2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels Explained: 2.5 S Through 2.5 S Premium Plus
The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is available in five trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Every trim includes standard i-ACTIV AWD® and a 187-hp SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter engine. This guide highlights the key features each trim adds so you can identify the CX-5 that best fits your needs, then browse current inventory at Tuscaloosa Mazda.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Overview: What Sets Each Level Apart
The 2026 CX-5 lineup uses a clear progression, with each trim adding meaningful comfort, convenience, technology, or driver-assistance features. The 2.5 S establishes a well-equipped foundation with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, Google built-in, standard all-wheel drive, and a broad collection of i-Activsense® safety features.
Higher trims add wireless smartphone connectivity, upgraded seating materials, an Active Driving Display, Bose® audio, a panoramic moonroof, and additional driver-assistance technology. The 2.5 S Premium Plus serves as the most comprehensively equipped model in the lineup.
All five trims share a SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-ACTIV AWD. The 2026 CX-5 has an EPA-estimated fuel-economy rating of 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined MPG. Actual results will vary. 2026 Mazda CX-5 specs and powertrain details
Mazda i-ACTIV AWD technology overview
Every trim also receives a core collection of standard i-Activsense safety and driver-assistance features. These include Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Smart Brake Support, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Pedestrian Detection, Turn-Across Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Vehicle Exit Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Emergency Lane Keeping, and front and rear parking sensors.
The 2.5 S Premium Plus adds several features not included on lower trims, including Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Driver Monitoring, an Adaptive Front-Lighting System, a 360° View Monitor, and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist. NHTSA vehicle safety ratings
How Each Trim Builds on the One Before It
2.5 S
2.5 S: The entry trim establishes a strong foundation with a 12.9-inch center touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, Google built-in, an eight-speaker audio system, and wired Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ compatibility.
Google built-in and Mazda Connected Services are complimentary for one year. Through the MyMazda App, owners can remotely start the engine, lock or unlock the doors, and locate the vehicle. The 2.5 S also includes cloth-trimmed seating, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the core i-Activsense safety features.
2.5 S Select
2.5 S Select: This trim adds wireless Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charging, and leatherette-trimmed seats with embossed microsuede inserts.
Additional features include automatic power-folding and heated side mirrors, tinted privacy glass, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear-seat air vents, and keyless entry. The 2.5 S Select is the first trim to offer wireless smartphone integration.
2.5 S Preferred
2.5 S Preferred: The 2.5 S Preferred focuses on comfort and everyday convenience. It adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a two-position memory function, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a full-color Active Driving Display projected onto the windshield.
Exterior and utility additions include 19-inch alloy wheels with a machine-cut Black finish, Black roof rails, a programmable power rear liftgate, and a windshield wiper de-icer. A HomeLink garage-door opener is also integrated into the rearview mirror.
2.5 S Premium
2.5 S Premium: The 2.5 S Premium introduces several significant cabin and exterior upgrades. Leather-trimmed seats replace leatherette, while the front seats gain ventilation, the rear seats gain heating, and the front passenger receives six-way power adjustment.
A Bose 12-speaker surround sound system with SiriusXM satellite radio, a power panoramic moonroof, and color-selectable ambient interior lighting are also standard. Exterior upgrades include Black contrasting trim and Mazda Signature Illumination LED lighting.
2.5 S Premium Plus
2.5 S Premium Plus: The range-topping 2.5 S Premium Plus adds a 15.6-inch center touchscreen, a hands-free power rear liftgate, paddle shifters, and the Driver Personalization System.
Its additional driver-assistance features include an Adaptive Front-Lighting System, Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Driver Monitoring, a 360° View Monitor with underfloor, parking, and mirrors-folded views, and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist.
These features make the 2.5 S Premium Plus the choice for shoppers seeking the CX-5's most complete combination of convenience, technology, and driver-assistance equipment.
Feature-by-Feature Trim Breakdown
The table below shows where key features first appear across the five trims.
| Feature | 2.5 S | 2.5 S Select | 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5 S Premium | 2.5 S Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i-ACTIV AWD | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 187-hp SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter engine | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Core i-Activsense features | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Center touchscreen | 12.9-inch | 12.9-inch | 12.9-inch | 12.9-inch | 15.6-inch |
| 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Google built-in and Mazda Connected Services one-year trial | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Wired | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless | Wireless |
| Wireless smartphone charging | Not available | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Cloth-trimmed seats | Standard | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Leatherette-trimmed seats | Not available | Standard | Standard | Not available | Not available |
| Leather-trimmed seats | Not available | Not available | Not available | Standard | Standard |
| Active Driving Display | Not available | Not available | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Power rear liftgate | Not available | Not available | Programmable | Programmable | Hands-free |
| Bose 12-speaker audio with SiriusXM | Not available | Not available | Not available | Standard | Standard |
| Power panoramic moonroof | Not available | Not available | Not available | Standard | Standard |
| 360° View Monitor | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Standard |
| Driver Monitoring | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Standard |
| Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Standard |
2026 Mazda CX-5 safety features explained
What Each Trim Delivers for Owners
The 2.5 S may appeal to buyers who want standard all-wheel drive, modern infotainment, and a broad collection of safety and driver-assistance features without moving into the higher trim levels. Its 12.9-inch touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, Google built-in technology, and dual-zone automatic climate control create a well-equipped starting point.
