2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels Guide | El Dorado Mazda in McKinney, TX
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels Explained: Your Guide to Selecting Your Mazda in McKinney, TX
Five trims, one engine, and a $9,000 spread from base to top can make the 2026 CX-5 lineup harder to sort than it should be. We break down what each step up adds, so you can match the right trim to your daily drive and your budget.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trims: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus. Every trim shares a 187-horsepower 2.5L engine and standard all-wheel drive, so a CX-5 trim level comparison comes down to comfort, tech, and convenience, with starting MSRPs from $29,990 to $38,990.
At El Dorado Mazda, our family-owned team has been part of the McKinney community for 60 years and counting, and we help drivers across McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Plano, and the greater DFW region find the CX-5 that fits their life. This guide walks through every trim, puts Select vs. Preferred and Premium vs. Premium Plus side by side, and gives you a simple way to decide before you visit.
Key Points: Mazda CX-5 Trim Level Comparison
- Every CX-5 trim has the same engine and all-wheel drive. The 2.5L four-cylinder and i-Activ AWD come standard from the 2.5 S to the Premium Plus, so you never pay extra for power. You pay for comfort and technology.
- Preferred is where daily comfort takes a big step. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and a memory driver seat arrive here, which suits McKinney commuters who spend close to half an hour behind the wheel each way.
- Premium Plus is the technology trim. A 15.6-inch display, a 360 View Monitor, and traffic-ready driver assistance make it the top pick for families who want every tool Mazda offers on the CX-5.
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels at a Glance: Pricing for Each 2026 Trim
Five trims can look like a lot of choices until you see the price steps laid out. Here is the full lineup, with the cost of moving up from the trim above it.
| Trim | Starting MSRP | Step-Up Cost | Headline Addition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S | $29,990 | Base trim | 12.9-inch touchscreen with Google built in |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select | $31,990 | +$2,000 | Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred | $34,250 | +$2,260 | Heated front seats and power liftgate |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium | $36,900 | +$2,650 | Panoramic sunroof and Bose audio |
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus | $38,990 | +$2,090 | 15.6-inch display and 360 View Monitor |
Prices are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices. They exclude the $1,595 destination and handling charge, taxes, fees, options, and dealer charges. Step-up cost is the difference in starting MSRP from the trim above. Contact El Dorado Mazda for current availability and pricing.
A few things stand out once you see the numbers together. The Select trim is the smallest jump in the lineup at $2,000, and it brings the phone-friendly upgrades most households use every day. The Preferred-to-Premium move costs the most at $2,650, yet the Premium-to-Premium Plus move costs $560 less and adds the most technology. Across the whole range, the engine never changes. The 2026 CX-5 gives every buyer the same drive, and the trims decide how it feels on a long Texas commute.
Starting Point: What the Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Base Trim Includes
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S is the base trim, starting at $29,990 MSRP, and it covers more ground than most entry trims. The 2.5 S includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker audio, and automatic dual-zone climate control, plus 17-inch wheels and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Google built in is a software platform that brings Google Maps and Google Assistant directly into the dash. Every CX-5 2.5 S also carries Mazda’s full standard safety suite. Drivers who want the CX-5’s driving feel at the lowest entry price will find plenty to like here.
CX-5 2.5 S Select: Wireless Phone Features and Cooler Back Seats
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select adds $2,000 over the base trim and focuses on phone convenience and back-seat comfort. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus wireless phone charging, mean your phone connects the moment you get in. Tinted privacy glass and rear seat vents help passengers in the second row stay comfortable through a North Texas summer.
The Select also brings heated power-folding mirrors, leatherette seats with a cloth center insert, keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. It is a smart fit for households that live on their phones.
Heated Seats and a Power Liftgate Arrive on the CX-5 2.5 S Preferred
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred starts at $34,250 MSRP, and it is the trim where everyday comfort takes a real step forward. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel take the bite out of chilly mornings, while a 10-way power driver seat with memory settings makes sharing the CX-5 easy.
The Preferred also adds 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, and a power liftgate for loading groceries or gear. The Active Driving Display is a full-color head-up display that projects key driving information, such as your speed, onto the windshield so your eyes stay on the road.
Ventilated Leather and a Panoramic Sunroof: The CX-5 2.5 S Premium
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium, at $36,900 MSRP, shifts the cabin from comfortable to refined. Leather seating with ventilated front seats cools you down when a Texas summer turns the steering wheel into a hot plate, and heated rear seats look after back-seat passengers in winter.
A large panoramic sunroof fills the cabin with light, and a 12-speaker Bose system with SiriusXM brings richer sound to long drives on US-75. Color-selectable ambient lighting, black exterior accents, and 19-inch black metallic wheels give the Premium its distinct look.
