Understanding Mazda Crossover SUV Trim Levels

Explore the 2024 Mazda SUV lineup.

Every vehicle model produced by Mazda is guaranteed to never sell you short on trims and specs.

Distinguishing between the trim levels of Mazda SUVs can be challenging — especially as the Japanese automotive manufacturer tends to expand or reconfigure the trim levels with the release of a new lineup.

Of the three crossover SUVs that are confirmed to be included in this year’s lineup — the 2022 CX-5, 2022 CX-9, and the 2022 CX-30— the trim levels of the CX-5 and CX-30 have been rebranded.

The trim range for the new CX-9, although not rebranded, has been extended from five to six trim levels; the CX-9 Sport, Touring, Touring Plus with an optional Premium upgraded package, Carbon Edition, Grand Touring, and Signature.

In addition to the expanded scope of trims, the 2022 CX-9 raises the standard of the model by making the Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo Engine —  capable of delivering a horsepower up to 250 hp — available in each trim level.

The rebranded or extended trim selections for the crossover SUV class are significant highlights of the overall 2022 Mazda vehicle lineup. It’s a great opportunity for consumers to truly understand the unique advantages each Mazda SUV trim can offer.

What Do Mazda Trim Levels Mean?

A trim level, or trim, refers to the package of technological, interior, and exterior features (or “specs”) available in a certain vehicle model.

What makes each trim unique is the set of utilities it comes with, as select features are reserved for specific trims.

Generally, the suite of specs included in a model improve or expand along with the trim level.

While the cost of a specific vehicle model typically increases with the trim level, the expense is offset by the range and quality of included specs.

And with Mazda, features are spread equitably across all the trim levels of a model — allowing consumers to have comparable options.

Because of the fair distribution of specs in each trim, buyers are sure to find a Mazda SUV model that’s perfectly tailored for their lifestyle.

Reclassified & Expanded Trims for 2022 Mazda Crossovers

The expanded 2022 CX-9 trim range includes:

• CX-9 Sport: The standard starter trim level for the 2022 CX-9 model that is equipped with the necessary infotainment utilities and engineering to surpass the typical expectations of a base trim from other automakers.
• Touring: This trim package includes infotainment and design detailing that are a step above those offered in the base level trim.
• Touring Premium Package: For those who wish to experience a slightly more advanced version of the Touring trim, this optional package includes premium level additions such as a Bose® 12-speaker audio system, LED fog lights, a second-row retractable window, and a power moonroof.
• Touring Plus: The Touring Plus establishes itself at the top of the mid-tier 2022 CX-9 trim levels with features such as ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat with automatic memory positioning, a frameless rearview mirror, and other refined exterior accents.
• Carbon Edition: Introduced to the Mazda compact SUV category in 2021, the Carbon Edition is a solid mid-tier trim that is a solid compromise between the utilities offered in the lower level and higher-level trims. It also wields more horsepower and torque than the low-level trims.
• Grand Touring: The variety of enhancements that can be made to the second-row of this high-tier trim level are numerous, including a choice between a bench or captain’s chair seating configuration clad in either black or sand-colored leather. Other top-tier features found in the 2022 CX-9 Grand Touring trim are a 360-degree view monitor and an Active Driving Display with Traffic Sign Recognition, which turns the road ahead into a real-life map.
• Signature: Outfitting the interior of the most advanced 2022 CX-9 trim level is a supple Nappa leather available in either Deep Chestnut brown or Parchment beige. A lustrous titanium gray metallic front grille with enlarged dual exhaust pipes and LED lighting furbish the exterior.

The reclassified trim levels of the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and CX-30 are as follows:

• 2.5 S
• 2.5 S Select
• 2.5 S Preferred
• 2.5 S Carbon Edition
• 2.5 S Premium — also features a turbocharged version for the CX-30
• 2.5 S Premium Plus — turbocharged version exclusive to the CX-30
• 2.5 Turbo
• 2.5 Turbo Signature — CX-5 only

No matter the lineup year, Mazda ensures all trim levels are consistent in safety and performance — producing a secure, comfortable, and refined driving experience.

The change in nomenclature signifies a new beginning for the SUV lineup as well as the evolution of Mazda as an automotive manufacturing innovator.

2.5 S: Base Trim Level

Replacing the Sport as a baseline trim for both the new CX-5 and the CX-30 is the 2.5 S.

As the starting Mazda SUV trim level, the 2.5 S sets the bar for the rest of the trim range — and it does not disappoint.

