2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
Choosing the right SUV trim can feel overwhelming, but the 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes the decision refreshingly straightforward. With five distinct trim levels, the CX-5 offers everything from practical daily transportation to upscale luxury. Understanding what sets each trim apart helps you find the perfect match for your needs and budget.
At Bountiful Mazda, we're here to help you explore the complete lineup and schedule a test drive that brings these differences to life.
Introducing the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Lineup
The third-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 arrives with a thoughtfully streamlined lineup: the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Each builds progressively on the previous model, adding comfort, technology, and luxury features as you move up the range.
What makes this lineup particularly smart is that i-Activ AWD comes standard across every trim. You won't sacrifice capability regardless of which model fits your budget. All trims share the same 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This consistent powertrain foundation means your decision centers entirely on which interior amenities, technology features, and safety systems matter most to you. Browse our new CX-5 inventory to see available colors and options.
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S: Well-Equipped Base Trim
Don't let the "base trim" label fool you here. The 2.5 S delivers modern infotainment connectivity and essential safety features that many competitors reserve for higher trims. The 12.9-inch display includes Google built-in with a one-year trial subscription, plus wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The comprehensive i-Activsense suite provides driver assistance technologies designed to keep you safe. Cloth seating features an 8-way manually adjustable driver's seat and 6-way passenger seat. Dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard, a feature many rivals reserve for higher trims, while 17-inch alloy wheels complete the package.
This trim appeals to value-conscious buyers who want reliable transportation without sacrificing quality. Practical families, first-time SUV buyers, and anyone who prioritizes function over luxury will appreciate what the 2.5 S delivers. It's honest, straightforward transportation that doesn't cut corners where it counts.
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select: Enhanced Comfort and Technology
The 2.5 S Select adds meaningful comfort upgrades that transform your daily experience. Leatherette seating surfaces elevate the interior's appearance while proving easier to clean and more resistant to wear than standard cloth. The driver's seat retains the 8-way manual adjustment from the base trim, but the addition of heated front seats ensures comfort during Utah winters.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remove the hassle of connecting cables every time you get in. Heated mirrors add convenience in cold weather, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remove the hassle of connecting cables every time you get in. These enhancements make a noticeable difference during real-world use, hitting that sweet spot between basic and luxurious for individuals or families seeking a more refined environment without breaking the bank.
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred: The Popular Mid-Range Choice
The 2.5 S Preferred consistently ranks as the most popular choice, and there's good reason for that popularity. This trim introduces features that genuinely improve daily convenience, starting with the power liftgate (invaluable when you're juggling groceries or managing luggage with kids in tow). Leatherette seating continues from the Select, while the 10-way power driver's seat with memory settings provides a meaningful upgrade in comfort and support during longer drives.
The power moonroof floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airier feel that passengers consistently appreciate. A head-up display projects key information onto the windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road. The heated steering wheel adds cold-weather comfort, and distinctive 19-inch black machine-cut wheels complete the exterior upgrade.
This trim appeals to families who need versatility, commuters who spend considerable time behind the wheel, and anyone who appreciates a well-rounded vehicle. It strikes an ideal balance between affordability and desirability without feeling like you're missing out on key features.
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium: Upscale Features and Refinement
The 2.5 S Premium builds on the Preferred's solid foundation with distinctive styling and enhanced technology. Signature Illumination LED lighting creates a sophisticated visual presence, while the panoramic moonroof, Bose 12-speaker audio system, and genuine leather seating with ventilated front seats define this trim's interior upgrades. A 6-way power adjustable passenger seat joins the already upgraded driver's seat, heated rear seats keep all passengers comfortable during winter months, and rear USB-C ports add everyday practicality for back-seat passengers.
Here's where the Premium's enhanced i-Activsense suite really shines, adding advanced safety features beyond what you'll find on lower trims. Materials, technology, and overall finish approach what you'd find in dedicated luxury brands but at a considerably lower price point. This trim targets buyers who frequently entertain clients, take family road trips, or simply want to treat themselves to a more refined daily experience without stepping up to a luxury nameplate.
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus: Top-Tier Luxury and Safety
The 2.5 S Premium Plus represents the pinnacle of CX-5 offerings, and it shows. An available 15.6-inch touchscreen interface offers enhanced visibility and easier menu navigation compared to the standard display. The comprehensive driver assistance suite includes Cruising & Traffic Support, Lane Change Assist, and a 360-degree camera system that makes parking in tight spots almost effortless. Heated front and rear seats are retained from the Premium trim, while the hands-free power liftgate adds maximum convenience when your arms are full.
