2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels Explained near Phoenix, AZ

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 takes Mazda’s best-selling crossover into its third generation with a bolder exterior, a more useful cabin, and technology designed to feel familiar from the first drive. For shoppers researching the 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Phoenix, AZ, the appeal starts with a proven 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD®. Mazda also stretched the overall length and wheelbase by 4.5 inches compared with the previous model, helping create more rear leg, knee, and headroom, along with a larger cargo area and a lower lift-in height. The design follows Mazda’s evolved Kodo philosophy through a wider-set front end, angular lighting, available 19-inch wheels, and bold MAZDA rear lettering. At CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria, our team sees this SUV as a smart choice for drivers who want refinement, everyday utility, and confident control in one thoughtfully crafted package.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Comparison

Trim Level	Focus	Display	Seating	Wheels
2.5 S	Essential AWD confidence	Large touchscreen interface	Cloth-trimmed cabin	Standard alloy wheels
2.5 S Select	Comfort-focused daily value	Enhanced connectivity features	Leatherette-trimmed seating	Upgraded alloy design
2.5 S Preferred	Refined family versatility	Expanded infotainment access	Power-adjustable front seating	Distinct finish alloys
2.5 S Premium	Style with added amenities	Larger available display	Premium cabin appointments	Available 19-inch wheels
2.5 S Premium Plus	Top technology and comfort	15.6-inch touchscreen	Ventilated front seating	19-inch wheel design

2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Options

2.5 S

2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine · i-Activ AWD® · 6-speed automatic transmission

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S establishes the model’s foundation with the qualities that make this all-new crossover so compelling: balanced power, standard all-wheel-drive confidence, and a cabin shaped around real-world ease of use. Its 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the 6-speed automatic transmission is calibrated to support both sharper response and a quieter, more relaxed drive when cruising. That dual personality matters because a great compact SUV should feel composed in traffic, confident on open stretches, and easy to place in tighter parking areas. Inside, the third-generation CX-5’s added length and wheelbase pay off immediately, with more rear-seat space and a larger cargo area than before. Larger door openings also help simplify everyday routines, from loading child seats to helping passengers climb in comfortably. For online shoppers who want the essentials done exceptionally well, the 2.5 S is not simply the entry point. It is the trim that delivers Mazda craftsmanship, Kodo design, i-Activsense® confidence, and standard i-Activ AWD® from the start.

2.5 S Select

Leatherette-trimmed seating · Heated front seats · Dual-zone climate control

The 2.5 S Select builds on the strong standard package by adding comfort features that make the CX-5 feel more polished during daily use. Leatherette-trimmed seating gives the cabin an upscale, easy-to-maintain look, while heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control help the driver and front passenger personalize the environment without fuss. This trim is especially appealing for shoppers who want a more premium atmosphere without moving all the way to the top of the lineup. The redesigned interior already benefits from Mazda’s clean, uncluttered approach, and the Select trim enhances that sense of calm with materials that feel appropriate for commuting, family errands, and longer weekend drives. The larger rear door openings and improved rear passenger space remain key advantages, giving passengers more room to settle in naturally. Outside, the evolved Kodo design provides a confident stance, with Mazda Signature Wing grille detailing, more angular lighting, and body surfacing inspired by the “Wearable Gear” concept. The result is a trim that feels practical, comfortable, and refined in a way that online shoppers can appreciate before ever scheduling a drive.

2.5 S Preferred

Power driver seat · Driver memory settings · Power liftgate

The 2.5 S Preferred is a thoughtful step up for drivers who value convenience as much as comfort. A power-adjustable driver seat makes it easier to fine-tune the driving position, and driver memory settings are useful when more than one person regularly uses the vehicle. A power liftgate adds another layer of everyday practicality, especially when hands are occupied with groceries, luggage, sports gear, or family essentials. What makes this trim especially strong is how those features support the all-new CX-5’s larger, more flexible layout. Mazda increased the cargo area length and height while lowering the lift-in height, so loading bulky items feels less awkward than before. Rear-seat passengers also benefit from the new proportions, with improved leg, knee, and headroom contributing to a more relaxed ride. The Preferred trim preserves the responsive feel of the 2.5 S powertrain and standard i-Activ AWD®, while adding features that make ownership feel easier day after day. For shoppers comparing compact SUVs online, the 2.5 S Preferred stands out as the trim where convenience, cabin comfort, and Mazda’s driver-focused character come together especially well.

