2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Cruz, CA
The all-new third-generation CX-5 raises the bar with a bolder stance, a more serene cabin, and intuitive technology that feels effortless from the first drive. At Cardinale Mazda, we’re excited to welcome the 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Cruz, CA, because it blends the engaging, confident dynamics Mazda is known for with meaningful day-to-day gains in comfort and utility. The body is longer and wider for added stability and space, while the evolved Kodo design cues—chiseled front fascia with Mazda’s Signature Wing grille, cleaner surfacing, and bold “MAZDA” rear lettering—signal capability from every angle. Inside, the uncluttered cabin features available ambient lighting with seven color choices and an even airier feel with an available panoramic sunroof. An available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen with Google built in brings a familiar, smartphone-like interface, Google Maps, and access to apps via Google Play. Standard i-Activ AWD pairs with a recalibrated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder (187 hp/186 lb-ft) and a smooth 6-speed automatic to deliver both quiet composure and crisp response. Larger rear door openings simplify car-seat loading and everyday access, and the rear cargo area is longer and higher with a lower lift-in height for easier loading.
- 2.5 S: Core confidence with standard i-Activ AWD and expanded space
- 2.5 S Preferred: Thoughtful comfort and everyday convenience
- 2.5 S Premium: Elevated tech options and polished design
- 2.5 S Premium Plus: Maximum refinement and driver-assistance availability
2.5 S
The 2.5 S is the CX-5 at its essence—balanced, confident, and thoughtfully built for drivers who value quality details. With standard i-Activ AWD, the 2.5 S leverages predictive traction and smooth power delivery to keep the drive composed, whether you’re merging onto Highway 1 or navigating the rolling hills toward Scotts Valley. The recalibrated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G engine emphasizes quietness at cruise and sharper response when you need it, and the 6-speed automatic remains intuitive without drawing attention to itself. Larger rear door openings make it easier to secure a child seat or help passengers step in gracefully, while the expanded rear leg, knee, and headroom help everyone settle in. The rear cargo area—longer, higher, and with a lower lift-in height—takes the stress out of loading strollers, sports gear, or weekend luggage. Outside, the more planted stance and available 19-inch wheels complement the evolved Kodo design. Inside, material execution is clean and calming, with available ambient lighting that helps create a private, high-quality feel at night without distracting the driver. At Cardinale Mazda, we recommend the 2.5 S to shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV that delivers everyday ease with unmistakable Mazda character.
2.5 S Preferred
The 2.5 S Preferred adds everyday niceties that amplify the CX-5’s calm, functional cabin while keeping the focus on smart value. You’ll appreciate how the increased body length and wheelbase translate to real gains in rear-seat comfort on longer drives, and how the reduced lift-in height helps when you’re loading larger, bulkier items. The interior’s minimalist approach highlights consistent craftsmanship, with surfaces and finishes tuned to look refined and feel durable over time. If you enjoy an open cabin vibe, the available panoramic sunroof adds light and a sense of spaciousness that your passengers will notice immediately. Technology elevates the experience, too. The available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen—the largest ever in a Mazda—brings a customizable home screen and Google built-in, so you can access Google Maps and in-vehicle compatible apps through Google Play in a way that feels familiar and intuitive. Voice assistance is designed to be conversational, allowing you to ask natural questions and follow up without memorizing commands. And because the i-Activ AWD system is standard, you’ll feel composed and in command across your daily routes. For shoppers who want a clear step up in comfort and tech readiness, the 2.5 S Preferred hits a sweet spot.
2.5 S Premium
Drivers who want a more polished look and richer tech options often find the 2.5 S Premium to be their perfect match. This trim showcases the CX-5’s evolved exterior—wider, more grounded, and tied elegantly to Mazda’s larger SUVs through its angular lighting and Signature Wing grille—while offering the tactile, quiet composure that makes longer trips feel effortless. The available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built in puts navigation and media front and center with a familiar interface, while the customizable home screen streamlines daily use. Inside, the available ambient lighting along the front door trims lets you tailor the mood with seven soothing colors, enhancing the cabin’s sense of calm without distracting the driver. Standard i-Activ AWD works seamlessly with the recalibrated 2.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic, delivering responsive power that stays refined when cruising past Gilroy or gliding through curvier stretches. Practicality is a constant: the larger cargo bay simplifies packing, and the wider rear door openings make it easier to help passengers in and out. If you’re seeking an upscale, tech-forward SUV with engaging dynamics and long-distance comfort, the 2.5 S Premium brings the details together in a convincingly cohesive way. It’s also a standout choice for a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Cruz.
2.5 S Premium Plus
As the range-topping expression of this lineup, the 2.5 S Premium Plus puts the CX-5’s premium craftsmanship and driver confidence on full display. The serene, uncluttered interior strikes a rare balance: it feels open and airy—especially with the available panoramic sunroof—yet remains focused so the driver can stay in the zone. The available 15.6-inch integrated touchscreen with Google built in simplifies every interaction, from quick detours to your saved places in Google Maps to streaming your favorite content via compatible apps from Google Play. Standard i-Activ AWD lends it a settled, all-road demeanor, while Mazda’s chassis tuning and the recalibrated 2.5-liter SkyActiv-G powertrain keep responses natural and composed. Outside, the bolder, chiseled front end and the clean, lettered tailgate deliver upscale curb appeal that complements its confident stance. Inside, the available ambient lighting lets you set the tone, and thoughtful packaging adds space where you feel it—rear legroom, knee room, and headroom—so every seat is inviting. For shoppers who want a refined, tech-rich SUV that still feels refreshingly intuitive to drive, the 2.5 S Premium Plus is a compelling finish. It’s a prime pick if you’re considering a 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Cruz, CA, and our Cardinale Mazda team is ready to help you compare trims side by side.
Request more Information About the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels
If you’re exploring which configuration best matches your lifestyle, our team at Cardinale Mazda will walk you through the details, from the design and cabin updates to the driver assistance technologies and connectivity options. We can demonstrate the available 15.6-inch touchscreen with Google built in, show how the larger cargo area and wider rear doors pay off in everyday use, and help you feel the difference that standard i-Activ AWD brings to the drive. Whether you’re focused on serene commuting, family-friendly access, or a premium tech experience, we’ll tailor a test drive so you can feel each trim’s character. We proudly support customers near Santa Cruz and can coordinate routes that reflect your real-world driving. If you want to compare the 2.5 S, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, and 2.5 S Premium Plus, reach out to Cardinale Mazda to schedule an appointment, ask questions, or request a personalized trim rundown. Your next 2026 Mazda CX-5 near Santa Cruz is waiting—and we’re here to make the process straightforward from the first click to the first mile.
*Images may not show trim level described