The 2025 CX-50 lineup breaks into five main trim levels, each with its own standard features and available upgrades

Mazda offers the 2025 CX-50 in five distinct trims: Base, Preferred, Premium, Preferred Plus, and Premium Plus. Each step up adds comfort, technology, and safety features. The Base model starts with essentials like a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. From there, Preferred adds creature comforts; Premium layers in more technology; Preferred Plus combines mid-range features with all-wheel drive; and Premium Plus is the fully loaded version.

All 2025 CX-50 models use the same engine and transmission foundation, so the differences are mainly in what you see, hear, and control inside the cabin and what safety systems watch the road. Choosing between trims comes down to which features matter most to your daily driving and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • The Base trim includes a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite as standard.
  • Preferred adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an eight-way power driver's seat compared to Base.
  • Premium introduces a Bose sound system, leather upholstery, and a 10.25-inch center display with navigation.
  • Preferred Plus and Premium Plus both come standard with all-wheel drive, distinguishing them from lower trims that default to front-wheel drive.
  • Popular packages like the Premium Package and Preferred Plus Package bundle features at a lower total cost than buying them individually.

Base and Preferred trims: where the CX-50 starts

The Base trim is the entry point and includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, a rearview camera, and cruise control. The infotainment system is a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite comes standard on all trims, which means you get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.

Preferred adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support. The steering wheel becomes leather-wrapped. You also get a power moonroof as standard. These changes make the Preferred noticeably more comfortable for daily commuting and longer drives than the Base.

Both Base and Preferred come with front-wheel drive as the default. All-wheel drive is available as an option on these trims but is standard on the two highest levels.

Premium trim: the technology and comfort jump

Premium is where the interior experience shifts. The center display grows to 10.25 inches and includes built-in navigation. The Bose premium sound system replaces the standard audio setup. Upholstery moves to leather, and the seats gain heating and ventilation for the driver and front passenger.

Premium also adds a power-adjustable steering column, automatic headlights, and a hands-free power liftgate. The exterior gets roof rails and a rear spoiler. These additions make Premium feel like a step into a more refined vehicle without the all-wheel-drive standard that comes at the next level up.

Preferred Plus and Premium Plus: all-wheel drive as standard

Preferred Plus and Premium Plus both come with all-wheel drive included in the base price, not as an option. This is the main structural difference between these trims and the three below them. All-wheel drive improves traction in snow, rain, and loose surfaces, and it raises the vehicle's capability without changing the engine or transmission.

Preferred Plus keeps the seven-inch touchscreen but adds the power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and leather upholstery. It sits between Premium (which has the larger display and Bose system but front-wheel drive) and Premium Plus (which has everything).

Premium Plus is the top configuration. It includes the 10.25-inch display with navigation, Bose sound system, leather interior, heated and ventilated front seats, and all-wheel drive. It also adds features like a power-adjustable steering column, automatic headlights, and roof rails. This is the most complete version of the CX-50.

Available packages and how they bundle features

Mazda structures optional packages to group related features at a lower combined price than buying them separately. The Premium Package is available on Preferred and Preferred Plus trims and adds the 10.25-inch display with navigation, Bose sound system, and leather upholstery. This package essentially brings Preferred or Preferred Plus closer to what Premium or Premium Plus offers.

The Preferred Plus Package is available on Base and Preferred trims and bundles heated front seats, a power moonroof, leather upholstery, and an eight-way power driver's seat. This package moves a Base or Preferred closer to what Preferred Plus includes.

Technology packages on higher trims may add features like a head-up display, wireless phone charging, or upgraded driver information systems. Check the window sticker or Mazda's configuration tool to see which packages are available for your chosen trim.

Engine, transmission, and drivetrain across all trims

Every 2025 CX-50 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. All models pair this engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The difference in driving feel between trims comes from suspension tuning and whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive, not from the powertrain itself.

Front-wheel drive is standard on Base, Preferred, and Premium. All-wheel drive is standard on Preferred Plus and Premium Plus and is available as an option on the three lower trims. All-wheel drive adds weight and slightly reduces fuel economy but improves traction and handling in adverse conditions.

Interior and exterior styling differences by trim

Base and Preferred trims use cloth upholstery and simpler interior trim. Premium and above move to leather seats and upgraded interior materials. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped on Preferred and higher.

Exterior differences are subtle but visible. Premium adds roof rails and a rear spoiler. Preferred Plus and Premium Plus also include these elements. Wheel designs vary by trim, with higher trims typically getting larger or more distinctive alloy wheels. All trims share the same body shape and overall design language; the differences are in details and materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Preferred and Preferred Plus?

Preferred Plus adds all-wheel drive as standard, while Preferred defaults to front-wheel drive. Preferred Plus also includes a power moonroof and leather upholstery, whereas Preferred has cloth seats. You can add all-wheel drive to Preferred as an option, but it will still lack the moonroof and leather unless you add those separately.

Does the Base model have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. All 2025 CX-50 trims, including Base, come with a seven-inch touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means you can mirror your phone's navigation, messaging, and music apps on the vehicle's display from the start.

Can I add all-wheel drive to a Preferred or Premium trim?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available as an option on Base, Preferred, and Premium trims. It is standard on Preferred Plus and Premium Plus. Adding it to a lower trim increases the price but does not change the other features of that trim level.

What's included in the Premium Package?

The Premium Package bundles the 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bose premium sound system, and leather upholstery. It is available on Preferred and Preferred Plus trims and costs less than buying these features separately through other packages.

Is the Bose sound system only on Premium and above?

The Bose system is standard on Premium and Premium Plus. On Base and Preferred, it is available through the Premium Package or as a standalone option, depending on your trim. Preferred Plus does not include Bose as standard but can add it through available packages.