Mazda CX-5 trim comparison
2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred vs 2.5 Carbon Turbo
The CX-5 2.5 S Preferred starts at $30,650 while the 2.5 Carbon Turbo is $37,000. That $6,350 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L I4 to 2.5L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the 2.5 S Preferred if the 2.5L I4 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the 2.5 Carbon Turbo only when the 2.5L I4 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The 2.5 Carbon Turbo adds about $112/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $6,720 more overall with interest. 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 Carbon Turbo share the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,350 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,270 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. 6 specification differences, 1 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 Carbon Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $30,650 | $37,000 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 31 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.3 gal | 15.3 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,783 lbs | 3,867 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.2" | 106.2" |
| Length | 180.1" | 180.1" |
| Width | 72.6" | 72.6" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| 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 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred vs 2.5 Carbon Turbo Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mazda CX-5 lineup, the Mazda brand hub, the Compact SUVs, 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 CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo cost than the 2.5 S Preferred?
The 2.5 Carbon Turbo starts at $37,000 compared to $30,650 for the 2.5 S Preferred. That is a $6,350 difference, or approximately $112/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Carbon Turbo have the same engine?
No. The 2.5 S Preferred uses a 2.5L I4 (187 hp, 185 lb-ft), while the 2.5 Carbon Turbo has the 2.5L I4 Turbo (227 hp, 310 lb-ft). That is 40 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 6-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2024 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Carbon Turbo have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred or 2.5 Carbon Turbo safer?
Both share the same Mazda CX-5 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2024 Mazda CX-5 come with?
All 2024 Mazda CX-5 trims, including both the 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 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 CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo worth $6,350 more than the 2.5 S Preferred?
The $6,350 buys the 2.5L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the 2.5 S Preferred does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Mazda CX-5 trim gets better fuel economy, the 2.5 S Preferred or the 2.5 Carbon Turbo?
The 2.5 S Preferred is the more efficient of the two at 28 combined MPG, versus 24 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 $6,350 Gap
The 2.5 Carbon Turbo earns its premium. For $6,350 more, you get the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+40 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the CX-5 lineup.
How the 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 Carbon Turbo Feel Different
Moving from the 2.5 S Preferred to the 2.5 Carbon Turbo means a different engine entirely. That means 40 more horsepower and 125 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.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CX-5 2.5 S Preferred gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $250 per year or $1,250 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
$6,350 more for the CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo gets you 5 real differences. At $112/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 CX-5 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 CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 2.5 Carbon Turbo 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.