 Is Right for You?
The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX 5 is available in five trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Every trim uses a 187 horsepower 2.5 liter four cylinder engine, a 6 speed automatic transmission and standard i ACTIV AWD, so choosing the right CX 5 is primarily about the comfort, technology and convenience features you want.
The 2.5 S starts at $29,990 and already includes a 12.9 inch touchscreen, Google built in and a substantial group of driver assistance technologies. Moving through the lineup adds features such as leatherette seating, heated seats, a power liftgate, panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, ventilated front seats, a larger 15.6 inch touchscreen and more advanced driver assistance technology.
2026 Mazda CX 5 Trim Levels at a Glance
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | $29,990 | 187 hp, standard AWD, 12.9 inch touchscreen, Google built in |
| 2.5 S Select | $31,990 | Leatherette and cloth seating, wireless smartphone integration, heated mirrors |
| 2.5 S Preferred | $34,250 | 19 inch wheels, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, Active Driving Display |
| 2.5 S Premium | $36,900 | Leather seating, panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Bose audio |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | $38,990 | 15.6 inch touchscreen, 360 degree View Monitor, hands free liftgate, advanced driver assistance technology |
Pricing disclaimer: Starting MSRP excludes the current $1,595 destination and handling charge, $1,640 in Alaska, taxes, title, registration, license fees, options, dealer installed equipment and other applicable charges. Dealers set actual selling prices. Pricing and equipment are subject to change.
What Do All 2026 Mazda CX 5 Trims Have in Common?
Unlike lineups where moving to a higher trim also means changing engines or drivetrains, Mazda gives every 2026 CX 5 the same basic powertrain.
The SKYACTIV G 2.5 liter four cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb ft of torque. Mazda pairs it with a 6 speed automatic transmission and standard i ACTIV AWD.
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select also provides Normal, Sport and Off Road drive modes, allowing the driver to adjust vehicle behavior for different conditions.
The 2026 redesign also brings increased rear passenger room, expanded cargo space and a longer wheelbase compared with the previous generation.
For a complete look at the redesign, specifications and available features, visit the 2026 Mazda CX 5 research page at Route 9 Mazda.
2026 Mazda CX 5 2.5 S
The 2.5 S starts at $29,990 and provides much more than a basic entry point into the CX 5 lineup.
Standard features include a 12.9 inch full color touchscreen display, Google built in with an included trial period, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Mazda Connect, a leather wrapped steering wheel, rain sensing windshield wipers and 17 inch alloy wheels.
The rear seats use a 40, 20, 40 split folding design, which helps balance passenger seating with cargo flexibility.
Who Should Consider the CX 5 2.5 S?
The 2.5 S is a strong choice for buyers who care most about getting the redesigned CX 5, standard AWD, modern infotainment and Mazda's core safety technology without paying for additional luxury equipment.
2026 Mazda CX 5 2.5 S Select
The 2.5 S Select starts at $31,990 and adds several features that improve everyday comfort and convenience.
Seating moves to a combination of leatherette and cloth. The Select also adds rear air conditioning vents, rear privacy glass, heated and power folding side mirrors and Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility are also included, reducing the need to connect a cable every time you get into the vehicle.
Is the CX 5 Select Worth the Upgrade?
For many buyers, the Select may represent one of the most practical steps up from the base model. The price difference adds several features that owners interact with almost every day, including upgraded seating, keyless entry, wireless smartphone connectivity and additional rear passenger comfort.
2026 Mazda CX 5 2.5 S Preferred
The 2.5 S Preferred starts at $34,250 and adds a noticeable combination of comfort, convenience and exterior upgrades.
The Preferred moves to 19 inch machine cut alloy wheels with a black finish and adds black roof rails.
Inside, the driver receives a 10 way power adjustable seat with two position memory. Front seats are heated, the steering wheel is heated and an Active Driving Display projects important information onto the windshield.
A programmable power rear liftgate and windshield wiper deicer also become standard.
