Mazda 3 trim comparison
2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Select Sport vs 2.5 S Preferred
The 3 2.5 S Select Sport starts at $25,690 while the 2.5 S Preferred is $27,390. That $1,700 gap buys 1 meaningful difference.
$1,700 more is ~$30/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The extra $1,700 does not buy a measurable hardware change in our data. Treat the 2.5 S Preferred as an appearance or packaging decision, not a core-trim upgrade.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the 2.5 S Select Sport to the 2.5 S Preferred is about $30/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $1,800 more by the time interest is counted. In this part of the market, that is real money every month, so the upgrade should solve something you will feel in daily use.
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 want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The 2.5 S Select Sport and 2.5 S Preferred are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
$1,700 price difference.
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. 1 specification difference, 6 shared.
There are no measurable spec differences in the current source data. If these trims still matter to you, the real separation is likely styling, appearance packages, or dealer inventory.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 2.5 S Select Sport | 2.5 S Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $25,690 | $27,390 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 191 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 27 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 30 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,146 lbs | 3,146 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 Select Sport vs 2.5 S Preferred 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 S Preferred cost than the 2.5 S Select Sport?
The 2.5 S Preferred starts at $27,390 compared to $25,690 for the 2.5 S Select Sport. That is a $1,700 difference, or approximately $30/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Mazda 3 2.5 S Select Sport and 2.5 S Preferred have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2024 3 2.5 S Select Sport and 2.5 S Preferred have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with FWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2024 Mazda 3 come with?
All 2024 Mazda 3 trims, including both the 2.5 S Select Sport and 2.5 S Preferred, come with Mazda's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
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 $1,700 Gets You
At $1,700 more, the 3 2.5 S Preferred adds minor equipment changes. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the 2.5 S Select Sport delivers the same core 3 experience for less.
What Both Trims Share
The 3 2.5 S Select Sport and 2.5 S Preferred share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $1,700 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
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 Select Sport
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 2.5 S Select Sport best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 2.5 S Preferred 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.