Mazda 3 trim comparison
2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred vs 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
The 3 2.5 S Preferred starts at $27,390 while the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is $36,650. That $9,260 gap buys 8 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus gets the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $9,260 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the 2.5 S Preferred if the 2.5L I4 with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus only when the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the 2.5 S Preferred to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is about $163/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $9,780 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus share the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,260 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,323 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 8 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $27,390 | $36,650 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 12.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,146 lbs | 3,397 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.3" | 107.3" |
| Length | 175.6" | 175.6" |
| Width | 70.7" | 70.7" |
| Height | 56.7" | 56.7" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred vs 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mazda 3 lineup, the Mazda brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus cost than the 2.5 S Preferred?
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $36,650 compared to $27,390 for the 2.5 S Preferred. That is a $9,260 difference, or approximately $163/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus have the same engine?
No. The 2.5 S Preferred uses a 2.5L I4 (191 hp, 186 lb-ft), while the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (227 hp, 310 lb-ft). That is 36 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 6-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2024 3 2.5 S Preferred come with AWD?
No. The 2.5 S Preferred comes standard with FWD while the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2024 Mazda 3 come with?
All 2024 Mazda 3 trims, including both the 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, come with Mazda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus worth $9,260 more than the 2.5 S Preferred?
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus changes both the engine and drivetrain for $9,260 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2024 Mazda 3 trim gets better fuel economy, the 2.5 S Preferred or the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2.5 S Preferred is the more efficient of the two at 30 combined MPG, versus 26 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $9,260 Gets You
The 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs $9,260 more than the 2.5 S Preferred. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+36 hp) and AWD. Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
2.5 S Preferred vs. 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: Day-to-Day
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus comes with the 2.5L I4 Turbo instead of the 2.5 S Preferred's 2.5L I4. That means 36 more horsepower and 124 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 4 fewer combined MPG. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has AWD while the 2.5 S Preferred has FWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 3 2.5 S Preferred gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $215 per year or $1,075 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$9,260 more for the 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus gets you 7 real differences. At $163/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 2.5 S Preferred best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mazda or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.