2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium: What the Trim Includes & Is It Worth It?
The Mazda CX-5 received a major redesign for 2026, bringing a more spacious interior, updated technology, new styling, and additional comfort features to Mazda's best-selling crossover.
For shoppers who want more than the essentials without immediately jumping to the highest trim level, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium may be one of the most interesting choices in the lineup.
It adds leather seating, a panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio, and several appearance upgrades while retaining standard i-ACTIV AWD®.
So, what exactly do you get with the 2026 CX-5 Premium, and is it worth upgrading to?
What's New About the 2026 Mazda CX-5?
The 2026 CX-5 begins an entirely new generation.
Mazda increased the wheelbase to 110 inches and redesigned the SUV to provide more rear-seat and cargo space. The exterior retains the familiar CX-5 shape while introducing Mazda's latest Kodo design language, including updated LED lighting and a wider-looking stance.
Technology receives a major upgrade as well. The new CX-5 introduces Google built-in functionality, while the lineup offers center touchscreens measuring up to 15.6 inches depending on trim.
Those changes make the 2026 model substantially different from the outgoing CX-5 rather than simply being a minor model-year update.
What Comes With the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium?
The CX-5 Premium sits above the Preferred and below the Premium Plus.
Mazda gives the Premium several significant upgrades, including:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Power panoramic moonroof
- 12-speaker Bose® audio system
- Color-selectable ambient interior lighting
- SiriusXM® capability
- Additional rear USB-C charging ports
- 19-inch black metallic wheels
- Black exterior accents
- Signature Illumination LED lighting
These additions make the Premium considerably more upscale than the lower CX-5 trims.
Leather Seats and a More Premium Interior
The interior is one of the biggest reasons to consider moving up to the Premium.
While the Select and Preferred use leatherette and microsuede seating, the Premium introduces leather-trimmed seats. The front seats are also ventilated, while rear passengers gain heated seating.
That's a meaningful upgrade for drivers who spend a lot of time in their vehicle or simply want their compact SUV to feel more upscale.
The addition of selectable ambient interior lighting further separates the Premium from lower trims.
A Panoramic Moonroof
Another major Premium feature is the power panoramic moonroof.
Rather than the smaller moonroof found on many compact SUVs, the panoramic design helps create a brighter, more open feeling throughout the cabin.
For shoppers comparing CX-5 trims specifically because they want a panoramic roof, the Premium is where that feature enters the 2026 lineup.
12-Speaker Bose Premium Audio
Music lovers also receive a significant upgrade.
The CX-5 Premium includes a 12-speaker Bose® premium audio system, replacing the standard audio system found on lower trims.
For drivers who spend a lot of time commuting around Philadelphia or taking longer road trips, this is one of those features that can make a noticeable difference in everyday ownership.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Performance and Standard AWD
Every 2026 CX-5 initially comes with Mazda's 2.5-liter SKYACTIV®-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and, importantly, i-ACTIV AWD® comes standard.
Mazda Mi-Drive also provides Normal, Sport, and Off-Road driving modes, allowing the vehicle to adjust the behavior of its transmission and AWD system for different conditions.
EPA estimates for 2026 CX-5 2.5 S models are 24 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined.
CX-5 Premium vs. Preferred: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
This is probably the comparison most shoppers will want to make.
The 2026 CX-5 Preferred already gives you several desirable features, including heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10-way power driver's seat with memory, a power liftgate, Active Driving Display, 19-inch wheels, and roof rails.
The Premium builds on that with:
- Leather instead of leatherette/microsuede seating
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Panoramic moonroof
- 12-speaker Bose audio
- Ambient interior lighting
- Black exterior accents
The Preferred starts at $34,250 MSRP, while the Premium starts at $36,900 MSRP, a difference of $2,650 before destination, taxes, title, options, and other fees.
If you don't care about leather, upgraded audio, or the panoramic roof, the Preferred offers plenty of equipment for less money.
If those are features you would use every day, however, the Premium becomes much easier to justify.
What About the CX-5 Premium Plus?
The Premium Plus sits at the top of the initial 2026 CX-5 lineup with a starting MSRP of $38,990.
It adds features including a larger 15.6-inch center touchscreen, 360° View Monitor, hands-free power rear liftgate, and paddle shifters.
That creates a fairly straightforward choice:
Preferred: Focus on value and everyday comfort.
Premium: Add luxury-oriented features you'll notice regularly.
Premium Plus: Add the CX-5's highest level of technology and convenience.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Worth It?
For many shoppers, yes.
The Premium occupies an appealing position in the 2026 CX-5 lineup because its upgrades aren't just cosmetic. Leather seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, Bose audio, and a panoramic moonroof are features you'll actually experience every time you drive.
It may be particularly worthwhile if you want a more upscale CX-5 but don't necessarily need every technology feature included with the Premium Plus.
Drivers focused primarily on value may be perfectly happy with the Preferred. But for shoppers looking for a more premium compact SUV experience, the CX-5 Premium may be the sweet spot of the 2026 lineup.
Explore the 2026 Mazda CX-5 at Pacifico Mazda
The best way to decide between the CX-5 Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus is to experience the differences in person.
At Pacifico Mazda, you can compare available 2026 Mazda CX-5 trims, explore interior and technology features, and find the configuration that fits your needs.
You can also browse our inventory, value your trade, or get started with instant financing prequalification without affecting your credit score.
Visit Pacifico Mazda in Philadelphia to learn more about the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 and find the trim that's right for you.
