2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Guide: 2.5 S, Select, PreferrMotorTrendAfter years of the same old compact SUV, the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 hopes to distinguish itself in a field of more than a dozen direct competitors. Part of what makes the CX-5 different is its focus on driving fun and design, but for 2026 it has more space inside than ever before.Even so, we come back to design. Whether you choose from the 2026 CX-5's base trim or the fully loaded Premium Plus, Mazda aims to provide a clean and premium feel inside and out, and we think it's largely succeeded. But there's no denying: Some 2026 Mazda CX-5 trims are better values than others.We've thoroughly evaluated the 2026 CX-5 and currently have one in the MotorTrend long term fleet as a daily driver. If you're curious what's standard across trims, keep reading for highlights on Mazda's long-running SUV.2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S: Pros and ConsAdvertisementAdvertisementEvery 2026 CX-5 is motivated by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 187 hp. And it's ... fine. At least the smartly tuned transmission keeps the engine in the right gear most of the time. A quicker hybrid powertrain is coming but not until 2027, which should help it match other competitors that already offer hybrid-powered models.MotorTrendStandard features include AWD, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (thank you, Mazda), and a leather-wrapped shift knob. Also thrown in on every 2026 CX-5 are 17-inch alloy wheels and a large 12.9-inch touchscreen. The new CX-5's display is one of the biggest standard units in the segment, though in our experience the functionality could be improved.That's because in Mazda's effort to keep the 2026 CX-5's interior from looking cluttered, it removed most of the physical buttons. If you want to adjust the temperature or fan speed, you need to tap an on-screen button. We've seen similar controls employed by other brands like Toyota, but they're more intuitive than what we've found so far with the Mazda setup.One highlight: One year of Google built-in is included before $15/month subscription fees begin for the 2026 CX-5's Premium Plan. This means you can sidestep the above issues through smart voice commands.AdvertisementAdvertisementStandard driver assists include:Adaptive cruise controlBlind-spot monitoringFront and rear parking sensorsRear cross-traffic alertVehicle exit warning, which aims to prevent opening a door into the path of an oncoming cyclist or carPricing on the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S base model begins at around $31,500 including destination.2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select: Pros and ConsThe second of five 2026 CX-5 trims introduces modern conveniences such as privacy glass, rear air vents, and hands-free keyless entry. Leatherette seats with microsuede inserts replace cloth while the already standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become wireless. A frameless rearview mirror with an auto dimmer is included. It's probably a stretch to call auto-folding side mirrors a luxury, but regardless, it's a cool convenience for whenever you need to navigate into a tight parking spot.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 CX-5 2.5 S Select costs $2,000 more than the base trim, or about $33,500.MotorTrend2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred: Pros and ConsThe CX-5 looks good with any of its three available wheel styles, but this midlevel trim's 19-inch polished alloys are our favorite in the lineup. On a more functional level, roof rails are added, as is a power liftgate. Like other compact SUVs, the 2026 CX-5 doesn't offer a power liftgate at the base trim. Once you open the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred's power liftgate, 33.7 cubic feet of cargo space is ready to handle a weekend getaway's worth of stuff. That figure is way up from the last CX-5 and a respectable figure in the segment.A color head-up display also becomes standard on the 2026 CX-5 Preferred, but we're more interested in the 10-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and HomeLink garage door opener.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2026 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred starts at just under $36,000.2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium: Pros and ConsThings get fancy at the 2026 CX-5 Premium trim level. Real leather seats are part of the package, as is a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Ventilated front seats are a helpful addition to anyone who sticks to their car seat in the summer, and ambient lighting is a plus for night driving.A six-way power passenger seat comes on this trim level, as does a dual-panel panoramic sunroof with a cover. We like being able to see the trees above in our own 2026 CX-5 Premium Plus with the same sunroof, but there's not much glass before a support beam interrupts the skyward view. Behind that support beam, a larger glass panel brightens the rear seats, which have two USB-C outlets on this trim.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis trim impresses with design details akin to a watch or bracelet that finishes an outfit. The headlights and taillights adopt signature lighting cues that distinguish this trim from the lower ones. Once you see the difference in the lower trims' daytime running lights versus the higher ones, it's hard to unsee. This trim also comes with gloss black lower exterior trim.Pricing for the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S Premium begins at about $38,500.MotorTrend2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus (the Loaded One): Pros and ConsThis is the trim we have on our 2026 CX-5 yearlong test SUV, and its feature additions mix "eh" with "gotta have it." We'll start with the former: The power liftgate adds a hands-free feature, and there's a personalization system, though it hasn't worked reliably in our experience.AdvertisementAdvertisementOn the more positive side, the 2026 CX-5 Premium Plus comes with one of the best 360-degree camera systems I've ever tried. The controls to activate it are easy to find, and the screen—now 15.6 inches on this trim—is sized perfectly to display a combination of customizable camera views.Other standard features on this trim include front cross-traffic alert and braking, adaptive front lighting, and a more advanced version of the adaptive cruise control standard on the base trim, now with lane change assist. This is tech you can use on your drive to work, not just on road trips.The CX-5 in Premium Plus form crests $40,000. Its $40,500 price may seem like a lot, but it's competitive with others in the segment. When cross-shopping the CR-V and RAV4, keep in mind that similarly priced models are both hybrids at this price point, which means they're quicker and can stretch a tank of fuel longer. However, those SUVs are also missing a feature or two the Mazda offers at this price point.MotorTrendWhich 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Is Best?AdvertisementAdvertisementWe suspect CX-5 owners care about design more than the average buyer, and that's why the Premium trim would be our pick.Although we'd truly miss the 360-degree camera that comes with the Premium Plus, we can't see paying $2,000 for it unless the other driver assist tech was of interest to us, despite the faulty personalization system we wish our SUV didn't have. What really drives us toward Premium over Preferred is the mix of practical and emotionally satisfying additions.We're talking about those fancier headlight accents, ambient lighting, and upgraded stereo. We live where the summers are very hot, so the ventilated seats would also be a huge value-added feature. We'd save money by sticking with black or dark blue exterior paint, as the other hues cost $595.At the CX-5's lower trims, the recommendable Kia Sportage EX Hybrid is too compelling to ignore, thanks to its blend of features, space, and efficiency at a good price. That's why, if the budget allows, Mazda fans might be better served by one of the Premium trims.2026 Mazda CX-5 Prices2.5 S: $31,4852.5 S Select: $33,4852.5 S Preferred: $35,7452.5 S Premium: $38,3952.5 S Premium Plus: $40,485Photo credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Brian Vance - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrendPhoto credit: MotorTrend
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