The 2025 Mazda CX-50 comes in five trim levels, each with different standard features and pricing
The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is offered in five distinct configurations: 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, 2.5 Premium, 2.5 Premium Plus, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Each step up adds features, technology, and engine options. The base 2.5 S model starts with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, while the top Turbo trim swaps in a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with more power. The price difference between the base and highest trim is substantial—typically several thousand dollars—so understanding what each level includes helps you decide which matches your needs and budget.
Mazda structures the CX-50 so that lower trims cover the essentials: seating for five, all-wheel drive availability, and core safety features. Higher trims layer on comfort, convenience, and performance upgrades. You cannot mix and match features across trims; you choose a trim level, and that determines what you get. Some features available on mid-range trims may not appear on the base model, and some options available on higher trims are not offered lower down.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 CX-50 offers five trim levels, with the base 2.5 S and the performance-focused 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at the top.
- Engine choice depends on trim: the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter is standard on S through Premium Plus, while only the Turbo trim gets the turbocharged engine.
- All-wheel drive is available on every trim but is standard only on higher configurations; front-wheel drive is the base option on lower trims.
- Technology packages and safety features increase with each trim level, so a mid-range trim may offer features the base model does not.
- Pricing varies by region and dealer, so comparing the exact features included in each trim at your local Mazda dealer gives you the clearest picture of value.
Engine and powertrain options across trim levels
The 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, 2.5 Premium, and 2.5 Premium Plus all use a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine rated at 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission and is paired with front-wheel drive as standard; all-wheel drive is available as an option on these trims. The naturally aspirated engine is designed for fuel efficiency and everyday driving rather than performance.
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is the only configuration that includes a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, which produces 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbo engine delivers noticeably quicker acceleration and is intended for buyers who prioritize performance. The trade-off is lower fuel economy compared to the naturally aspirated option.
All 2025 CX-50 models use Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite as standard, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and adaptive cruise control. These systems operate the same way across all trims, though higher trims may add additional camera angles or radar capabilities for parking and collision avoidance.
Interior and comfort features by trim level
The base 2.5 S includes cloth upholstery, manual seat adjustment, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Climate control is manual, and the steering wheel is not adjustable for tilt and telescoping. Storage and cupholders are present but minimal compared to higher trims.
The 2.5 Preferred adds power seat adjustment, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Dual-zone automatic climate control becomes standard, and the steering wheel gains tilt and telescoping adjustment. Heated front seats are included, and the interior trim materials upgrade from basic plastics to softer-touch surfaces.
The 2.5 Premium and 2.5 Premium Plus add leather upholstery, power-adjustable lumbar support, and a power liftgate. The Premium Plus includes a Bose premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats. Navigation is available on these trims, though it may be bundled with other features rather than sold separately. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus includes all Premium Plus features plus the turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension.
Exterior styling and wheel options
All 2025 CX-50 models share the same overall body shape and design language, but wheel size and finish vary by trim. The 2.5 S comes with 18-inch steel wheels or 18-inch alloy wheels depending on the specific package. The 2.5 Preferred steps up to 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 19-inch alloys available. The 2.5 Premium and higher trims come standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, and 20-inch wheels are available as an option.
Exterior color choices are the same across all trims—Mazda does not restrict certain colors to certain trim levels. However, roof color options may vary; some trims offer a contrasting roof color as a no-cost or low-cost option, while others do not. Roof rails are standard on all trims, and the liftgate design is consistent across the lineup.
Technology and infotainment differences
The 2.5 S and 2.5 Preferred both use a touchscreen infotainment system, but the S model has a 7-inch display while the Preferred and higher trims have a 10.25-inch display. All models support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all include Bluetooth connectivity. The 2.5 S does not include a navigation system as standard; navigation is available as an add-on package on the Preferred and higher trims.
The 2.5 Premium and Premium Plus add a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones and a power outlet in the cargo area. The Bose audio system on the Premium Plus includes nine speakers and is noticeably louder and clearer than the standard six-speaker system on lower trims. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus includes all of these features plus sport-specific gauge cluster displays and performance telemetry options.
Mazda Connect, the brand's voice control and smartphone integration system, is standard on all trims. Over-the-air software updates are available on all 2025 models, though the frequency and scope of updates may depend on your trim level and Mazda's release schedule.
Safety and driver information features
All 2025 CX-50 models come standard with the i-Activsense suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Rear cross-traffic alert is also standard. These core features do not change across trim levels, so a base 2.5 S has the same fundamental safety technology as the Turbo Premium Plus.
Higher trims add optional safety packages that expand these capabilities. The 2.5 Premium and above can be equipped with a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle during parking and low-speed maneuvering. Rear automatic braking, which applies the brakes if an object is detected behind the vehicle while reversing, is available on higher trims. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on the Premium and Premium Plus trims but optional on lower models.
All models meet or exceed federal safety standards and earn the same crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), though specific test results may vary slightly by model year and test protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get all-wheel drive on the base 2.5 S model?
Yes, all-wheel drive is available as an option on the 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, 2.5 Premium, and 2.5 Premium Plus. It is standard only on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Adding all-wheel drive increases the price and slightly reduces fuel economy compared to front-wheel drive.
What is the main difference between the 2.5 Premium and 2.5 Premium Plus?
The 2.5 Premium Plus adds leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a Bose premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and heated rear seats. Both trims use the same naturally aspirated engine and offer the same core safety features. The Premium Plus is positioned as the luxury option before stepping up to the turbocharged Turbo trim.
Does the turbocharged engine come on any trim other than the top model?
No, the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is exclusive to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. All other trims use the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine. If turbo performance is your priority, the Turbo Premium Plus is your only option.
Is navigation included on all trims?
Navigation is not standard on the 2.5 S or 2.5 Preferred. It is available as an add-on package on these trims and is standard on the 2.5 Premium and higher. All trims support smartphone navigation through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which many drivers use instead of built-in navigation.
Do all trims have the same warranty coverage?
Yes, all 2025 CX-50 models come with the same Mazda warranty: three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, and five years or 60,000 miles for powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level. Extended warranty options are available for purchase on any trim.