2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Level Comparison Guide | S vs Select vs Preferred vs Premium vs Premium Plus
2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Level Comparison Guide
Not sure which CX-5 to choose? Compare trims side by side and see which one fits your budget, comfort needs, and tech priorities.
Pricing shown is MSRP and typically excludes taxes, title, license, and destination. Features can vary by package and availability.
Quick Trim Overview
- 2.5 S: best value to get into a CX-5 with standard AWD and the core tech.
- 2.5 S Select: comfort and convenience, plus wireless phone integration.
- 2.5 S Preferred: a sweet spot for daily driving upgrades like power seat memory and liftgate.
- 2.5 S Premium: for shoppers who want leather, panoramic moonroof, and Bose audio.
- 2.5 S Premium Plus: top trim for the largest screen and advanced driver assist upgrades.
Find Your Trim
Jump to the trim that fits your priorities.
This is a shopper-friendly guide, not a substitute for a personalized walkaround.
What is new for 2026?
- All trims come with standard i-Activ AWD.
- Core lineup focuses on the 2.5L engine and five trims.
- Screen size and driver assistance features ramp up as you move up trims.
2026 CX-5 2.5 S
Value
- Standard i-Activ AWD and 187 hp 2.5L
- Google built-in (trial)
- 12.9-inch touchscreen
2026 CX-5 2.5 S Select
Comfort
Phone Tech
- Leatherette with microsuede inserts
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Power folding, heated mirrors
2026 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred
Sweet Spot
- 19-inch alloy wheels (black finish)
- 10-way power driver seat with memory
- Programmable power rear liftgate
Feature availability can vary. Confirm exact equipment with your dealer build and window sticker.
Trim Breakdown
What you gain as you move up the CX-5 lineup.
2.5 S
For shoppers who want CX-5 essentials and maximum value.
Why choose it
- You want a CX-5 with modern infotainment and do not want to overbuy features.
- You prefer to keep monthly payments as low as possible.
- You plan to lease and want a smart baseline trim.
2.5 S Select
Adds comfort touches and everyday convenience.
Why choose it
- You want a nicer cabin feel without stepping into leather.
- You use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto daily and want wireless convenience.
- You want a small upgrade that feels noticeable on every drive.
2.5 S Preferred
Often the sweet spot: power, convenience, and styling upgrades.
Why choose it
- You share the vehicle and want seat memory to stop the daily readjustments.
- You want a more upscale look with larger wheels.
- You want convenience features that feel premium without reaching top-trim pricing.
2.5 S Premium
For a more luxury-leaning feel: leather, Bose, panoramic moonroof.
Why choose it
- You care about cabin experience and audio quality.
- You want the moonroof and leather, not just the basics.
- You plan to keep your CX-5 longer and want the “nice stuff” every day.
2.5 S Premium Plus
Top trim for the biggest screen and advanced driver assistance tech.
Why choose it
- You want the most tech-focused CX-5 experience.
- You spend a lot of time in traffic or on the highway and want driver assist upgrades.
- You prefer buying the trim you will not outgrow in a year.
MSRP values are shown for guide purposes. Incentives and dealer pricing vary. Confirm current pricing and equipment with your dealer.
Side-by-Side Trim Comparison
A fast way to see what changes as you move up trims.
| Feature | 2.5 S | 2.5 S Select | 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5 S Premium | 2.5 S Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (guide) | $29,990 | $31,990 | $34,250 | $36,900 | $38,990 |
| Standard i-Activ AWD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Infotainment screen | 12.9-inch | 12.9-inch | 12.9-inch | 12.9-inch | 15.6-inch |
| Google built-in (trial) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto | Varies | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seating material (headline) | Cloth (typical) | Leatherette + microsuede | Upgraded (varies) | Leather | Upgraded (varies) |
| Wheels (headline) | 17-inch (typical) | Upgraded (varies) | 19-inch black finish | 19-inch (typical) | 19-inch (typical) |
| Power liftgate | No / varies | No / varies | Programmable | Yes / varies | Hands-free |
| Bose audio | No | No | No / varies | 12-speaker | Yes / varies |
| Panoramic moonroof | No | No | No / varies | Yes | Yes / varies |
| Advanced driver assist upgrades | Base suite | Base suite | Base suite | Base suite | Cruising and Traffic Support, Lane Change Assist |
“Varies” indicates equipment can change based on package and region. Use this as a guide, then confirm on the exact vehicle you are shopping.
Which 2026 CX-5 Trim Should You Choose?
Choose 2.5 S if you want value
- You want standard AWD and modern infotainment without extra cost.
- You are payment-focused.
- You plan to lease and keep it simple.
Choose 2.5 S Select for comfort plus convenience
- You want upgraded seat materials.
- You want wireless smartphone integration.
- You want a noticeable step up without jumping too far in price.
Choose 2.5 S Preferred for the “best all-around” pick
- You share the CX-5 and want seat memory.
- You want a power liftgate for daily errands.
- You want a more premium look and feel, but still value-minded.
Choose 2.5 S Premium if you want luxury touches
- You want leather seating.
- You care about audio and want Bose.
- You want a panoramic moonroof and a more upscale cabin vibe.
Choose 2.5 S Premium Plus if you want the most tech
- You want the larger 15.6-inch touchscreen.
- You want a hands-free liftgate.
- You spend a lot of time commuting and want more driver-assist features.
- You want a trim you will not “wish you had” later.
Want a quick recommendation based on what is in stock?
Tell us your must-haves (leather, moonroof, Bose, biggest screen) and we will match you to available CX-5 trims.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim FAQs
Always confirm exact features on the specific vehicle you are shopping, since equipment and packages can vary.
About This 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Comparison
This page is designed to help you quickly compare the 2026 Mazda CX-5 trims and decide which model fits your driving style.
If you want to compare specific vehicles in stock, visit our inventory and filter by trim level.
Looking for a payment estimate? We can provide a quick quote based on your preferred trim, available incentives, and trade-in value.
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