Mazda CX-5 trim comparison
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred vs 2.5 S Premium Plus
The CX-5 2.5 S Preferred starts at $31,250 while the 2.5 S Premium Plus is $35,680. That $4,430 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
You are paying $4,430 for styling and convenience. The driving experience is identical.
Stay with the 2.5 S Preferred if keeping roughly $78/month in your budget matters. Step up to the 2.5 S Premium Plus only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $4,430 trim jump.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $78/month more over 60 months, or roughly $4,680 extra all-in once interest is included.
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
Both the 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 S Premium Plus share the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $4,430 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,477 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. 4 specification differences, 3 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 S Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $31,250 | $35,680 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.3 gal | 15.3 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,679 lbs | 3,752 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.
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred vs 2.5 S Premium Plus 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 2025 CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus cost than the 2.5 S Preferred?
The 2.5 S Premium Plus starts at $35,680 compared to $31,250 for the 2.5 S Preferred. That is a $4,430 difference, or approximately $78/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 S Premium Plus have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.5L I4 producing 187 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 2025 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 S Premium Plus 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 2025 CX-5 2.5 S Preferred or 2.5 S Premium Plus 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 2025 Mazda CX-5 come with?
All 2025 Mazda CX-5 trims, including both the 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 S 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.
Which 2025 Mazda CX-5 trim gets better fuel economy, the 2.5 S Preferred or the 2.5 S Premium Plus?
The 2.5 S Premium Plus is the more efficient of the two at 28 combined MPG, versus 25 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.
Is the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus Worth $4,430 More?
Spending $4,430 more on the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus buys torque. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Torque difference of 1 lb-ft between the two. Marginal in daily driving.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus gets 3 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $180 per year or $900 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
The CX-5 2.5 S Preferred and 2.5 S Premium Plus share the same engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The $4,430 difference comes down to 3 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
Bottom Line
$4,430 more for the CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus gets you 3 real differences. At $78/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 S Premium Plus
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 2.5 S 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.