Why the Preferred Makes Sense for New York Drivers
Features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and windshield wiper deicer become especially useful during Hudson Valley winters. For drivers who regularly commute through changing weather, these may provide more everyday value than appearance upgrades alone.
2026 Mazda CX 5 2.5 S Premium
The 2.5 S Premium starts at $36,900 and moves the CX 5 further into premium SUV territory.
The cabin receives leather trimmed seating, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Mazda also adds a panoramic power moonroof, giving the redesigned interior a more open feeling.
Audio receives a substantial upgrade through the Bose 12 speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot technology.
Multi color ambient interior lighting adds another premium touch.
Who Should Choose the CX 5 Premium?
The Premium makes sense for buyers who want the CX 5's redesigned platform but place a higher priority on cabin materials and comfort. Leather seating, ventilation, rear seat heating, panoramic glass and Bose audio create a meaningful difference from the lower trims.
2026 Mazda CX 5 2.5 S Premium Plus
The 2.5 S Premium Plus starts at $38,990 and adds the most advanced technology and convenience features available in the lineup.
The most visible upgrade is the 15.6 inch full color touchscreen, replacing the 12.9 inch display found on lower trims. It is the largest center display Mazda has offered in one of its vehicles.
The Premium Plus also adds a hands free rear power liftgate, paddle shifters, Driver Personalization technology and additional advanced driver assistance features.
An available 360 degree View Monitor provides multiple camera perspectives around the vehicle. Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist can provide additional assistance during compatible highway and traffic conditions.
Who Should Choose the Premium Plus?
The Premium Plus is aimed at buyers who want the maximum technology offered in the 2026 CX 5. The larger display, surround view camera technology and more advanced driver assistance features are the primary reasons to choose it over the Premium.
2026 CX 5 Select vs Preferred
The jump from Select to Preferred is one of the most important decisions in the lineup.
The Select focuses on practical everyday upgrades such as leatherette seating, wireless smartphone integration and heated mirrors.
The Preferred adds equipment that is more noticeable during regular ownership, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power driver seat with memory, Active Driving Display, 19 inch wheels and a power liftgate.
For buyers in colder climates or anyone who values convenience features, the Preferred may justify its higher price.
2026 CX 5 Premium vs Premium Plus
The Premium focuses primarily on luxury. Its biggest upgrades include leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Bose audio and the panoramic moonroof.
The Premium Plus takes those premium features and adds more technology. The 15.6 inch display, 360 degree View Monitor, hands free liftgate and additional driver assistance systems are the main reasons to move to the top trim.
If cabin comfort is your priority, the Premium already delivers many of the CX 5's most desirable features. If you also want the most advanced display, camera and assistance technologies, the Premium Plus is the better equipped choice.
Which 2026 Mazda CX 5 Trim Is Best?
There is no single trim that fits every buyer, but the lineup separates into clear groups.
- 2.5 S: Best for buyers who want the lowest starting price while keeping standard AWD and the redesigned CX 5's core technology.
- 2.5 S Select: A strong value choice for buyers who want added comfort and wireless smartphone connectivity.
- 2.5 S Preferred: Well suited to drivers who value heated features, power seat memory and a power liftgate.
- 2.5 S Premium: Best suited to buyers focused on leather seating, ventilation, Bose audio and the panoramic moonroof.
- 2.5 S Premium Plus: Designed for buyers who want the most technology and driver assistance equipment available.
2026 Mazda CX 5 Fuel Economy
Mazda lists the redesigned 2026 CX 5 at an EPA estimated 24 MPG city, 30 MPG highway and 26 MPG combined.
Because i ACTIV AWD is standard throughout the lineup, shoppers do not have to choose between front wheel drive fuel economy and AWD capability when comparing trims.
Fuel economy disclaimer: EPA estimated fuel economy is provided for comparison purposes. Actual mileage will vary based on driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle condition, traffic, weather, load and other factors.
Safety and Driver Assistance Across the CX 5 Lineup
The redesigned CX 5 includes an expanded group of i ACTIVSENSE driver assistance technologies.
