The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trim levels, each with different standard features and pricing
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 lineup includes the 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, 2.5 Carbon, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Each step up adds comfort features, technology, or performance capabilities. The base 2.5 S includes essentials like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite. Higher trims add leather seating, panoramic sunroofs, upgraded audio systems, and all-wheel drive options.
All 2025 CX-5 models use a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as standard. The Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus trims swap this for a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with more horsepower and torque. Front-wheel drive comes standard on most trims; all-wheel drive is available on all of them and standard on the Turbo Premium Plus.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 CX-5 offers five distinct trim levels, with the base 2.5 S providing core features and higher trims adding luxury and performance upgrades.
- All trims except the Turbo Premium Plus use a standard 2.5-liter engine; Turbo trims feature a turbocharged version with increased power.
- Front-wheel drive is standard on most trims, while all-wheel drive is available across the lineup and standard on the top Turbo Premium Plus.
- Technology features like the touchscreen, smartphone integration, and safety systems are standard on all trims, with upgrades appearing in higher models.
2.5 S: The base model with essential features
The 2.5 S is the entry point to the 2025 CX-5 lineup. It includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speed automatic transmission, and Mazda's i-Activsense safety package. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and adaptive headlights. The interior has cloth seating and a power driver's seat.
This trim comes with front-wheel drive and the standard 2.5-liter engine. Fuel economy for the 2.5 S with front-wheel drive is rated at 28 city and 36 highway miles per gallon, according to EPA estimates. All-wheel drive is available as an option and reduces highway fuel economy to 33 miles per gallon.
2.5 Preferred and 2.5 Carbon: Mid-range comfort and style
The 2.5 Preferred adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a six-way power passenger seat to the 2.5 S foundation. The interior trim upgrades to a more refined appearance, and you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come standard on this trim.
The 2.5 Carbon sits between the Preferred and Turbo trims. It includes everything from the Preferred plus a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces, a power driver's seat with lumbar support, and a Bose premium audio system with nine speakers. The Carbon also adds a power moonroof and upgraded interior materials. Both the Preferred and Carbon are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive and use the standard 2.5-liter engine.
2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: Performance and luxury
The 2.5 Turbo introduces the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque—compared to 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet in the standard engine. This trim includes all features from the Carbon plus a power driver's seat with heating and cooling, a heated steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Turbo comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the top of the line. It adds a panoramic sunroof, a Bose premium audio system, leather seating with heating and cooling on both front and rear seats, and a power moonroof. This trim also includes a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, and premium interior lighting. All-wheel drive is standard, and the turbocharged engine is the only powertrain option.
Engine and transmission options across trims
The 2025 CX-5 uses one of two engines depending on trim level. The 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, and 2.5 Carbon all use a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.
The 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus use a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with the same six-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine delivers 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, providing noticeably quicker acceleration and better towing capacity. Fuel economy for the turbocharged models is lower than the standard engine due to the added power.
Drivetrain choices: Front-wheel versus all-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is the standard configuration on the 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, and 2.5 Carbon. All-wheel drive is available as an option on these three trims and improves traction in snow and wet conditions. The 2.5 Turbo comes standard with all-wheel drive, and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus includes it as well.
Choosing all-wheel drive typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000 depending on the trim, though prices vary by dealer and region. All-wheel drive reduces fuel economy by roughly 2 to 3 miles per gallon compared to front-wheel drive on the same trim. If you live in an area with frequent snow or unpaved roads, all-wheel drive may be worth the investment; for most drivers in mild climates, front-wheel drive is sufficient and saves fuel.
Interior and technology features by trim level
All 2025 CX-5 models include a 10.25-inch touchscreen as standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built in. The 2.5 S has cloth seating and a six-way power driver's seat. Moving to the 2.5 Preferred adds heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2.5 Carbon upgrades to leather seating surfaces and adds a Bose nine-speaker audio system.
The 2.5 Turbo includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a heated steering wheel. The top 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and premium ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Higher trims also include power moonroofs or panoramic sunroofs, which add light and openness to the interior but can reduce headroom slightly for taller passengers.
Safety features standard across all trims
Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite is standard on every 2025 CX-5 trim. This includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights that adjust based on steering input. All trims also have a rearview camera and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
The 2.5 Preferred and higher add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus includes a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making parking and tight maneuvers easier. These safety systems work together to reduce the risk of collisions and help you stay aware of your surroundings while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2.5 Carbon and the 2.5 Turbo?
The 2.5 Carbon uses the standard 2.5-liter engine and is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The 2.5 Turbo uses a turbocharged engine with more power, comes standard with all-wheel drive, and includes a digital instrument cluster and heated steering wheel. The Turbo costs more but offers better performance and additional comfort features.
Does the base 2.5 S have all-wheel drive?
No, the 2.5 S comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, and 2.5 Carbon. The 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus include all-wheel drive as standard.
Which trim has the turbocharged engine?
The 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus both use the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. The lower trims—2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, and 2.5 Carbon—use the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine.
What audio system comes in the higher trims?
The 2.5 S and 2.5 Preferred have a standard audio system. The 2.5 Carbon and higher trims include a Bose premium audio system. The Turbo Premium Plus also features premium ambient lighting and a head-up display alongside the Bose system.
Is the panoramic sunroof available on all trims?
The panoramic sunroof is standard on the 2.5 Carbon and higher trims. The 2.5 S and 2.5 Preferred do not include a sunroof as standard, though some dealers may offer it as an add-on option depending on inventory and regional availability.