2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels Explained near Santa Ana, CA

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 brings a meaningful evolution to Mazda’s best-selling crossover, combining a bolder Kodo design, a more spacious cabin, intuitive technology, and the confident response Mazda drivers expect. For shoppers researching a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Ana, CA, this new generation stands out with standard i-Activ AWD, a 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 6-speed automatic transmission tuned for both sharper response and quieter cruising. The exterior is longer, wider, and more planted than before, while the cabin gains larger door openings, improved rear passenger room, and a more useful cargo area with a lower lift-in height. Available features such as Mazda’s largest 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen with Google built-in, a panoramic sunroof, and elevated driver assistance technology give online shoppers strong reasons to connect with Tustin Mazda.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Comparison

Trim Level	Focus	Display	Cabin	Assistance
2.5 S Select	Essential AWD confidence	Integrated touchscreen	Spacious two-row layout	Core i-Activsense
2.5 S Preferred	Comfort and convenience	Integrated touchscreen	Moonroof and liftgate	Enhanced convenience aids
2.5 S Carbon Edition	Distinctive visual character	Integrated touchscreen	Exclusive color theme	Enhanced convenience aids
2.5 S Premium	Advanced connected tech	15.6-inch touchscreen	Ambient lighting	Expanded driver aids
2.5 S Premium Plus	Top comfort and visibility	Google built-in	Panoramic sunroof	360° View Monitor

2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Options

2.5 S Select

SkyActiv-G 2.5-liter · 6-speed automatic · i-Activ AWD · i-Activsense

The 2.5 S Select gives the 2026 Mazda CX-5 its foundation: a responsive, naturally confident driving character paired with standard all-wheel-drive capability. Its 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, a balanced output that suits everything from everyday errands around Santa Ana to longer freeway drives across Orange County. Mazda recalibrated this powertrain for flexibility, so the SUV feels alert when the driver asks for response yet relaxed when the pace settles. Inside, the Select benefits from the all-new CX-5’s larger proportions, including improved rear legroom, knee room, and headroom. That matters for households comparing compact SUVs online because the CX-5 now feels easier to live with from every seat. Larger door openings also make loading passengers, child seats, bags, and daily essentials less awkward. The exterior design is equally important, with a wider, more chiseled front end, angular lighting, and bold MAZDA lettering at the rear for a modern look that clearly separates this generation from the last.

2.5 S Preferred

power liftgate · power moonroof · leather-trimmed seats · heated front seats

The 2.5 S Preferred is a smart step up for shoppers who want the CX-5’s engaging personality with additional everyday comfort. It builds on the Select’s standard i-Activ AWD confidence and adds conveniences that are easy to appreciate during a busy week. A power liftgate simplifies access to the expanded rear cargo area, which is longer, taller, and designed with a lower lift-in height than before. That makes the CX-5 more helpful when loading groceries, work gear, luggage, or a stroller after a full day. The power moonroof brings more openness to the cabin, while leather-trimmed seating and heated front seats add a more refined feel without moving too far up the trim ladder. The 2026 model’s calm interior design also makes these upgrades feel more premium because Mazda reduced visual clutter and focused on clean surfaces, carefully chosen materials, and a driver-first layout. For shoppers who value a comfortable cabin as much as responsive handling, the Preferred trim strikes an appealing balance between sophistication, utility, and daily usability.

2.5 S Carbon Edition

Polymetal Gray Metallic · 19-inch black wheels · red leather-trimmed seats · black exterior accents

The 2.5 S Carbon Edition is for drivers who want their compact SUV to feel more personal the moment it arrives in the driveway. This trim emphasizes visual distinction with a unique appearance package, pairing Polymetal Gray Metallic style with black exterior details and 19-inch black wheels that enhance the 2026 CX-5’s planted stance. Mazda’s latest Kodo design already gives the SUV a bolder presence, and the Carbon Edition leans into that character with a more expressive look. Inside, red leather-trimmed seats create a cabin that feels intentionally designed rather than simply equipped. The combination works especially well with the CX-5’s new proportions, because the roomier interior gives passengers more comfort while still keeping the driver closely connected to the road. Like the trims before it, the Carbon Edition uses the proven 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and standard i-Activ AWD. The result is style with substance: a crossover that looks distinctive while retaining the practical cargo space, passenger comfort, and confident road manners that make the CX-5 such a compelling daily vehicle.

2.5 S Premium

15.6-inch touchscreen · Google built-in · Bose audio · 7-color ambient lighting

The 2.5 S Premium is where the all-new CX-5’s technology story becomes especially persuasive. Its available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen is the largest ever offered on a Mazda vehicle, giving the cabin a modern command center that feels natural to use. The interface is designed with smartphone-like usability, a customizable home screen, and quick access to frequently used features. With Google built-in, drivers can use Google Maps for fresh traffic and place information, access compatible apps from Google Play, and keep the drive connected without making the cabin feel complicated. The Premium trim also complements that technology with Bose audio and 7-color ambient lighting on the front door trims, creating a more private and refined cabin atmosphere. What makes this trim appealing is how well the added technology fits the CX-5’s broader mission. Mazda did not simply add a large screen; it redesigned the cabin to feel calmer, more spacious, and easier to operate. For online shoppers who want upscale connectivity with an intuitive learning curve, the Premium trim feels thoughtfully executed.

2.5 S Premium Plus

panoramic sunroof · ventilated front seats · heated rear seats · 360° View Monitor

The 2.5 S Premium Plus sits at the top of the lineup for drivers who want the most complete expression of the 2026 CX-5. It emphasizes comfort, visibility, and confidence in ways that matter during real ownership. A panoramic sunroof enhances the open feeling created by the CX-5’s larger cabin, while ventilated front seats and heated rear seats make the interior more accommodating for both the driver and passengers. The 360° View Monitor is especially useful in tight parking areas, crowded shopping centers, and structured garages, giving the driver added awareness around the vehicle. The Premium Plus also benefits from the same core engineering that defines every 2026 CX-5: standard i-Activ AWD, a responsive SkyActiv-G powertrain, and a body structure designed around stability, comfort, and safety. It is an excellent match for shoppers who plan to keep their SUV for years because it brings together Mazda’s strongest available convenience and technology features in one polished package. For those considering a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Ana, CA, this trim makes the new generation feel fully realized.

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

The best 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim depends on how you drive, how often passengers join you, and which technology matters most. Around Santa Ana, drivers often balance surface streets, freeway commuting, school drop-offs, parking structures, and weekend routes toward the coast or inland destinations. That makes the CX-5’s standard i-Activ AWD, improved rear-seat space, easier cargo loading, and calm cabin design especially valuable across the entire lineup. The Select is appealing for shoppers who want the fundamentals done well, while the Preferred adds daily convenience without overcomplicating the choice. The Carbon Edition is ideal for drivers who want a more distinctive style. Premium brings the strongest connected technology value, and Premium Plus is the fullest luxury-minded option. At Tustin Mazda, we recommend starting with the features you use every day, then choosing the trim that fits your routine. For many shoppers seeking a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Ana, CA, the Premium trim is the best overall balance.

2.5 S Select: Best for drivers who want standard AWD, Mazda handling, and essential safety confidence.
2.5 S Preferred: Best for families and commuters who want comfort upgrades and easier cargo access.
2.5 S Carbon Edition: Best for shoppers who want unique style with practical everyday capability.
2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus: Best for drivers who want advanced technology, elevated comfort, and greater parking confidence.

*Images may not show trim level described