Standard systems include technologies such as Smart Brake Support, Lane Keep Assist and Mazda Radar Cruise Control. The 2026 CX 5 also introduces standard Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Forward Turn Across Traffic Braking across the lineup.
Higher trims add additional technology including Driver Monitoring, the 360 degree View Monitor, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist.
Safety disclaimer: Driver assistance and safety technologies are supplemental systems only and do not replace attentive driving, proper vehicle control or safe driving practices. System performance can be affected by traffic, road, weather and visibility conditions. Feature availability varies by trim and equipment. Review the owner's manual for complete operating details and limitations.
Choosing a 2026 Mazda CX 5 in Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley
The right CX 5 trim can depend on where and how you drive. Around Poughkeepsie and the Hudson Valley, standard i ACTIV AWD provides useful capability through changing seasonal conditions while every trim retains the same core 187 horsepower powertrain.
Drivers traveling Route 9, the Taconic State Parkway or across the Mid Hudson Bridge may find the Preferred particularly appealing because its heated steering wheel, heated front seats and windshield wiper deicer add comfort during winter commuting.
Buyers who spend more time in highway traffic may place greater value on the advanced technology in Premium Plus, while drivers who primarily want AWD, cargo flexibility and the redesigned CX 5 at a lower starting price may find the S or Select sufficient.
Review all five trims, current features and vehicle information on the 2026 Mazda CX 5 page at Route 9 Mazda in Poughkeepsie.
2026 Mazda CX 5 Trim Level FAQs
How many 2026 Mazda CX 5 trim levels are there?
There are five trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus.
What is the cheapest 2026 Mazda CX 5 trim?
The 2.5 S is the entry trim and starts at $29,990 MSRP before destination and handling and other applicable charges.
Which 2026 Mazda CX 5 trim has heated seats?
Heated front seats begin with the 2.5 S Preferred. The Premium and Premium Plus add additional comfort equipment, including heated rear seats.
Which 2026 Mazda CX 5 trim has leather seats?
Leather trimmed seating begins with the 2.5 S Premium. The lower Select uses leatherette and cloth seating.
Which 2026 CX 5 has the panoramic moonroof?
The panoramic power moonroof is included on the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus.
Which CX 5 trim has the Bose audio system?
The Bose 12 speaker surround sound system is included beginning with the 2.5 S Premium.
Which 2026 Mazda CX 5 has the 15.6 inch touchscreen?
The 15.6 inch full color touchscreen is included on the 2.5 S Premium Plus. Lower trims use a 12.9 inch touchscreen.
Does every 2026 Mazda CX 5 have AWD?
Yes. Mazda i ACTIV AWD is standard across all five 2026 CX 5 trims.
Do all 2026 Mazda CX 5 trims have the same engine?
Yes. Every trim uses a SKYACTIV G 2.5 liter four cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb ft of torque.
Which 2026 Mazda CX 5 trim should I buy?
The best trim depends on which features matter most to you. The Select emphasizes value, the Preferred adds useful cold weather and convenience equipment, the Premium focuses on luxury and the Premium Plus delivers the highest level of technology.
Compare 2026 Mazda CX 5 Trims at Route 9 Mazda
The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX 5 makes trim shopping relatively straightforward because every model starts with the same engine and standard AWD. Moving through the lineup primarily adds comfort, convenience, premium materials and increasingly advanced technology.
Visit Route 9 Mazda in Poughkeepsie, New York to compare CX 5 trims and see which combination of features fits your driving needs. Review the 2026 Mazda CX 5 research page for current vehicle information before visiting.
Vehicle information disclaimer: Specifications, features, pricing, EPA estimates and availability are based on manufacturer information available at the time of publication and are subject to change. MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, registration, options, dealer installed equipment and other applicable fees. Dealers set actual selling prices. Vehicle inventory changes as vehicles are sold and received. Contact Route 9 Mazda for current vehicle specific pricing, equipment and availability.
