2026 Mazda CX-5 Preferred vs Premium: Which Trim is Right for You?

Mazda USA’s best-selling model, the CX-5 compact SUV, saw a complete redesign for the 2026 model year.

The latest CX-5 builds on the vastly successful last-generation model's strengths and adds a few extra inches in all the important places, opening up more space for rear-seat passengers and offering greater cargo room. 

The Mazda CX-5 is the perfect motoring companion for urban dwellers with its outstanding comfort and fuel efficiency, and come the weekend, its ability to meet family adventures head-on.

How many trim levels are there in the 2026 Mazda CX-5 lineup?

There are five 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim levels available to choose from, all benefiting from the model's complete redesign.

The range starts with the entry 2.5 S at a starting MSRP of $29,990 and works its way up to the range-topping 2.5 S Premium Plus at $38,990.

Buyers looking for that sweet spot in the range can look to either the Preferred or the Premium middle-tier trim levels, which both offer an appreciable balance between affordability and features. 

Engine comparison: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Preferred vs. Premium

For the 2026 model year, the full Mazda CX-5 lineup is fitted exclusively with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine carried over from the previous generation.

The tried-and-trusted SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder produces 187 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Both trim levels are paired with the standard SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and all-wheel drive is provided by Mazda's i-Activ AWD, which includes a useful center limited-slip differential to aid off-road traction.

Helping drivers keep their 2026 Mazda CX-5 Preferred and Premium trims driving smoothly and safely is Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), featuring Sport and Off-road modes.

Which trim level of the 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers more interior comfort: Preferred or Premium?

Both the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Preferred and Premium trims offer truly luxurious interiors that belie their affordable price tags.

With the increased wheelbase and exterior dimensions of the new model, the CX-5’s interior offers more space for its maximum of five passengers, plus the new, fresher cabin design features higher-quality materials than ever before.

Both these trim levels share the following comprehensive list of interior comfort and luxury features that includes:

• Ambient temperature & clock display
• 10.25-inch LCD meter display
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter
• Power windows with one-touch down/up feature
• Power door locks with speed-sensing auto locking
• Front and rear door courtesy lights
• Remote Keyless Entry System
• Push Button Start
• Tilt & telescopic steering column
• Rear window defogger with timer
• 10-way power driver's seat with 2-position memory
• Heated front seats with 3-level adjustment
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated rear seats
• Windshield-projected Active Driving Display
• 12-volt power outlet
• Rear window defogger with timer
• Adjustable front and rear headrests
• Carpet floor mats
• Leather-wrapped gear selector
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Both trim levels offer similar interior storage spaces including:

• Glove compartment
• Overhead console with sunglasses holder
• Front center console armrest with storage and two Type-C USB inputs in front
• Driver's and front passenger's seatback pockets
• Front and rear door bottle holders/storage
• Rear seat center armrest with integrated cup holders

The slightly more affordable Preferred trim’s seats are upholstered in Black or Pure White leatherette with embossed microsuede inserts. At the same time, the Premium is upgraded to Black or Sport Tan leather-trimmed seats, and buyers are further spoilt with luxury extras such as ventilated front seats with 3-level adjustment and a power sliding glass panoramic moonroof with a tilt feature.

Infotainment comparison: Preferred vs Premium trim

A new 12.9-inch standard infotainment touchscreen in both trims offers Google-based features and apps, including Google Assistant with voice control and Google Maps for navigation, along with Google software that lets passengers download apps from the Google Play Store.

Some key features of the Preferred and Premium trims’ infotainment system include:

• Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio capability
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® integration and Wireless Android Auto™compatibility 
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio, phone, and cruise controls
• HD Radio™
• SMS text message audio delivery and reply
• E911 automatic emergency notification 
• Mazda Connected Services with a one-year trial

The Preferred trim offers a standard eight-speaker audio system with automatic level control. In contrast, the Premium trim features a high-end Bose® 12-speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint® and AudioPilot®, along with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a 3-month trial subscription.

Do the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Preferred and Premium trims share the same exterior design?

Yes, both trim levels benefit from the latest Mazda CX-5’s larger exterior and revised Kodo design, which offers auto-on/off LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.

Both trim levels are offered with a generous lineup of exterior features that include: 

• High Beam Control
• Automatic rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers
• Intermittent rear wiper/washer
• Black side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators
• Body-colored rear roof spoiler
• AWD badge
• Windshield wiper de-icer
• Rear Power Liftgate with programmable height adjustment
• Aluminum roof rails in Black finish

Both the Preferred and Premium trims are available in up to seven exterior color choices, and the Preferred trim gets matte-black lower bumpers, rocker moldings, and wheel arches. In contrast, the Premium trim gets these items finished in upscale piano-black. 

The Premium trim also adds a rather cool-looking front and rear signature illumination treatment.

Buyers of both trims have their CX-5s riding on 19 x 7-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a Machine Cut and Black Metallic finish for the Preferred trim and a Black Metallic finish for the Premium, along with P225/55 R19 all-season tires.

How much do the Mazda CX-5 Preferred and Premium trims cost?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Preferred starts at $34,250 MSRP, while the Premium trim starts at $36,900 MSRP.

Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim is right for you: Preferred or Premium?

With similar standard key features, the Preferred trim offers the best value. In contrast, the Premium trim will appeal to shoppers seeking a true luxury driving experience, with its upgraded Bose audio and enhanced seating comfort.

Purchase the Mazda CX-5 at Seacoast Mazda 

Shoppers keen on the latest 2026 Mazda CX-5 should make contact with our dedicated sales team at Seacoast Mazda to learn more and test-drive the all-new CX-5.

Customers will experience superior service when buying their next Mazda from our lineup of new and quality pre-owned vehicles.

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