Mazda CX-50 trim comparison
2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select vs 2.5 Turbo
The CX-50 2.5 S Select starts at $29,900 while the 2.5 Turbo is $37,900. That $8,000 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 Select if the 2.5L I4 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the 2.5 Turbo only when the 2.5L I4 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $140/month more over 60 months, or roughly $8,400 extra all-in once interest is included. 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 Select and 2.5 Turbo share the same 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $8,000 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,600 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 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 2.5 S Select | 2.5 Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,900 | $37,900 |
| 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 | 24 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 29 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.9 gal | 15.9 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,741 lbs | 3,915 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 110.8" |
| Length | 185.8" | 185.8" |
| Width | 75.6" | 75.6" |
| Height | 63.5" | 63.9" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| 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 CX-50 2.5 S Select vs 2.5 Turbo Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mazda CX-50 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 2026 CX-50 2.5 Turbo cost than the 2.5 S Select?
The 2.5 Turbo starts at $37,900 compared to $29,900 for the 2.5 S Select. That is a $8,000 difference, or approximately $140/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select and 2.5 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 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 2026 CX-50 2.5 S Select and 2.5 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 2026 CX-50 2.5 S Select or 2.5 Turbo safer?
Both share the same Mazda CX-50 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 come with?
All 2026 Mazda CX-50 trims, including both the 2.5 S Select and 2.5 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 2026 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo worth $8,000 more than the 2.5 S Select?
The $8,000 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 2026 Mazda CX-50 trim gets better fuel economy, the 2.5 S Select or the 2.5 Turbo?
The 2.5 S Select is the more efficient of the two at 26 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-50 2.5 Turbo Worth $8,000 More?
The CX-50 2.5 Turbo costs $8,000 more than the 2.5 S Select. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 2.5L I4 Turbo engine (+40 hp). Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the 2.5 S Select has the 2.5L I4, the 2.5 Turbo the 2.5L I4 Turbo. 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 1 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CX-50 2.5 S Select gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $65 per year or $325 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
$8,000 more for the CX-50 2.5 Turbo gets you 5 real differences. At $140/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-50 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-50 2.5 Turbo
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 2.5 Turbo 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.