The 2.5 S Select may be a strong fit for daily drivers who prioritize wireless smartphone integration and upgraded seating materials. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility reduce the need to connect a cable, while wireless charging adds another layer of everyday convenience.
The 2.5 S Preferred is suited to drivers who spend longer periods behind the wheel or frequently load cargo. Its power driver's seat with memory, heated front seats, Active Driving Display, and power rear liftgate can make commuting, highway travel, and day trips across Alabama more convenient.
The 2.5 S Premium emphasizes cabin comfort and refinement. Its Bose audio system, leather-trimmed seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and panoramic moonroof create a more elevated interior experience.
The 2.5 S Premium Plus is the most comprehensively equipped trim. Its larger touchscreen, hands-free liftgate, 360° View Monitor, Driver Personalization System, and additional driver-assistance features provide meaningful convenience for parking, highway travel, and everyday driving.
How the 2026 CX-5 Trim Structure Compares to the Segment
Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim includes standard i-ACTIV AWD and a broad collection of i-Activsense safety and driver-assistance features. The lineup also provides a 12.9-inch touchscreen and Google built-in beginning with the 2.5 S.
Shoppers comparing compact SUVs can use that standard equipment as a baseline, then review how competing models package similar all-wheel-drive, infotainment, comfort, and driver-assistance features. Compare 2026 Mazda CX-5 to competitors
Find Your 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim at Tuscaloosa Mazda
Tuscaloosa Mazda offers current 2026 CX-5 inventory across multiple trim levels. Because inventory changes regularly, check the live listings to see which trims, interior combinations, and exterior colors are currently available. Depending on trim, exterior choices include Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Polymetal Gray Metallic, Navy Blue Mica, Machine Gray Metallic, Aero Gray Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and Rhodium White Metallic. Whether you are considering the well-equipped 2.5 S or the comprehensively equipped 2.5 S Premium Plus, the Tuscaloosa Mazda sales team can help you compare available vehicles and arrange a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim include AWD?
Yes. i-ACTIV AWD is standard on all five 2026 CX-5 trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. There is no front-wheel-drive model in the 2026 lineup.
Which trim is the first to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The 2.5 S Select is the first trim with wireless Apple CarPlay integration and Android Auto compatibility. The 2.5 S uses wired smartphone integration.
Which 2026 CX-5 trim has the Active Driving Display?
The 2.5 S Preferred is the first trim to include the full-color Active Driving Display. It is also included on the 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus.
What is the difference between the 12.9-inch and 15.6-inch touchscreens?
The 12.9-inch center touchscreen is standard on the 2.5 S through the 2.5 S Premium. The 15.6-inch center touchscreen is exclusive to the 2.5 S Premium Plus. Both use the latest Mazda Connect interface based on Google built-in technology, while the 15.6-inch screen provides additional display area.
Does the 2026 CX-5 have a Bose audio system?
The Bose 12-speaker surround sound system with SiriusXM satellite radio is standard on the 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Lower trims use the standard eight-speaker audio system.
Which trim includes the 360° View Monitor?
The enhanced 360° View Monitor is standard on the 2.5 S Premium Plus. It includes underfloor, parking, and mirrors-folded views to help the driver check areas surrounding the vehicle at low speeds.
Which trim includes Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist?
Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist is standard on the 2.5 S Premium Plus. It is not included on the four lower trims.
What safety features come standard on every 2026 CX-5 trim?
Every trim includes Smart Brake Support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Smart Brake Support, Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Pedestrian Detection, Turn-Across Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Vehicle Exit Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Emergency Lane Keeping, and front and rear parking sensors.
The 2.5 S Premium Plus adds Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Driver Monitoring, an Adaptive Front-Lighting System, a 360° View Monitor, and Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist.
Can I see the 2026 CX-5 trims in person in Tuscaloosa?
Yes. Tuscaloosa Mazda carries current 2026 CX-5 inventory. Check the live inventory page for available trims and exterior colors, or contact the dealership to arrange a test drive.
