2022 Mazda CX-5 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Small crossover SUVs are typically chosen to be practical. They are not particularly spacious or powerful, but they are efficient and have more room for gear than a sedan. There are a few crossover SUVs that manage to rise above the pack, however.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is widely considered to be a class leader. While it does suffer from a slightly cramped interior, its engaging driving dynamics are enough to make most people look the other way. This year, it has an even sleeker exterior design, plus standard all-wheel drive. Unsurprisingly, this upgrade to the drivetrain comes with a significant bump to the starting prices. Mazda has made quite a few changes to the available trim levels this year as well.

Buyers may be overwhelmed when looking at the new CX-5 due to the eight available versions. The entry-level S has a respectable number of standard features, but it may not be enough to satisfy modern families. There are many appealing options in the middle of the trim ladder, and the top Turbo Signature model can rival some luxury SUVs.

Knowing which trim of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 to choose is important to prevent overspending. Use the following guide to get a better idea of what makes each of the eight options unique.

Compare the S vs Select Trims. What is the difference?

The standard engine for the entry-level S trim of the 2022 CX-5 is a 2.5L four-cylinder. It makes 187-horsepower along wtih 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Like all models of the 2022 CX-5, the S has standard all-wheel drive. This smaller crossover is estimated to get 24mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway, which is considered average for the class.

LED headlights are standard, plus daytime running lights. Other upscale features that are found on the S include rain-sensing windshield wipers and LED turn signal integration in the side mirrors. Sporty dual exhaust outlets are included as well. The entry-level S sits on 17-inch alloy wheels with a gray metallic finish. Eternal Blue and Jet Black are the only two no-cost paint options for the S. For a bit extra, this trim can be had in Snowflake White or Soul Red.

Inside, there is cloth upholstery. The steering wheel and shifter knob are both wrapped in leather, however. Push-button start is an included convenience feature, along with 12-volt power outlets. A 10.25-inch touchscreen runs the infotainment system. There are also voice controls standard, making it easy to keep hands on the wheel where they belong. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, and the entry-level CX-5 has only four speakers for its sound system.

On top of standard AWD, the CX-5 keeps drivers and their families safe with a suite of advanced safety features. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is included, plus lane-departure mitigation. All models of the 2022 CX-5 are also equipped with adaptive cruise control and forward-collision mitigation.

Buyers can significantly upgrade their S trim by adding the available GT package. It is home to comfort enhancers like climate-controlled front seats and heated rear seats. This package also has a head-up display, which is typically reserved for the higher trim levels of the CX-5.

For $2,000 more, buyers can upgrade to the Select. That amount of money gets quite a few features, including proximity keyless entry. Once inside the cabin, the CX-5 Select has a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. This model has synthetic leather upholstery for a slightly more upscale feel.

It is more pleasant to sit in the back of the CX-5 Select. This model gains rear air vents and a rear armrest. Rounding out the upgrades here are two more speakers for the sound system, bringing the total up to six.

The Select is available in the same color options as the S. It adds Sonic Silver and Deep Crystal Blue as no-cost options. Machine Gray Metallic is also available for the Select for an extra $595.

Compare the Select vs Preferred Trims. What is the difference?

Next up is the Preferred, which is exactly $2,000 more than the Select. The mechanical features are more or less the same, as well as the exterior design. It does add a sunroof, however, along with a power liftgate.

The interior is quite nice at the Preferred level, giving the CX-5 genuine leather upholstery and driver's seat memory settings. It also adds power adjustment for the front passenger. As for the driver, they go up to eight-way power adjustment instead of the six-way adjustment found on the Select model. The Preferred also has power lumbar support for the driver. An auto-dimming rearview mirror and a universal garage door opener are also added by this trim level.

Compare the Preferred vs Carbon Edition. What is the difference?

The Carbon Edition costs around $1,500 more than the Preferred. This trim level makes primarily cosmetic changes to the CX-5. While the previous trims have body-colored side mirrors, the Carbon Edition has black ones instead. It also has an exclusive black grille and black signature wing to help set it apart.