Top-Trim Tech: What the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus Delivers
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus is the top trim at $38,990 MSRP, and it leads with technology. A 15.6-inch center display, a 360 View Monitor, and a hands-free power liftgate make daily parking and loading easier. Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist is a driver-assist feature that helps with speed, braking, and steering in slow-moving highway traffic while the driver stays in control.
The Premium Plus also adds Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Driver Monitoring, paddle shifters, and a Driver Personalization System that remembers your mirror and seat settings.
CX-5 Select vs. Preferred: Is the $2,260 Step Up Worth It?
For most North Texas drivers, the CX-5 Preferred is worth the $2,260 step up from the Select if daily comfort matters. The Preferred adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, a memory driver seat, and 19-inch wheels. The Select suits buyers who want wireless phone features at a lower price.
Think about how you use the vehicle. If one driver handles most of the miles, the memory seat and head-up display earn their keep fast. If two drivers share the CX-5, the memory function alone changes the daily routine. If your CX-5 mostly handles short local trips, the Select already covers the features you will touch most.
CX-5 Premium vs. Premium Plus: Is the $2,090 Step Up Worth It?
The CX-5 Premium Plus is worth the $2,090 step up from the Premium for buyers who want the most driver-assist and parking technology. The Premium Plus adds a 15.6-inch display, a 360 View Monitor, a hands-free liftgate, and Cruising and Traffic Support. The Premium already delivers leather, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and Bose audio.
The Premium Plus makes the most sense for families with a long commute, tight school-pickup lines, or busy parking lots in Frisco and Plano. If your priorities are comfort and sound, the Premium gives you those without the extra spend.
What Stays the Same on Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim?
Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim uses the same 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine, which makes 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic. i-Activ AWD is an all-wheel-drive system that adjusts power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions, and it comes standard on all five trims. Estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
Mazda’s standard safety suite also stays constant, including Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Emergency Lane Keeping. Safety is a baseline on the CX-5, never an upsell.
Which Mazda CX-5 Trim Is Right for You?
The right CX-5 trim depends on how you drive and what you value most. A few straightforward ways to think about it:
- Lowest entry price with the full CX-5 driving experience: The 2.5 S gives you the engine, AWD, and safety suite at $29,990 MSRP.
- Phone-first household with kids in the back: The Select adds wireless CarPlay, wireless charging, and rear seat vents.
- Daily commuter who wants comfort without going top-tier: The Preferred brings heated seats, a memory driver seat, and a power liftgate.
- Texas heat and a quieter, more premium cabin: The Premium adds ventilated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and Bose audio.
- Highway miles and a full tech package: The Premium Plus adds the 360 View Monitor and traffic-ready driver assistance.
Why Shop for Your Mazda CX-5 at El Dorado Mazda in McKinney?
El Dorado Mazda is a family-owned dealership with 60 years of roots in McKinney, and our team works with drivers across Allen, Frisco, Plano, and the DFW region every week. Browse our new Mazda CX-5 inventory to see which trims are on the lot, check current Mazda offers, review financing options, or find out what your current vehicle is worth with our value your trade tool. Still weighing the CX-5 against other compact SUVs? Our CX-5 vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison lays out the facts side by side.
Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels: Frequently Asked Questions
How many trims does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus. Starting MSRPs run from $29,990 to $38,990, excluding destination and handling, taxes, fees, and dealer charges.
What is the top Mazda CX-5 trim?
The 2.5 S Premium Plus is the top 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim, starting at $38,990 MSRP. It adds a 15.6-inch center display, a 360 View Monitor, a hands-free power liftgate, Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist, and Driver Monitoring.
Does every Mazda CX-5 trim have all-wheel drive?
Yes. i-Activ AWD comes standard on all five 2026 Mazda CX-5 trims, from the 2.5 S through the Premium Plus. You do not need to move up a trim to get all-wheel drive.
Which Mazda CX-5 trim has heated seats?
Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel start at the CX-5 2.5 S Preferred and carry through the Premium and Premium Plus. Heated rear seats arrive on the Premium trim and above.
Which Mazda CX-5 trim has a panoramic sunroof?
The large panoramic sunroof starts at the CX-5 2.5 S Premium and carries over to the Premium Plus. The 2.5 S, Select, and Preferred trims do not include it.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 have a turbocharged engine?
Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim listed in Mazda’s pricing announcement uses the 2.5L SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine, rated at 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Contact our team for current availability and the exact configuration of any CX-5 on our lot.
See the Mazda CX-5 Trims in Person at El Dorado Mazda
The best way to compare trims is to sit in them. El Dorado Mazda is located on North Central Expressway in McKinney, TX, at 2150 N. Central Expressway, McKinney, TX 75070, minutes from Allen, Frisco, Plano, and the rest of the DFW region.
Browse our CX-5 inventory online, then stop in for a test drive. Feel the heated steering wheel on a Preferred, slide into a ventilated Premium seat, and see the 360 View Monitor on a Premium Plus. Our team will help you find the trim that fits. Contact us to explore current offers and availability.
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