The 2026 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus reveals Mazda's refined approach to compact crossover interiors, balancing upscale materials with practical design across a five-seat layout. The Premium Plus trim sits in the midrange of CX-5 pricing, targeting buyers who want more than base models but stop short of top-tier luxury pricing.
Inside, the cabin wraps occupants in a mix of soft-touch materials and traditional hard plastics positioned strategically around the dash and door panels. The steering wheel features a three-spoke design with integrated controls for audio, cruise, and phone functions. Mazda has opted for a horizontal dashboard architecture that stretches across the width of the cabin, with the infotainment screen positioned high enough for easy glancing without excessive head movement.
Climate controls sit below the screen in a straightforward row of buttons and knobs. Storage compartments include a center console with a sliding armrest cover and cup holders capable of accommodating full-size bottles. Door pockets offer additional space for phones and small items. The seats themselves appear to use a cloth upholstery standard for this trim, with quilted inserts that add visual texture without excess weight.
The instrument cluster combines a traditional gauge layout with a digital display between the speedometer and tachometer. This hybrid approach appeals to drivers who prefer analog feedback while maintaining access to trip computers and infotainment data. Visibility from the cabin appears strong, with a relatively thin A-pillar and expansive side windows contributing to the sight lines drivers need in urban and highway driving.
Mazda has maintained its focus on sensory experience and material quality, even at the Premium Plus level. This philosophy differentiates the brand from competitors like Honda and Toyota, which often prioritize maximum storage and feature counts over tactile appeal. The CX-5 takes a middle ground, offering enough storage and technology without overwhelming the cabin with buttons and screens.
The backseat accommodates three passengers across a bench with split-fold capability, opening up 76.5 cubic feet of cargo space when seats fold flat. Rear legroom measures adequate for a compact crossover segment, though taller passengers will find the footwell tight on longer drives. Rear windows include manual sun shades on higher trims.
The 2026 refresh introduces updated infotainment software and wireless smartphone integration across all trims, eliminating the previous generation's reliance on USB-only connections. Premium Plus models gain an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation remains optional or available through smartphone mirroring.
Mazda positions the CX-5 against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Santa Fe. Each rival offers more aggressive pricing on similarly equipped models, but the CX-5's interior execution and driving dynamics justify its positioning in the segment. Buyers choosing the Premium Plus specifically gain roof rails, power windows, and automatic climate control over base models, while remaining beneath models that add all-wheel drive and premium audio packages.
The long-term test car will accumulate real-world miles over several months, revealing how these materials and systems hold up under daily use, weathering, and repeated exposure to sun and temperature changes.