The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trim levels, each with different standard features and price points

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 lineup includes the Sport, Preferred, Premium Plus, Carbon Edition, and Turbo trims. Each step up adds comfort features, safety technology, or performance upgrades. The Sport is the base model with essential features, while the Turbo is the highest trim with a more powerful engine and premium amenities. Your choice depends on what features matter most to you and your budget.

All 2025 CX-5 models share the same body style and basic safety structure. The differences are in what comes standard, what you can add, and engine options. Understanding what each trim includes helps you decide whether paying more for a higher trim makes sense for your needs, or whether a lower trim with specific add-ons works better.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sport, Preferred, and Premium Plus trims use a standard 2.5-liter engine, while the Carbon Edition and Turbo offer a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with more horsepower.
  • Higher trims add features like leather seats, heated steering wheels, panoramic sunroofs, and advanced driver-information systems as standard rather than optional.
  • All 2025 CX-5 models include Mazda's infotainment system, but higher trims add larger screens, wireless smartphone integration, and premium audio systems.
  • The Turbo trim is the only one with all-wheel drive as standard; other trims offer it as an option you can add.
  • Comparing trim levels side by side shows you which features you must pay for in a higher trim versus which ones you can add to a lower trim separately.

Engine and powertrain options across the five trims

The Sport, Preferred, and Premium Plus trims come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive as the standard setup. You can add all-wheel drive to any of these three trims as an option.

The Carbon Edition and Turbo trims use a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that produces 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The extra power comes from the turbocharger, which forces more air into the engine for better acceleration and towing capacity. The Turbo trim includes all-wheel drive as standard, while the Carbon Edition offers it as an option. Both use the same eight-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy varies between the standard and turbocharged engines. The standard engine achieves better miles per gallon in city and highway driving, while the turbocharged engine trades some fuel economy for increased power. All-wheel drive reduces fuel economy slightly compared to front-wheel drive on the same trim.

Interior features and comfort upgrades by trim level

The Sport trim includes cloth seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, manual climate control, and basic power windows and locks. It has the essentials for driving but fewer luxury touches. The Preferred trim adds heated front seats, an 8.8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Plus trim includes leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, and a Bose premium audio system. The Carbon Edition adds a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Turbo trim includes all the Premium Plus and Carbon Edition features plus additional interior trim details and the turbocharged engine.

Storage and convenience features also differ. Higher trims include more USB ports, wireless charging pads, and larger door pockets. The panoramic sunroof on the Carbon Edition and Turbo adds natural light and an open-air feeling but reduces headroom slightly and increases the vehicle's price.

Safety technology and driver-information systems

All 2025 CX-5 models include Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite as standard, which covers features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems work the same way across all trims and help prevent collisions or alert you to hazards.

Higher trims add more advanced versions of these systems. The Premium Plus and above include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to match traffic ahead. The Carbon Edition and Turbo add a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle when parking, making tight spaces easier to navigate.

The Turbo trim also includes rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you when vehicles are approaching from the sides while backing out of a parking space. All trims include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and a backup camera as standard safety features.

Infotainment and technology differences

The Sport and Preferred trims use a 7-inch or 8.8-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These systems let you connect your phone to access navigation, music, and messaging apps through the vehicle's screen. The connection requires a USB cable.

The Premium Plus trim upgrades to an 8.8-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you do not need to plug in your phone each time. The Carbon Edition and Turbo use a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with the same wireless connectivity. The bigger screen makes menus easier to read and touch targets easier to hit while driving.

All trims include Mazda's voice control system, which lets you control some functions without taking your hands off the wheel. Higher trims add more voice commands and integration with vehicle settings. Satellite radio, navigation, and premium audio systems are available as add-ons across most trims but come standard on the Turbo.

Exterior styling and available options

The 2025 CX-5 body shape is the same across all trims, but higher trims add visual upgrades. The Sport and Preferred use standard 18-inch wheels, while the Premium Plus and above come with 19-inch wheels as standard. The Carbon Edition adds a unique grille design and darker exterior trim pieces that give it a sportier appearance.

The Turbo trim includes all the Carbon Edition styling plus additional badging and a more aggressive front bumper design. Roof rails for carrying cargo are standard on higher trims and optional on the Sport and Preferred. A panoramic sunroof is available on the Premium Plus as an option but comes standard on the Carbon Edition and Turbo.

Paint color options are the same across all trims, but some colors cost more than others. Metallic and pearl finishes typically add a few hundred dollars to the vehicle's price compared to solid colors. All trims offer the same wheel design options, though higher trims come with larger or more premium-looking wheels as standard.

Comparing trim levels to find the right fit for your needs

Deciding between trims comes down to which features matter most to you and how much you want to spend. If you drive mostly in the city and do not need luxury features, the Sport trim covers the basics. If you want heated seats and a better infotainment screen without paying for a higher trim, the Preferred offers good value.

The Premium Plus is where comfort features become standard rather than optional. If you spend a lot of time in the vehicle or want leather seats and a heated steering wheel, this trim makes sense. The Carbon Edition adds the panoramic sunroof and larger touchscreen, which appeal to people who want a more upscale interior and do not mind the turbocharged engine's slightly higher fuel consumption.

The Turbo trim is for drivers who want maximum power, all-wheel drive as standard, and all available comfort and technology features included. It costs the most but requires no additional purchases to get a fully equipped vehicle. Comparing the total cost of a lower trim with your desired add-ons against the price of a higher trim helps you see which path costs less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add all-wheel drive to the Sport or Preferred trim?

Yes, all-wheel drive is available as an option on the Sport, Preferred, Premium Plus, and Carbon Edition trims. The Turbo trim includes all-wheel drive as standard and does not offer a front-wheel-drive option. Adding all-wheel drive increases the vehicle's price and reduces fuel economy slightly.

What is the main difference between the Carbon Edition and the Turbo trim?

Both use the turbocharged engine and include similar comfort features, but the Turbo adds a 360-degree camera system, rear cross-traffic alert, and all-wheel drive as standard. The Carbon Edition offers all-wheel drive as an option. The Turbo is the fully loaded trim with no additional features to purchase.

Does the panoramic sunroof come on all higher trims?

The panoramic sunroof comes standard on the Carbon Edition and Turbo trims. On the Premium Plus, it is available as an optional add-on. The Sport and Preferred trims do not offer a panoramic sunroof, though they have a standard power sunroof option available.

Is the turbocharged engine worth the extra cost?

The turbocharged engine provides noticeably more power and better acceleration, which some drivers prefer. It uses slightly more fuel than the standard engine. If you tow frequently or want quicker acceleration, the turbo is worth considering. If you prioritize fuel economy and do not need extra power, the standard engine is sufficient.

Can I get wireless Apple CarPlay on the Preferred trim?

No, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto start with the Premium Plus trim. The Preferred trim includes wired connectivity, which requires a USB cable each time you connect your phone. If wireless connectivity is important to you, the Premium Plus is the lowest trim that offers it.