Mazda CX-50 2.5 S, Preferred, Turbo & More

On newer CX-50s, 2.5 S identifies the regular non-turbo gas engine, while 2.5 Turbo identifies the stronger turbo gas engine. Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus without a 2.5 prefix identify hybrid trims. Older lineups use some names differently, so check the model year.

In recent lineups, the 2.5 S Preferred keeps the Select’s non-turbo engine and AWD, then adds heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a power liftgate. It is the comfort-focused step without moving to a turbo or hybrid.

The Hybrid Premium keeps the Preferred’s hybrid AWD system but adds leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Preferred is the simpler hybrid with heated front seats and a power liftgate.

The Hybrid Premium Plus adds a head-up display, heated rear seats, driver-seat memory, a six-way power front passenger seat, and power-folding mirrors. Both trims have the same hybrid AWD powertrain and ventilated front seats.

On newer models, both emphasize cabin comfort with leather, ventilated front seats, a panoramic moonroof, and Bose audio. The key difference is underneath: the 2.5 S Premium uses the regular gas engine, while the unprefixed Premium uses the fuel-saving hybrid AWD system.

In the newer lineup, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus adds the richest camera and driver-assistance package, including a 360-degree camera, front cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot steering assistance. Both use the turbo engine and carry a 3,500-pound tow rating.

On newer models, both have the Meridian outdoor look, black 18-inch wheels, and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The 2.5 S Meridian uses the regular gas engine. The Turbo Meridian adds stronger acceleration, a 3,500-pound tow rating, trail mapping, and richer seating features.

The Turbo Meridian Edition is the more outdoorsy choice, with black 18-inch wheels, unique body details, and trail-themed equipment. The Turbo Premium Plus is the technology-focused choice, with the fuller camera, parking, and driver-assistance package. Both use the turbo engine.

Look for a turbo trim. Turbo CX-50s are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds and include a towing-focused driving mode. In the latest lineup, that means 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, or 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.

Start with the Hybrid Preferred. Since the hybrid arrived for 2025, it has been the simplest route to the fuel-saving powertrain while retaining AWD, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a power liftgate, and the larger touchscreen.

On earlier CX-50s, Preferred Plus was mainly the panoramic-moonroof step above Preferred. It also carried heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a power liftgate, heated mirrors, and a windshield-wiper de-icer while keeping the non-turbo gas engine.

It varies by era. Earlier lineups used Preferred Plus as the first moonroof-focused trim, and upper gas trims also included it. In newer lineups, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo, and Hybrid Premium are among the trims with a panoramic moonroof.

Look for the top turbo trim. It was called Turbo Premium Plus in the early lineup and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus in newer listings. Its 360-degree camera is paired with the broadest parking and driver-assistance equipment among gas CX-50 trims.

The answer depends on the year. Newer Hybrid Premium Plus and 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition models include heated rear seats. Early Turbo Premium Plus models also had them. Verify the equipment on the individual used vehicle because trim packaging has changed.