Choosing between the various 2024 mazda cx5 trim levels is a bit like trying to pick a favorite song on a great album—you really can't go wrong, but some just hit different depending on your mood. Mazda has a habit of making even their "base" models feel like they belong in a luxury showroom, which is great for us as drivers, but it does make the decision process a little tougher. Since standard all-wheel drive is baked into every single version this year, you don't have to worry about ticking that box. Instead, you get to focus on the fun stuff like leather seats, premium sound systems, and how much "oomph" you want under the hood.
The CX-5 has been around for a while now, and while some critics might point out it's the "elder statesman" of the compact SUV world, it still drives circles around most of its newer competition. It's snappy, it's gorgeous, and the interior puts some German luxury brands to shame. Let's walk through the lineup and see which one actually deserves a spot in your driveway.
The Entry Point: 2.5 S Select
Usually, when we talk about a base trim, we're talking about plastic steering wheels and hubcaps. That's not the case here. The 2024 mazda cx5 trim levels start with the 2.5 S Select, and it's surprisingly posh. You're getting dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a 10.25-inch display that looks crisp and modern.
It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 187 horsepower. Is it a race car? No. But for commuting and grocery runs, it's more than enough. If you're on a budget but still want that "I've made it" feeling when you sit in the driver's seat, the Select is honestly all the SUV most people actually need.
Moving Up to the 2.5 S Preferred
If you can swing a little extra on your monthly payment, the Preferred trim is where things start to feel a bit more "Mazda-ish." The big upgrade here is the move from leatherette to actual leather upholstery. There's just something about the smell and feel of real leather that upgrades the whole experience. You also get a power-sliding glass moonroof and a power liftgate. If you've ever tried to balance three bags of groceries while trying to pull a heavy tailgate down, you'll know that the power liftgate is a total game-changer. It's a solid middle-ground choice for folks who want luxury without crossing into the $40k territory.
The Style Choice: 2.5 S Carbon Edition
This is arguably the coolest looking option among all the 2024 mazda cx5 trim levels. If you see a CX-5 on the road and think, "Wow, that paint looks incredible," it's probably the Carbon Edition. It comes exclusively in Polymetal Gray Metallic paint with blacked-out exterior accents and 19-inch black metallic wheels.
Inside, you can choose between black leather or a stunning red leather that really pops. It doesn't necessarily add a ton of "tech" over the Preferred trim, but it adds a massive amount of personality. It's for the person who wants their SUV to look a little meaner and stand out in a sea of white and silver crossovers.
Chasing Luxury: 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus
Once you hit the Premium and Premium Plus trims, you're essentially buying a luxury car without the luxury badge. The 2.5 S Premium adds things like paddle shifters (if you're feeling sporty) and a 7-inch LCD display in the instrument cluster.
But the Premium Plus is the real star here. It adds a Bose 10-speaker surround sound system that makes your morning podcasts sound like the host is sitting in the passenger seat. You also get a head-up display that projects your speed and navigation directly onto the windshield. Plus, for those of us living in colder climates, it adds a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats for those swampy summer afternoons. It's the "treat yourself" trim for people who aren't ready to jump into the Turbo models just yet.
Entering the "Zoom-Zoom" Zone: The Turbo Trims
Now we get to the part of the list where things get fast. If you're looking at the 2024 mazda cx5 trim levels and wondering where the excitement is, look for the word "Turbo." These models use a turbocharged version of that 2.5-liter engine, pumping out up to 256 horsepower and a massive 320 lb-ft of torque (if you use 93 octane gas). It completely changes how the car feels. Merging onto the highway goes from "I think I can" to "I definitely can."
2.5 Turbo Carbon Edition
Think of this as the "grown-up" version of the standard Carbon Edition. You get that same moody, dark aesthetic with the Polymetal Gray paint, but you get the big engine to back up the aggressive looks. It's the perfect blend of style and performance for someone who wants the turbo power but doesn't need every single bell and whistle found in the top-tier trims.
2.5 Turbo Premium
This one is for the driver who wants the speed but prefers a more "stealth" look. It skips the Carbon Edition's specific color palette for a more traditional look but keeps almost all the high-end features from the Premium Plus trim. You get the Bose system, the head-up display, and that sweet, sweet turbo acceleration. It's a sleeper car in an SUV body.
The Crown Jewel: 2.5 Turbo Signature
If you want the absolute best that Mazda has to offer, the Turbo Signature is it. This is the trim that makes people ask, "Wait, is this really a Mazda?" The interior is draped in Caturra Brown Nappa leather, and there's genuine layered wood trim on the dash and doors. It feels incredibly expensive.
Technically, it also adds some really helpful safety tech that you don't get on the lower 2024 mazda cx5 trim levels. You get a 360-degree view monitor, which makes parking this thing in tight garage spots a breeze, and front/rear parking sensors. It even has a smart city brake support system for when you're backing up. It's the ultimate expression of what the CX-5 can be, and honestly, it holds its own against SUVs that cost twenty thousand dollars more.
Which Trim Should You Actually Buy?
I know, that's a lot of options to digest. If I were putting my own money down, I'd probably lean toward the 2.5 S Carbon Edition if I wanted to stay under $35,000 because it looks so distinctive. However, if you have a bit more wiggle room in the budget, the 2.5 S Premium Plus is the "sweet spot" for most people. It gives you the Bose audio, the ventilated seats, and the head-up display without the higher price tag (and lower fuel economy) of the Turbo engine.
That being said, if you're coming from a faster car or you just enjoy a spirited drive on a curvy backroad, you'll regret not getting the Turbo. The base engine is perfectly fine, but the Turbo engine makes the CX-5 feel special. It turns a "commuter car" into a "driver's car."
Final Thoughts on the 2024 Lineup
The beauty of the 2024 mazda cx5 trim levels is that Mazda doesn't really do "cheap" versions. Even if you pick the Select trim, you're getting a vehicle that handles beautifully and looks better than just about anything else in the parking lot.
Before you head to the dealership, think about what really matters to you. Is it the sound system? Go for the Premium Plus. Is it the exterior style? Get the Carbon. Is it pure, unadulterated speed? The Turbo Signature is calling your name. No matter which one you land on, you're getting one of the best-built SUVs on the market today. Just make sure to take a few of them for a test drive—the difference between the standard engine and the turbo is something you really need to feel for yourself to decide if the extra cost is worth it.