Mazda CX-5 trim comparison
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S vs 2.5 S Premium Plus
The CX-5 2.5 S starts at $29,990 while the 2.5 S Premium Plus is $38,990. That $9,000 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
Same engine, same drivetrain, same fuel economy. The $9,000 gap is pure equipment.
The 2.5 S is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $159/month in your budget matters. The 2.5 S Premium Plus earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the 2.5 S to the 2.5 S Premium Plus is about $159/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $9,540 more by the time interest is counted. In this part of the market, that is real money every month, so the upgrade should solve something you will feel in daily use.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The 2.5 S and 2.5 S Premium Plus are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,000 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $9,000 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 2 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 2.5 S | 2.5 S Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,990 | $38,990 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.3 gal | 15.3 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,856 lbs | 3,856 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 110.8" |
| Length | 184.6" | 184.6" |
| Width | 73.2" | 73.2" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S vs 2.5 S Premium Plus Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mazda CX-5 lineup, the Mazda brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus cost than the 2.5 S?
The 2.5 S Premium Plus starts at $38,990 compared to $29,990 for the 2.5 S. That is a $9,000 difference, or approximately $159/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 S Premium Plus have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 S Premium Plus have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2026 CX-5 2.5 S or 2.5 S Premium Plus safer?
Both share the same Mazda CX-5 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 come with?
All 2026 Mazda CX-5 trims, including both the 2.5 S and 2.5 S Premium Plus, come with Mazda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim gets better fuel economy, the 2.5 S or the 2.5 S Premium Plus?
The 2.5 S Premium Plus is the more efficient of the two at 28 combined MPG, versus 25 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $9,000 Gets You
At $9,000 more, the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus adds minor equipment changes. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the 2.5 S delivers the same core CX-5 experience for less.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $180 per year or $900 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
The CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 S Premium Plus share the same engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The $9,000 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Summary
The CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus costs $9,000 more than the 2.5 S (about $159/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 1 meaningful change at $9,000 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mazda CX-5 2.5 S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 2.5 S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 2.5 S Premium Plus when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mazda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.