Underneath this trim, there are 19-inch alloy wheels with a black finish. Polymetal Gray is the only available paint color for the CX-5 Carbon Edition. The inside of this trim level stands out by adding red accent stitching to the leather on the seats, steering wheel, and shift knob. There is also black trim on the door panel to help round out the bolder look of the Carbon Edition.

While this trim certainly looks sporty, it is important to note that it does not add any features to the 2022 CX-5.

Compare the Carbon Edition vs Premium Trim. What is the difference?

Once again, the next step up the trim ladder comes with a $1,500 jump in price. Unlike the Carbon Edition, however, the Premium adds several features. It sticks with black 19-inch wheels, but it has a different finish and design for them. This is the first trim level to come standard with heated side mirrors and adaptive headlights. Those headlights have the ability to corner with the car.

The Premium trim level is arguably more fun to drive, thanks to its paddle shifters and adjustable drive modes. Listening to music is also more enjoyable in this trim. It has a 10-speaker Bose sound system and satellite radio. While previous trim levels had a 4.6-inch multi-information display, the Premium is the first trim to upgrade to a 7-inch one instead.

Compare the Premium vs Premium Plus Trims. What is the difference?

Comfort and convenience are both raised by the Premium Plus trim level, which costs around $1,500 more than the standard Premium. The exterior is home to power-folding side mirrors, making it easier to park this version of the CX-5 in a tight garage or parking space. Another feature that may come in handy is the windshield wiper de-icer. Wheel designs and paint options remain the same.

The 2022 CX-5 Premium Plus has a head-up display. It replaces the multi-information display, and it projects key info into the driver's line of sight. It is easy to stay comfortable inside this trim because it has ventilated front seats, plus a heated steering wheel. The rear seats are heated when buyers choose the Premium Plus as well.

Compare the Premium Plus vs Turbo. What is the difference?

Going up to the Turbo model will mean paying $2,500 more, but it is the first model to upgrade the performance. The engine is the same size but gets turbocharged, and it is now able to pump out 227-horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Filling up this model with premium fuel will bump the numbers up to 250-horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission remain standard. With this engine, the CX-5 is estimated to get 22mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway.

Style-wise, the Turbo looks similar to the Carbon Edition, although it has all of the available paint options on the table. There are black-painted wheels and black exterior accents. Inside, the red stitching on the leather-trimmed upholstery reappears. There are no tech, safety, or convenience features added by the Turbo trim level.

Compare the Turbo vs Turbo Signature Trim. What is the difference?

The top version of the 2022 CX-5 costs around $2,000 more than the Turbo, and around $13,000 more than the entry-level model. Interestingly, this model is not available in the Sonic Silver paint that most other trim levels offer. It also has a bright finish for its 19-inch wheels. Otherwise, there are no changes to the exterior.

Upgraded leather upholstery is found in the cabin, plus genuine layered wood trim. LED interior lighting is another upgrade found here, plus a black cloth headliner. As far as technology goes, the Turbo Signature is the only model to come standard with an integrated navigation system.

This top level of the 2022 CX-5 has significantly more safety features on its standard equipment list. It has both front and rear parking sensors, for example, plus a 360-degree camera system. This model is also home to rear automatic emergency braking and driver attention monitoring. Traffic jam assist is also added. It is meant to reduce driver fatigue in heavy traffic situations by adding steering assistance to the adaptive cruise control feature.

Final Thoughts

There are many enticing options when looking closely at the 2022 Mazda CX-5. Considering the number of driver aids and technology features, plus the relatively low price tag, the S may be the way to go for some drivers. Most people will be happier long-term if they step up to the Preferred model, however.

The Preferred model has extras like a power liftgate to make life easier. It also has genuine leather upholstery, which gives it a more upscale feel than the trims that came before it. Choosing the Carbon Edition will mean paying more for cosmetic changes, and that is something many shoppers will not be willing to do.

Both the Turbo models are quite fun as a result of their upgraded engines. At the same time, they are quite pricey, and the standard engine moves the CX-5 around town just fine. The Turbo Signature is definitely tempting with its lengthy list of driver assistance features, but its high cost will put it out of reach in many cases.

The 2022 Mazda cX-5 Preferred offers the right balance of price and features. It will be the right choice for most people after a sporty crossover SUV.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Mazda CX 5 Trime Levels