2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels Explained near Milwaukee, WI
The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 builds on one of Mazda’s most successful crossovers with a bolder exterior, a more spacious cabin, and a stronger focus on intuitive technology. Mazda describes the new design through its “Wearable Gear” concept, blending everyday usefulness with a refined, capable look that fits urban commuting, family errands, and longer drives. The longer overall length and wheelbase help open up more rear-seat comfort, while the larger cargo area, lower lift-in height, and wider door openings make daily loading easier. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. Shoppers comparing a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Milwaukee, WI will also appreciate available Google built-in, Mazda’s largest available touchscreen, and advanced driver assistance features. At Russ Darrow Mazda of Greenfield, our team can help match each trim to a driver’s routine, comfort preferences, and technology needs.
| Trim Level | Focus | Display | Seating | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S Select | Core AWD utility | 12.9-inch touchscreen | Cloth seating | 17-inch alloy |
| 2.5 S Preferred | Comfort and connectivity | 15.6-inch touchscreen | Heated front seats | 17-inch alloy |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | Distinctive sport style | 15.6-inch touchscreen | Red leather-trimmed | 19-inch black |
| 2.5 S Premium | Upscale open cabin | 15.6-inch touchscreen | Ventilated front seats | 19-inch alloy |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | Top technology comfort | 15.6-inch touchscreen | Heated rear seats | 19-inch alloy |
2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Options
2.5 S Select
2.5-liter SkyActiv-G · 6-speed automatic · i-Activ AWD · i-Activsense
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select gives shoppers the essentials that make this redesigned crossover feel immediately confident and easy to live with. Its 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and the 6-speed automatic transmission is calibrated for smooth response in daily driving. Standard i-Activ AWD is a major advantage because it supports traction and driver control without asking the driver to select complicated settings. The Select trim also benefits from the new CX-5 platform improvements, including a longer wheelbase, increased overall length, and a cabin designed around a calm, uncluttered layout. Larger door openings make entry easier, and the more usable cargo area helps with groceries, luggage, sports gear, and weekend projects. The 12.9-inch touchscreen brings key vehicle and media functions within easy view, while standard i-Activsense driver assistance features help reinforce Mazda’s safety-first engineering approach. For a shopper who wants the redesigned CX-5’s style, space, safety focus, and all-wheel-drive confidence without stepping into luxury-oriented equipment, the 2.5 S Select is a smart starting point.
2.5 S Preferred
15.6-inch touchscreen · Google built-in · Power liftgate · Heated front seats
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred is an appealing step up because it adds the kind of comfort and connectivity upgrades that drivers notice every day. The available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen is the largest display Mazda has offered, and Google built-in helps create a familiar, smartphone-like experience for navigation, voice assistance, and compatible in-vehicle apps. That matters for commuters, parents, and anyone who prefers a simple digital interface that does not feel overcomplicated. Heated front seats bring welcome comfort during early starts, while the power liftgate makes cargo access easier when hands are full. The Preferred trim still keeps the responsive 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and standard i-Activ AWD, so the CX-5 remains planted and composed. Inside, the redesigned cabin feels more open than before, especially for rear-seat passengers who gain added leg, knee, and headroom. This trim is especially strong for shoppers who want a refined daily SUV with better technology, added convenience, and a premium-feeling cabin without moving to the highest trim level.
2.5 S Carbon Edition
19-inch black wheels · Red leather-trimmed seats · Black exterior accents
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition is for drivers who want the practicality of the CX-5 with a more expressive personality. Mazda’s Kodo design already gives the all-new CX-5 a wider-set, more chiseled front end, angular lighting, and bold rear “MAZDA” lettering, and the Carbon Edition builds on that presence with 19-inch black wheels and dark exterior details. Inside, red leather-trimmed seating gives the cabin a distinct visual signature while maintaining the clean, driver-focused atmosphere that defines the redesigned model. The larger cabin dimensions remain a major benefit, with more rear-seat space and a cargo area designed to be easier to load thanks to added length, added height, and a lower lift-in point. The Carbon Edition also keeps the same proven 187-horsepower 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine and standard i-Activ AWD, making it as functional as it is stylish. For shoppers who want an SUV that stands out at the curb, feels special from the driver’s seat, and still works well for commutes, errands, and longer drives, this trim has a compelling balance.
2.5 S Premium
Panoramic sunroof · Bose audio · Ventilated front seats · Paddle shifters
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium elevates the experience with upgrades that make the cabin feel more open, polished, and rewarding. An available panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space that Mazda worked into the redesigned interior, giving front and rear occupants a brighter, more expansive environment. Ventilated front seats add comfort during longer drives, while Bose audio supports a richer listening experience for music, podcasts, and navigation prompts. Paddle shifters give the driver a more engaged connection to the 6-speed automatic transmission, which fits Mazda’s reputation for building vehicles that feel responsive and natural. The Premium trim also benefits from Mazda’s Japanese craftsmanship, with thoughtful material choices and a serene layout intended to reduce clutter and distraction. Available ambient lighting with seven colors adds a refined touch without overwhelming the cabin. Because the CX-5 is larger, more stable in appearance, and more practical than before, this trim works especially well for shoppers who want near-luxury refinement in a compact crossover footprint. It feels upscale, but it still preserves the CX-5’s everyday usability and easy maneuverability.
2.5 S Premium Plus
360° View Monitor · Active Driving Display · Heated rear seats · Traffic Jam Assist
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus sits at the top of the lineup for shoppers who want the most complete blend of technology, comfort, and confidence. A 360° View Monitor is especially useful in tight parking areas, busy shopping centers, and residential driveways because it helps provide a clearer view of the vehicle’s surroundings. The Active Driving Display places key driving information closer to the driver’s line of sight, supporting focus behind the wheel. Heated rear seats extend comfort beyond the front row, which is meaningful in a redesigned CX-5 that already gives rear passengers improved legroom, knee room, and headroom. Traffic Jam Assist adds another layer of support in slower-moving traffic, complementing Mazda’s broader commitment to advanced driver assistance technology. This trim still retains the standard i-Activ AWD system and the balanced 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G powertrain, so it remains composed and predictable. For shoppers who want the most advanced 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Milwaukee, WI, the Premium Plus trim brings the strongest mix of premium convenience, helpful safety technology, and passenger-focused refinement.
Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim is Best for Milwaukee Drivers?
Milwaukee-area driving calls for an SUV that feels comfortable on city streets, confident on freeway routes like I-43 and I-894, and practical enough for neighborhood errands, school drop-offs, lakefront plans, and weekend travel across southeastern Wisconsin. The all-new CX-5 fits that routine well because every trim includes standard i-Activ AWD, a responsive 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine, and a more spacious cabin than the previous generation. Drivers who prioritize value may feel at home in the Select, while shoppers wanting a stronger technology package may prefer the Preferred. The Carbon Edition adds standout style, the Premium brings a more upscale cabin, and the Premium Plus offers the most complete driver assistance and comfort package. For most local shoppers, the best balance is the 2.5 S Preferred because it adds the large available touchscreen, Google built-in, heated front seats, and a power liftgate while keeping the CX-5’s practical size and confident driving character. Visit Russ Darrow Mazda of Greenfield to compare trims in person.
- 2.5 S Select: Best for essential AWD capability and core CX-5 utility.
- 2.5 S Preferred: Best for daily commuting, technology, and comfort balance.
- 2.5 S Carbon Edition: Best for drivers who want distinctive design.
- 2.5 S Premium: Best for shoppers seeking upscale cabin features.
- 2.5 S Premium Plus: Best for advanced technology and premium convenience.
*Images may not show trim level described