For such an economical trim, the 2.5 S makes quite an exclusive impression. While it has a few entry-level features, such as remote keyless entry, manually adjustable front seats, and cloth upholstery, the 2.5 S is also treated to some nice convenience features. These include automatic on/off LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, push-button ignition, an overhead console sunglasses holder, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. This trim also has a content-rich infotainment system that’s accessible via the 10.25-inch central touchscreen. It consists of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio capability, HD radio, voice recognition, and an audio system with four speakers.
Not only that, but the 2.5 S is compatible with Mazda Connected Services, which acts as a sort of personal assistant for your CX-5 since it enables you to keep tabs on and control certain aspects of the vehicle from your smartphone. Safety is another hallmark of the 2.5 S, especially considering it’s supplied with numerous driving aids like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and hill launch assist.
Mazda loads the 2.5 S Select with even better features. On the outside, the LED headlights have a neat auto-leveling function, and the rear windows receive a deep tint for privacy. Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start, which is the brand’s proximity entry/ignition system, is included as well. The 2.5 Select’s cabin rises further with illuminated vanity mirrors, automatic climate control (two-zone), rear AC vents, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic-leather upholstery with suede-like inserts, and heated front seats. Two rear USB charging ports are issued as well, along with a six-speaker sound system.
Not much changes with the Preferred, although it gains a power-sliding moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a HomeLink universal garage door opener, and an eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way position memory.
Buyers who really want to make a statement will surely be enticed by the sleek Carbon Edition. It shows off an exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic exterior paint color, black exterior accents (for the side mirrors, grille, and wing), and a black interior with red contrast stitching and red leather seats.
The 2.5 S Premium doesn’t have the Carbon Edition’s unique properties, but it does come with black 19-inch wheels and leather seats. Other than that, this trim gets LED daytime running lights and taillights, an adaptive front lighting system, heated side mirrors, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Premium Plus is similar, but it adds a windshield wiper de-icer, power-folding side mirrors, a power liftgate, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel. Its multimedia system is enhanced with a 10-speaker Bose unit and SiriusXM satellite radio.
You’ll find the best equipment in the 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature. The regular Turbo is a lot like the Carbon Edition, getting the same black exterior accents and red interior contrast stitching. What’s more, the Turbo has black wheel arches, a black lower bumper and side rocker molding, and a unique gloss-black grille. A Turbo badge is also provided, and inside, the 2.5 Turbo gets wireless phone charging.
The 2.5 Turbo Signature rules the roost. It trades the black accents from the Turbo for a mix of body-color and bright silver and gets a Signature badge, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED interior lights, Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, layered wood interior trim, and a black cloth headliner. Its infotainment system is bolstered with built-in navigation, and to top things off, the safety suite is enhanced with traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, driver attention alert, reverse automatic braking, and traffic jam assist.