Mazda 3 trim comparison
2026 Mazda 3 2.5 S Premium vs 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
The 3 2.5 S Premium starts at $31,450 while the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus is $37,890. That $6,440 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 $6,440 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 Premium 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.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds about $113/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $6,780 more overall with interest. 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 Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,440 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $920 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 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 2.5 S Premium | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $31,450 | $37,890 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 186 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 12.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,550/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,058 lbs | 3,417 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.
2026 Mazda 3 2.5 S Premium 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 2026 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus cost than the 2.5 S Premium?
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $37,890 compared to $31,450 for the 2.5 S Premium. That is a $6,440 difference, or approximately $113/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus have the same engine?
No. The 2.5 S Premium uses a 2.5L I4 (186 hp, 186 lb-ft), while the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (227 hp, 310 lb-ft). That is 41 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 6-speed manual.
Does the 2026 3 2.5 S Premium come with AWD?
No. The 2.5 S Premium 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 2026 Mazda 3 come with?
All 2026 Mazda 3 trims, including both the 2.5 S Premium 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 2026 Mazda 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus worth $6,440 more than the 2.5 S Premium?
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus changes both the engine and drivetrain for $6,440 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2026 Mazda 3 trim gets better fuel economy, the 2.5 S Premium or the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2.5 S Premium is the more efficient of the two at 28 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.
Breaking Down the $6,440 Gap
The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus earns its premium. For $6,440 more, you get the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+41 hp) and AWD, making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the 3 lineup.
How the 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Feel Different
Moving from the 2.5 S Premium to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus means a different engine entirely. That means 41 more horsepower and 124 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. In return, expect about 2 fewer combined MPG. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has AWD while the 2.5 S Premium has FWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 3 2.5 S Premium gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $115 per year or $575 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The 3 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus costs $6,440 more than the 2.5 S Premium (about $113/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 7 meaningful changes at $920 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 Premium
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 2.5 S Premium 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.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 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.