New Mazda CX-5 Interior Options: What to Expect
The new Mazda CX-5 interior is the biggest upgrade in the SUV's history. The fully redesigned 2026 CX-5 is about 4.5 inches longer, and nearly every inch of that growth went into the cabin. The result is more rear-seat room, a larger cargo area, the biggest screens Mazda has ever offered, and Google built-in on every trim.
If you're shopping for a compact SUV around Myrtle Beach, Conway, or Murrells Inlet, here's what to expect inside the new CX-5, trim by trim.
A Bigger, Cleaner Cabin Inside the 2026 Mazda CX-5
The third-generation CX-5 keeps the upscale feel Mazda is known for, but gives passengers a lot more room to enjoy it. Mazda stretched the wheelbase by about 4.5 inches and designed the dashboard around a simpler, driver-focused layout with fewer buttons and less visual clutter.
What's Changed From the Previous CX-5
More space: Increased rear legroom, knee room, and headroom compared with the 2017–2025 model.
Simplified controls: The old rotary commander knob is gone, replaced by a touchscreen, Google Assistant voice control, and new steering wheel shortcuts.
Wider rear doors: A larger door opening makes it easier to load kids, car seats, and passengers.
Premium materials: Soft-touch surfaces and refined trim carry Mazda's reputation for interiors that feel a class above.
Key Interior Dimensions
Rear legroom: 39.9 inches
Rear headroom (without sunroof): 40.2 inches
Seating: Five passengers across two rows, with car seat compatibility in every rear position
Technology and Infotainment: The Biggest Screens Ever in a Mazda
Technology is the headline of the new CX-5 interior. The 2026 CX-5 is the first Mazda with Google built-in, and it offers the largest touchscreen Mazda has ever put in a vehicle.
Touchscreen Options
12.9-inch center touchscreen: Standard on the 2.5 S through 2.5 S Premium, replacing the previous 10.25-inch display.
15.6-inch center touchscreen: Exclusive to the top 2.5 S Premium Plus trim and the largest display ever offered in a Mazda.
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster: Standard on every trim.
Full-color head-up display: Available from the 2.5 S Preferred and up.
Google Built-In and Smartphone Integration
Google built-in: Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play apps are standard on all five trims, with a complimentary one-year trial.
Hands-free voice control: Adjust navigation, climate, and audio just by asking.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Wired on the 2.5 S; wireless from the 2.5 S Select and above.
Wireless phone charging: Standard from the 2.5 S Select and above.
USB-C ports: Dual front USB-C ports on every trim, plus two rear ports on Premium trims.
Audio Upgrades
Standard: 8-speaker audio system with HD Radio on the 2.5 S through 2.5 S Preferred.
Premium: Bose 12-speaker system with SiriusXM 360L on the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus.
Seating, Comfort, and Cargo Space
The new CX-5 is built for real Grand Strand life: beach chairs, coolers, golf clubs, and passengers who want room to stretch out.
Upholstery Options
Cloth: Standard on the 2.5 S.
Leatherette with embossed microsuede inserts: 2.5 S Select and 2.5 S Preferred.
Genuine leather: 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus.
Comfort Features
Dual-zone automatic climate control: Standard on every trim.
Rear air vents: Added from the 2.5 S Select, a welcome feature during hot South Carolina summers.
Heated front seats and heated steering wheel: From the 2.5 S Preferred.
Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats: From the 2.5 S Premium.
Power driver's seat with memory: 10-way adjustment with two memory positions from the 2.5 S Preferred.
Ambient lighting: Color-selectable lighting on Premium trims.
Panoramic sunroof: Standard on the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus.
Cargo Space and Versatility
33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
66.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.
New 40:20:40 split rear seat: Fold the middle section for long items like paddleboards or fishing rods while two passengers ride in back.
Power liftgate: Programmable height from the 2.5 S Preferred; hands-free on the Premium Plus.
2026 Mazda CX-5 Interior Options by Trim Level
All five 2026 CX-5 trims come with standard i-Activ AWD. Here's how the interior builds from one trim to the next.
2.5 S
12.9-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cloth seats
2.5 S Select
Leatherette seats with embossed microsuede inserts
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless phone charger
Rear seat air vents
Smart Keyless entry and push-button start
2.5 S Preferred
Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
10-way power driver's seat with two-position memory
Full-color windshield head-up display
Power liftgate with programmable height
HomeLink garage door opener
2.5 S Premium
Genuine leather seats
Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats
6-way power passenger seat
Bose 12-speaker audio with SiriusXM 360L
Panoramic sunroof and color-selectable ambient lighting
Rear USB-C ports
2.5 S Premium Plus
15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest ever in a Mazda
Mazda Driver Personalization System
360-degree camera with underfloor view
Paddle shifters
Hands-free power liftgate
Safety Features Built Into the Cabin
The 2026 CX-5 earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, and its standard i-Activ Sense suite is more complete than any previous CX-5.
Standard on Every Trim
10 airbags, including front knee and rear side airbags
Rear Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection
Blind Spot Monitoring and Blind Spot Assist
Safe Exit Warning to alert passengers of approaching traffic before opening a door
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Speed Limit Assist
Front and rear parking sensors
Added on the 2.5 S Premium Plus
Driver Monitoring
Front Cross Traffic Alert and Braking
Cruising and Traffic Support with Lane Change Assist
Experience the New Mazda CX-5 Interior at Beach Mazda
Photos and spec sheets can only tell you so much. The best way to appreciate the new Mazda CX-5 interior is to sit in it yourself, stretch out in the roomier back seat, and try the 15.6-inch touchscreen in person. At Beach Mazda, our non-commissioned sales team will walk you through every trim at your own pace, with no pressure, so you can find the CX-5 that fits your life and budget. Backed by nearly 30 years of Grand Strand hospitality and our $1,000 Low Price Guarantee, we make it easy to drive home happy. Browse our new Mazda CX-5 inventory, schedule your test drive online, or visit us at 851 Jason Blvd in Myrtle Beach, SC. You can also call our sales team at 843-279-2305. We proudly serve drivers from Myrtle Beach, Conway, Carolina Forest, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and beyond.