Breaking Down Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Level

Mazda’s freshly redesigned compact crossover arrives with eight different trim levels, and figuring out which one fits your budget can feel overwhelming. The good news? Each version brings something different to the table, from bare-bones practicality to near-luxury appointments. Let’s walk through what you actually get at each price point.

• The 2026 CX-5 lineup spans eight trim levels, with prices expected to start around $31,000 and climb from there.
• Standard features include all-wheel drive across every trim, a 2.5-liter engine making 187 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
• Turbo models like the Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Signature bump power output to 256 hp with premium fuel, but standard gas still delivers 227 hp.

Starting Simple With the 2.5 S

Think of the base 2.5 S as your entry ticket to the CX-5 family. You’re getting standard AWD, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 17-inch wheels. The cabin comes with cloth seats and manual climate control. What you won’t find are heated seats, wireless phone charging, or any leather appointments. But if you’re someone who just needs reliable transportation with Mazda’s signature driving feel, this trim does the job without asking you to stretch your budget.

Fuel economy sits around 26 city and 30 highway mpg, which matches most competitors in this segment. The base trim works well for daily commuters who don’t need fancy tech or for anyone buying their first SUV.

Moving Up to Select and Preferred Territory

The 2.5 S Select adds a few creature comforts that make daily driving less annoying. You get leatherette seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. Wireless phone integration shows up here too, which means you can ditch the charging cable mess in your center console.

Jump to the 2.5 S Preferred and things start getting interesting. This trim brings leather seats, a power moonroof, and 19-inch wheels. You also get a power liftgate and a head-up display, both of which feel pretty upscale for a vehicle in this price range. Many shoppers land here because it strikes a sweet spot between features and cost. You get a solid set of premium touches without the luxury price tag that comes with higher trims.

Premium and Premium Plus Take Things Further

The 2.5 S Premium introduces a panoramic moonroof and Bose 12-speaker audio. If you care about how your music sounds or you want more natural light flooding the cabin, this trim makes sense. The Premium Plus goes all-in with a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen, which is the largest Mazda has ever used. You also get ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, hands-free liftgate operation, and advanced driver assistance features like Cruising and Traffic Support.

These trims appeal to buyers who plan on keeping their CX-5 for several years and want tech that won’t feel outdated quickly.

When You Want Turbo Power

Three turbo trims round out the lineup: Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Signature. All three use a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. With regular gas, you get 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Fill up with premium and those numbers jump to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft. The difference is noticeable when merging onto highways or passing slower traffic.

The Carbon Turbo focuses on performance with off-road drive mode and 7.9 inches of ground clearance. Turbo Premium adds luxury touches like leather seats and premium audio. The Turbo Signature sits at the top with Nappa leather, genuine wood trim, and a full suite of tech features including a 360-degree camera system.

Fuel economy drops to around 22 city and 27 highway mpg with the turbo engine, so you’re trading efficiency for power.

What Actually Changes as You Climb the Ladder

Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes with i-ACTIV AWD and the same core safety features. The differences boil down to materials, tech, and convenience items. Lower trims use cloth and leatherette, while upper trims get real leather. Screen size grows from 10.25 inches to 15.6 inches. Driver assistance features become more advanced.

The redesigned 2026 model is longer and wider than the previous generation, which means more rear legroom and cargo space across every trim. The wheelbase stretched by 4.5 inches, and the cargo area gained nearly two inches of length. Door openings are larger too, making it easier to load gear or get kids in car seats.

Finding Your Match

Most buyers will probably find what they need somewhere in the middle. The Preferred delivers enough features to feel modern without pushing you into premium pricing territory. If you haul cargo frequently or deal with steep hills, the turbo trims make sense. But if you’re just looking for solid daily transportation, the base or Select trims will do fine.

Pricing hasn’t been officially announced yet, but expect the 2026 lineup to start slightly higher than the 2025 model’s $30,190 base price. A fully loaded Turbo Signature could easily push past $45,000 once you add options and destination fees.

See the Trims in Person at Ray Skillman Mazda West

Reading about trim levels online only gets you so far. At Ray Skillman Mazda West in Indianapolis, we keep a large selection of CX-5 models on our lot so you can actually see the differences between trims side by side. Wondering if the Preferred’s leather seats feel worth the extra cost? Want to compare how the 10.25-inch screen stacks up against the massive 15.6-inch display? You can check them out yourself without anyone rushing you through the process. Our sales team knows these vehicles inside and out and can walk you through what each trim offers based on how you’ll actually use the SUV. We’re located at 5309 W Pike Plaza Rd and serve drivers throughout Indianapolis, Carmel, and Greenwood. Give us a call at (317) 293-8060 to schedule a test drive, or stop by when it’s convenient for you. We’re here to help you figure out which CX-5 trim makes the most sense for your budget and daily needs.