Mazda CX-5 trim comparison
2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select vs 2.5 Carbon Turbo
The CX-5 2.5 S Select starts at $29,300 while the 2.5 Carbon Turbo is $37,000. That $7,700 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.
If you would notice the 2.5L I4 Turbo every week, the 2.5 Carbon Turbo makes sense. If not, the 2.5 S Select is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the 2.5 S Select to the 2.5 Carbon Turbo is about $136/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $8,160 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 Select and 2.5 Carbon Turbo 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 $7,700 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,540 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 Select | 2.5 Carbon Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,300 | $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 Select 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 Select?
The 2.5 Carbon Turbo starts at $37,000 compared to $29,300 for the 2.5 S Select. That is a $7,700 difference, or approximately $136/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select and 2.5 Carbon Turbo have the same engine?
No. The 2.5 S Select 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 Select 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 Select 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 Select 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 $7,700 more than the 2.5 S Select?
The $7,700 buys the 2.5L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the 2.5 S Select does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Mazda CX-5 trim gets better fuel economy, the 2.5 S Select or the 2.5 Carbon Turbo?
The 2.5 S Select 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.
What $7,700 Gets You
At $7,700 more, the CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo adds the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+40 hp). 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 delivers the same core CX-5 experience for less.
2.5 S Select vs. 2.5 Carbon Turbo: Day-to-Day
The 2.5 Carbon Turbo comes with the 2.5L I4 Turbo instead of the 2.5 S Select's 2.5L I4. That means 40 more horsepower and 125 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. In return, expect about 4 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CX-5 2.5 S Select 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.
Summary
The CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo costs $7,700 more than the 2.5 S Select (about $136/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $1,540 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 CX-5 2.5 S Select
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 2.5 S Select 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.