What You Get in Each 2025 CX-5 Trim Level

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes in five trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 Preferred, 2.5 Carbon, 2.5 Turbo, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The base 2.5 S starts with a 187-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, all-wheel drive, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping information. Each step up adds comfort features, technology, and safety options rather than a different engine choice—except the Turbo models, which use a turbocharged 2.5-liter with 250 horsepower.

The Preferred trim adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a larger 10.25-inch display. The Carbon trim includes a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a Bose sound system, and wireless phone charging. The Turbo models jump to the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive as standard, and upgraded suspension tuning. The Turbo Premium Plus adds a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and premium leather seats.

Mazda does not offer a front-wheel-drive option on the 2025 CX-5—all models come with all-wheel drive. This affects your fuel economy and purchase price compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which offer both drivetrains.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 CX-5 uses a standard 2.5-liter engine on S, Preferred, and Carbon trims, with a turbocharged 2.5-liter available only on Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus models.
  • All 2025 CX-5 models come with all-wheel drive; there is no front-wheel-drive option, which costs more upfront but improves traction in wet or snowy conditions.
  • The Carbon trim is the sweet spot for most buyers, adding a sunroof, leather, and a better sound system without the turbo engine's higher fuel consumption and price.
  • The Turbo models cost roughly $3,000 to $4,000 more than the Carbon but deliver noticeably faster acceleration and are worth considering if you tow or drive in mountains regularly.

Engine and Fuel Economy Differences

The standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Mazda rates it at 26 miles per gallon city, 33 highway, and 28 combined with all-wheel drive. This engine is adequate for daily driving and light towing (up to 2,000 pounds), but acceleration feels leisurely in traffic merges.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter in Turbo trims produces 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque—a meaningful jump that makes the CX-5 feel more responsive. Fuel economy drops to 23 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined. The turbo engine also requires premium gasoline (91 octane or higher), which adds roughly 30 to 50 cents per gallon depending on your region. Over a year of typical driving, that premium fuel cost runs between $300 and $500 more than regular unleaded.

Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Neither offers a hybrid option on the 2025 model year, though Mazda has offered hybrid CX-5 models in other markets. If fuel economy is your priority and you do not need the turbo's power, the standard engine is the more economical choice.

Interior and Technology Features by Trim

The 2.5 S includes cloth seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, and dual-zone climate control. Storage is straightforward: a 9.2-cubic-foot cargo area behind the rear seats expands to 30.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Preferred adds heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The Carbon introduces leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose premium audio system with nine speakers, wireless phone charging, and a power passenger seat. The Turbo models carry over the Carbon's interior but add sportier steering wheel controls and upgraded suspension damping tuning.

The Turbo Premium Plus is the only trim with a head-up display (which projects speed and navigation onto the windshield), a 360-degree camera system, and premium Nappa leather. It also includes a power-adjustable steering column and a power-adjustable lumbar support system on both front seats. If you spend long hours driving or value the convenience of a 360-degree camera for tight parking, this trim justifies its cost; otherwise, the Carbon delivers most of the comfort for significantly less.

Safety Features and Driver information Technology

All 2025 CX-5 models include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control as standard. These are part of Mazda's i-Activsense suite and come on every trim without additional cost.

The Preferred trim and above add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Carbon and Turbo models add traffic sign recognition and a rear-seat reminder (which alerts you if a rear door was opened before you locked the car, reminding you to check for passengers or cargo). The Turbo Premium Plus adds the 360-degree camera system, which displays a bird's-eye view of the vehicle during parking and low-speed maneuvers.

Mazda does not offer adaptive headlights or a surround-view mirror on the 2025 CX-5, features available on some competitors. The safety package is solid but not class-leading; if advanced driver information is a priority, compare the CX-5's offerings directly with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 before deciding.

Exterior Colors and Paint Options

The 2025 CX-5 is available in nine colors: Polymetal Gray, Zircon Sand, Rhodium Gray, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Polymetal Silver, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Ceramic Metallic, and Arctic White. Soul Red Crystal Metallic and Deep Crystal Blue Mica are premium paint options that cost extra—typically $595 to $695 depending on your region and dealer.

The standard colors (Polymetal Gray, Zircon Sand, Rhodium Gray, Polymetal Silver, Jet Black Mica, Ceramic Metallic, and Arctic White) are included in the base price. If you plan to resell the vehicle in three to five years, neutral colors like Polymetal Gray, Rhodium Gray, and Jet Black Mica hold value better than specialty metallics, though the difference is usually only a few hundred dollars at trade-in.

Pricing and How Trims Compare

Mazda's manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2025 CX-5 starts at approximately $30,000 for the 2.5 S, though actual prices vary by dealer and region. The Preferred runs roughly $2,000 more, the Carbon another $3,000 to $3,500 above that, and the Turbo approximately $3,500 to $4,000 above the Carbon. The Turbo Premium Plus adds another $2,500 to $3,000.

These are starting prices before destination charges (typically $1,175), taxes, and dealer fees. Real-world prices depend heavily on dealer markup, current incentives, and your credit score if you finance. Before visiting a dealer, check the Monroney label (the window sticker) to see the exact MSRP and options on the specific vehicle you are considering.

For most buyers, the Carbon trim offers the best value: it includes the sunroof, leather, and Bose audio that make the driving experience noticeably better than the S or Preferred, without the turbo engine's higher fuel costs and premium gasoline requirement. The Turbo makes sense if you tow regularly, drive in mountainous terrain, or strongly prefer quicker acceleration; otherwise, the fuel economy penalty and extra cost are hard to justify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 2025 CX-5 with front-wheel drive?

No. Mazda made all-wheel drive standard on every 2025 CX-5 trim. If front-wheel drive is important to you for cost or fuel economy, you will need to look at the previous model year (2024) if any remain in dealer inventory, or consider competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which offer both drivetrains.

Is the turbocharged engine worth the extra cost?

It depends on how you drive. The turbo adds 63 horsepower and noticeably quicker acceleration, but costs roughly $3,500 to $4,000 more upfront and burns premium fuel at roughly $300 to $500 per year. If you tow, drive in mountains, or merge frequently on highways, the turbo is worth it. For typical suburban and city driving, the standard engine is sufficient and saves money.

What is the difference between the Carbon and Turbo trims?

The Carbon has the standard 2.5-liter engine, while the Turbo has the turbocharged 2.5-liter. Both include leather, a sunroof, and Bose audio. The Turbo adds sportier suspension tuning and the more powerful engine. The Carbon is cheaper and more fuel-efficient; the Turbo is faster. Choose based on whether you want performance or economy.

Does the 2025 CX-5 have a hybrid option?

No hybrid is available for the 2025 model year in North America. Mazda has offered hybrid CX-5 models in other markets, but there is no confirmed timeline for a U.S. hybrid version. If fuel economy is your top priority, the standard 2.5-liter engine with its 28 combined MPG is your best option.

What cargo space does the CX-5 offer?

The CX-5 has 9.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 30.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This is competitive with the Honda CR-V (9.3 and 39.3 cubic feet) and Toyota RAV4 (14.9 and 37.5 cubic feet). If you frequently haul large items, the RAV4 offers more space with seats folded.