Premium interior finishes extend throughout the cabin. Every touchpoint feels refined and carefully considered, from the soft-touch materials to the precise switch operation. This trim targets buyers who refuse to compromise on technology or comfort, those who view their vehicle as a mobile sanctuary where they spend significant portions of their day. If you want absolutely everything Mazda offers without stepping up to a luxury brand, this top-tier model delivers completely.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Comparison: Features at a Glance
Understanding the trim differences becomes clearer when you see how features build across the lineup:
|
Feature Category |
2.5 S |
2.5 S Select |
2.5 S Preferred |
2.5 S Premium |
2.5 S Premium Plus |
|
Wheels |
17-inch alloy |
17-inch alloy |
19-inch black machine-cut |
19-inch |
19-inch |
|
Infotainment Display |
12.9-inch, Google built-in |
12.9-inch, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
12.9-inch |
12.9-inch w/navigation |
15.6-inch available |
|
Seating/Comfort |
Cloth, 8-way manual driver |
Leatherette, heated front, 8-way manual driver seat |
Leatherette seats, 10-way power driver w/memory, power moonroof |
Leather, ventilated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, heated rear seats |
Leather, heated front and rear |
|
Key Safety/Tech |
i-Activsense basics, wired smartphone integration, dual-zone automatic climate control |
Heated mirrors, wireless connectivity |
Head-up display, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, 10-way power driver's seat with memory |
Signature Illumination LED, enhanced i-Activsense |
Hands-free liftgate, Cruising & Traffic Support, Lane Change Assist, 360-degree camera |
|
Standout Upgrades |
Standard AWD, modern infotainment |
Wireless connectivity, leatherette comfort |
Leatherette seats, 10-way power driver with memory, power moonroof, head-up display |
Navigation, heated rear seats, sporty styling |
Largest screen, hands-free liftgate, most advanced safety |
Each step up adds meaningful value rather than unnecessary gimmicks. Interior materials progress logically from cloth to leatherette to genuine leather. Infotainment screens grow larger and more feature-rich. Safety technologies expand from basic systems to comprehensive driver assistance packages that actually make a difference in daily driving.
Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Is Right for You?
Selecting the ideal trim comes down to an honest assessment of your needs, preferences, and budget. Here's how we typically see it break down:
Best for Value-Conscious Buyers
The 2.5 S proves that entry-level doesn't mean inadequate. If your priority centers on reliable, capable transportation without frills, this trim delivers everything essential. Budget-minded consumers, practical families, and anyone who views their vehicle primarily as transportation will find the 2.5 S meets their needs completely. Check our current specials to maximize your value even further.
Best for Comfort and Convenience
The 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Preferred occupy that comfort-and-convenience sweet spot most buyers gravitate toward. The Select's leatherette seating, wireless connectivity, and upgraded climate control make every drive more pleasant without a massive price jump. The Preferred adds the power liftgate, genuine leather, and Bose audio that prove invaluable during real-world use. Families who need versatility, commuters who spend considerable time driving, and buyers who appreciate thoughtful conveniences will find either of these trims perfectly suited to their lifestyle.
Best for Premium Features and Technology
The 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus cater to buyers who want exceptional technology, luxury materials, and comprehensive safety systems. The Premium's navigation, heated rear seats, and Signature Illumination create a genuinely upscale environment that feels special every time you get in. The Premium Plus adds the largest touchscreen, ventilated seats, and most advanced driver assistance technologies available. These trims appeal to buyers who view their vehicle as more than transportation (it's where they spend significant portions of their day and want it to reflect their standards).
Explore the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Bountiful Mazda
Ready to experience these CX-5 trim levels firsthand? We invite you to explore the complete 2026 lineup at our family-owned dealership in Bountiful, Utah. We serve drivers throughout Davis, Salt Lake, and Weber counties with a straightforward approach that lets you focus on finding the right vehicle. As a multiple-time winner of Mazda's President's Club Award and Gold Cup Award, we've earned recognition for outstanding service and customer satisfaction over the years. Schedule a test drive today or contact our team to ask specific questions about inventory and availability. Experience where quality vehicles meet exceptional service at Bountiful Mazda.