New & Used 2026 Mazda CX-5 for Sale nearCharlotte, NC

Compare 2026 Mazda CX-5 Trims in Charlotte, NC

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offers a range of trims with AWD standard, balancing performance and comfort at competitive prices.

• Starting at $38,326
• Best MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Most Popular: 2.5 S Preferred AWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

2.5 S AWD — "Who It's For"

The 2.5 S AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $38,326 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 17 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 2.5 S AWD listings

2.5 S Select AWD — "Who It's For"

The 2.5 S Select AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without going for the top trims.

• Avg. market price: $38,326 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 62 listings
• View 2.5 S Select AWD listings

2.5 S Preferred AWD — "Who It's For"

The 2.5 S Preferred AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and practicality without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $38,326 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 119 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View 2.5 S Preferred AWD listings

2.5 S Premium AWD — "Who It's For"

The 2.5 S Premium AWD is the pick for shoppers who want enhanced comfort and features for a more enjoyable driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $38,326 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 35 listings
• View 2.5 S Premium AWD listings

2.5 S Premium Plus AWD — "Who It's For"

The 2.5 S Premium Plus AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate in luxury and technology features in their SUV.

• Avg. market price: $38,326 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 30 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View 2.5 S Premium Plus AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5 S Preferred AWD

With 119 active listings, the 2.5 S Preferred AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 2.5 S Preferred AWD listings

Best Budget Option — 2.5 S AWD

At $38,326 avg market price — below the lineup median of $38,326 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5 S AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.5 S AWD

The 2.5 S AWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup at 24/30 MPG.

Browse 2.5 S AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 earns a 7.17/10 expert rating, and Mazda’s redesign gives you a longer, wider, more spacious compact SUV with a more advanced cabin and standard all-wheel drive across the lineup. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

That said, the trade-offs are real: the carried-over 187-horsepower engine feels underpowered in this larger body, and the six-speed automatic is less responsive than the transmissions you’ll find in many rivals. Mazda’s own summary makes the value case clear, though: if you want style, interior quality, and everyday usefulness, this CX-5 is aimed at you.

With 34.7% of listings priced as good or great deals, you have a decent amount of market flexibility if you’re shopping selectively.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is presented as a straightforward gas-only SUV with a carryover naturally aspirated engine and a conventional six-speed automatic, which generally points to a simpler ownership experience than a more complex hybrid setup. Mazda also emphasizes improved insulation for reduced road and wind noise, and the powertrain description suggests a familiar, proven layout rather than a cutting-edge one.

The performance notes also frame the drivetrain as durable but dated: the engine and transmission are described as adequate in normal driving, even if they lag behind the class in responsiveness and efficiency. Mazda’s cost-effectiveness notes add that the warranty coverage is average for the segment.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that you may be living with a powertrain that feels strained and inefficient rather than one that is mechanically complicated.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Mazda CX-5?

Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.

You should still run a history report, prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, and pay close attention to how the cabin, wheels, and lower interior surfaces have held up. Because the redesign adds size and tech, it’s worth checking that the infotainment, driver-assistance features, and camera systems all work as intended.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim gets the smaller 17-inch wheels, while higher trims add 19-inch wheels, a more upscale interior, and features like leather seating on Premium and Premium Plus. The base trim also misses some of the convenience and luxury upgrades that make the CX-5 feel more premium.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic. Mazda says the hybrid arrives in 2027, so the 2026 model is strictly gas-only.
• Safety package: Every trim includes adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, automatic emergency braking with Turn-Across Traffic detection and Head-On Collision Mitigation, rear automatic emergency braking with rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, vehicle exit warning, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and dynamic guidelines for the rear-view camera.
• Infotainment: You get a 12.9-inch touchscreen on all trims except Premium Plus, which gets a 15.6-inch unit. Google built-in is standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired on the base trim and wireless on Select and above.
• Fuel efficiency: The CX-5 is rated at 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

Which 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim should I buy?

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is offered in 5 trim levels: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus.

Here’s the short version:

• 2.5 S: This is the entry point, and it gives you the standard AWD, Google built-in, and the core safety suite at the lowest price. It makes sense if you want the CX-5’s basics and don’t need extra comfort features.
• Select: This trim adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it the first step up if you care about easier daily tech use.
• Preferred: This is the best-value trim. It adds AWD, 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, a head-up display, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory.
• Premium: This trim brings a Bose 12-speaker audio system and SiriusXM satellite radio, so it suits you if cabin sound and entertainment matter more.
• Premium Plus: This is the most loaded version, with the 15.6-inch screen, a 360-degree View Monitor with underfloor and parking views, a Driver Monitoring system, rear USB-C ports, and an adaptive front-lighting system.

The safety package is especially strong across the lineup, and the top trim adds even more advanced driver-assistance hardware.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Mazda CX-5?

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,998 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 94.0% of listings are accident-free.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 safe?

The 2026 CX-5 comes with one of the most comprehensive standard safety suites in its class. It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Every trim includes adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, automatic emergency braking with Turn-Across Traffic detection and Head-On Collision Mitigation, rear automatic emergency braking with rear cross-traffic alert and pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, vehicle exit warning, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and dynamic guidelines for the mandatory rear-view camera.

The top-tier Premium Plus adds an adaptive front-lighting system, front cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, Cruising & Traffic Support with Lane-Change Assist, a driver monitoring system, and the 360-degree View Monitor camera system. Seven airbags come standard across all trims.

Should I buy a 2026 Mazda CX-5 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2026 if:

• 34.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is excellent at 94% — clean inventory, standard diligence applies.
• It adds a major redesign with more space, standard AWD, and Google built-in across the lineup.

Consider the 2025 if:

• It’s a more desirable and sporty compact SUV with an attractive, upscale feel.

The bottom line: If you want the newest CX-5 with the most space, the strongest tech story, and standard AWD, the 2026 is the one to target. If you’re more price-sensitive and want a compact SUV with a sportier, more established feel, the 2025 remains worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.