Mazda 3 trim comparison
2025 Mazda 3 2.5 S Preferred vs 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
The 3 2.5 S Preferred starts at $26,540 while the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is $36,000. That $9,460 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 $9,460 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The 2.5 S Preferred is enough if the 2.5L I4 with FWD already fits your routine; the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus only earns the jump when the 2.5L I4 Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the 2.5 S Preferred to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is about $167/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $10,020 more by the time interest is counted. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
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
The 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,460 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,351 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 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 2.5 S Preferred | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,540 | $36,000 |
| 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 | 37 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 27 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 12.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,124 lbs | 3,395 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.3" | 107.3" |
| Length | 183.5" | 183.5" |
| Width | 70.7" | 70.7" |
| Height | 56.9" | 56.9" |
| 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.
2025 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 2025 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus cost than the 2.5 S Preferred?
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $36,000 compared to $26,540 for the 2.5 S Preferred. That is a $9,460 difference, or approximately $167/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Mazda 3 come with?
All 2025 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 2025 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus worth $9,460 more than the 2.5 S Preferred?
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus changes both the engine and drivetrain for $9,460 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 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 31 combined MPG, versus 27 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 $9,460 Gets You
At $9,460 more, the 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+36 hp) and AWD. This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the 2.5 S Preferred delivers the same core 3 experience for less.
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. In return, expect about 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 $201 per year or $1,005 over five years of ownership.
Summary
The 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs $9,460 more than the 2.5 S Preferred (about $167/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 7 meaningful changes at $1,351 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 2025 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.