2026 CX-5 2.5 S Premium

The trim where the cabin stops feeling like a compact SUV

There's a real argument that the Premium is where the 2026 CX-5's interior quality — already a strong point for the segment — crosses into territory competitors with luxury badges charge a lot more to match. Genuine leather replaces the leatherette used on the Select and Preferred trims, and it's not a token upgrade; the difference in how the seat wears over a few thousand miles is noticeable in a way that photos never quite capture. The power panoramic moonroof runs nearly the full length of the roof, which changes the character of the cabin on a sunny central New Jersey afternoon more than any single feature below it does.

Then there's the Bose system: 12 speakers tuned specifically for the CX-5's cabin, not a generic surround package bolted in. Mazda's engineers work directly with Bose on speaker placement and enclosure design rather than dropping in an off-the-shelf kit, and it's the kind of upgrade you notice on the first drive home and then stop consciously registering — which, for audio, is usually the sign it's done right.

Everything from Preferred, carried forward

The Premium keeps the Preferred trim's 19-inch black-finish alloy wheels, 10-way power driver's seat with memory, and programmable power liftgate, then layers on the seating, glass, and audio upgrades. The 12.9-inch touchscreen and the fully standard i-Activsense safety suite — Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Assist, Emergency Lane Keeping, radar cruise control with speed limit assist — carry through unchanged, since none of that safety equipment is trim-gated on the redesigned CX-5.

What Green Brook buyers say about the step up

Rebecca L., who bought a new CX-5 at Empire Mazda of Green Brook, described the kind of low-pressure trim comparison the dealership's sales team is known for in its reviews: "I had a great experience at [Empire Mazda of Green Brook]! Justin was my sales rep and he was very friendly, polite and helpful. He worked with me to get a new car that I can afford. I am very excited to be the owner of a New Mazda CX-5!!!" That's a common thread in the Premium-trim conversation specifically — buyers who came in undecided between Preferred and Premium and left with a clear answer once they'd actually sat in both, moonroof open, on the same test drive.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the CX-5 Premium and Preferred trims?

Premium adds genuine leather-trimmed seating, a power panoramic moonroof, and a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system. Everything from the Preferred trim — the 19-inch wheels, memory driver's seat, and power liftgate — carries forward unchanged.

Is the CX-5 Premium considered a luxury trim?

It's not badged or priced as a luxury vehicle, but the materials and equipment at this trim — real leather, Bose audio, a full panoramic moonroof — put it in the conversation with entry-luxury competitors that typically cost several thousand dollars more once comparably equipped.

Does the Premium trim have a bigger touchscreen than lower trims?

No — the 12.9-inch touchscreen carries over from every trim below it. The larger 15.6-inch display is exclusive to the top-of-range 2.5 S Premium Plus, covered in the Premium Plus guide.

Where can I see a 2026 CX-5 Premium near Green Brook, NJ?

Empire Mazda of Green Brook, 220 US-22, typically stocks Premium-trim inventory; check current new inventory or call 732-658-9288 before visiting from Bridgewater or Dunellen.