2.5 S Premium

Panoramic sunroof · Premium audio · 19-inch wheels

The 2.5 S Premium adds a more expressive layer to the 2026 Mazda CX-5, making it a smart fit for drivers who want their SUV to feel elevated every time they step inside. A panoramic sunroof visually opens the cabin, complementing the all-new model’s increased passenger space and the serene interior design Mazda created for this generation. Premium audio enhances the daily drive with richer sound, while available 19-inch wheels strengthen the CX-5’s already confident stance. This trim also highlights the new exterior proportions particularly well. The 2026 model is longer, slightly wider, and more planted than before, with a chiseled front end, wider-set look, and angular rear lighting that connects visually with Mazda’s larger crossover family. The bold MAZDA lettering at the rear adds a modern finishing touch. Inside, the Premium trim reinforces Mazda’s attention to craftsmanship, from carefully chosen materials to the calm layout that helps reduce distraction. It is a trim for shoppers who appreciate practical utility but also want a vehicle that feels designed, not merely assembled. The result is a CX-5 that brings everyday usability and upscale presence into a very balanced package.

2.5 S Premium Plus

15.6-inch touchscreen · Google built-in · Ventilated front seats · 360° View Monitor

The 2.5 S Premium Plus is the most technology-rich expression of the all-new CX-5, and it is the trim that best showcases Mazda’s newest approach to intuitive connectivity. Its available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen is the largest ever offered on a Mazda vehicle, providing smartphone-like usability, a customizable home screen, and quick access to frequently used functions. Google built-in brings familiar services such as Google Maps and Google Play into the vehicle experience, helping drivers move from phone to cabin with less adjustment. Premium Plus also adds comfort and awareness features that make a meaningful difference in daily driving, including ventilated front seats and a 360° View Monitor. The technology is impressive, but it does not overwhelm the cabin because Mazda designed the interior to feel calm, organized, and driver-focused. Passengers benefit from the expanded rear-seat dimensions, while the larger cargo area supports family gear, work items, and road trip luggage with less compromise. For shoppers who want the most complete 2026 CX-5, the Premium Plus combines advanced technology, upscale comfort, standard i-Activ AWD®, and Mazda’s engaging drive character in one standout trim.

Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim is Best for Phoenix Drivers?

Choosing the right CX-5 trim depends on how you drive, what you carry, and how much technology you want within easy reach. If you are comparing a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Phoenix, AZ, the all-new model’s standard i-Activ AWD®, responsive 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine, improved rear-seat room, and larger cargo area give every trim a strong starting point. Around the Valley, drivers often balance freeway commuting, school drop-offs, tight shopping-center parking, and longer drives across Arizona, so comfort and visibility matter just as much as performance. The 2.5 S is a smart choice for essential Mazda capability, while the Select and Preferred trims add convenience that many households will appreciate. Premium brings a more upscale feel, and Premium Plus is the clear answer for shoppers who want the largest screen, Google built-in, and enhanced driver awareness. CardinaleWay Mazda Peoria recommends matching the trim to your daily routine first, then choosing the features that will make every drive feel easier.

Choose 2.5 S if you want standard i-Activ AWD® and core Mazda value.
Choose 2.5 S Select or 2.5 S Preferred if comfort and convenience are priorities.
Choose 2.5 S Premium if you want added style, premium sound, and an open cabin feel.
Choose 2.5 S Premium Plus if you want top technology, expanded visibility, and the most complete CX-5 experience.

*Images may not show trim level described