The 2.5 S runs on a Mazda-exclusive Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Liter gasoline engine that can hold 15.3 gallons of fuel, a six-speed automatic transmission with a choice between manual or sport mode, and a powertrain that can produce up to 187 horsepower (hp) and 186 pound-foot (lb-ft) of torque on either regular or premium fuel.

In-line with all Mazda vehicles is the impressive fuel-economy of the 2.5 S.

On the highway, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the 2.5 S can get 30 miles-per-gallon (mpg), and 24 mpg when driving within city limits.

In performance, the 2.5 is exceptionally stable under challenging situations due to the Skyactiv® G-Vectoring Control Plus driving dynamic tailoring the amount of power or torque each wheel receives to match the needs of the landscape.

Assisting the G-Vectoring Control Plus and the engine in transferring torque to the wheels is an i-ACTIV all-wheel drive (AWD®) drivetrain.

Because i-ACTIV AWD® is engineered to be more responsive than the systems of most other crossover SUVs, the 2.5 S Mazda SUV trim level excels in precision when compared to its competitors.

Capable of towing up to 2,000 pounds, the 2.5 S does not disappoint in terms of efficiency and strength.

Safety is also not overlooked in the baseline Mazda trim level. The 2.5 S comes equipped with a generous set of i-Activsense safety technology to help the driver navigate the roads safely.

This standard suite of safety utilities includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Advanced Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keep Assist.

Each feature is designed to assist the driver in keeping a proper distance from other vehicles, staying within their designated lane, and detecting obstacles in their path.

Automatic LED lighting with High Beam Control deck the front and rear of the 2.5 S, while a spacious cabin with a five-passenger seating capacity offers a 10.25-inch full-color infotainment display and a four-speaker audio system.

Even the exterior color options for the 2.5 S base trim level are relatively extensive. Consumers can choose one of the four Mazda mainstay colors — Jet Black Mica, Eternal Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl Mica, and Soul Red Metallic.

Despite being the lowest trim level in the new CX-5 and CX-30 trim range, the 2.5 S is classically Mazda.

2.5 S Select

The 2.5 S Select is distinguishable from the 2.5 S in infotainment as well as interior and exterior design.

Rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a black or silk beige leatherette-covered cabin offer expanded luxury and comfort for everyone in the vehicle.

Adding to the LED exterior lighting are auto-leveling headlights to provide improved visibility. The headlights can follow the direction of the steering wheel, making driving at night much easier.

Heated front seats, rear air conditioning ventilation, and a six-speaker audio system further the riding experience while a widened selection of exterior colors gives consumers more design options.

Along with the shades included in the 2.5 S package, the 2.5 S Select can also come in Sonic Silver Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, and Machine Gray Metallic.

Although much is shared between the starting trim level and the 2.5 S Select, there is enough to satisfy a consumer who is looking for a slightly more refined Mazda SUV.

2.5 S Preferred

Leading the mid-tier sect of the Mazda SUV trim range is the 2.5 S Preferred.

A power moonroof and rear liftgate in addition to pure black or silk beige leather seating bedeck this trim level.

Auto-dimming rearview mirrors that reduce the brightness caused by approaching vehicles and a Mazda HomeLink system that lets drivers open gates or garage doors from inside the SUV also elevate the 2.5 S Preferred above the 2.5 S Select.

2.5 S Carbon Edition

Because the Carbon Edition was met with such positive reception during its debut in the 2021 lineup, Mazda decided to include a reclassified version — the 2.5 S Carbon Edition, in the 2022 lineup.

Although only available in Polymetal Gray Metallic, the 2.5 S Carbon Edition can come with either a red or black leather interior.

Glossy black paneling completes the exclusive styling of the 2.5 S Carbon Edition trim level, making a subtle but impactful alternative for Mazda enthusiasts.

2.5 S Premium

Separating the 2.5 S Premium from the trim levels under it is a special system known as Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive).

Mi-Drive enables the driver to seamlessly shift between the three different drive modes of the 2.5 S Premium — normal, off-road, and sport, with a quick flip of a switch.

Other upgrades, such as a Bose® 10-speaker high-grade sound system, a seven-inch LCD multi-meter display that tracks vital information like fuel level, temperature, as well as mileage, and an Adaptive Front-lighting System propel the 2.5 S Premium to the top of the mid-level trims.

2.5 S Premium Plus

The 2.5 S Premium Plus is a non-turbo upper-level Mazda SUV trim that possesses Active Driving Display — an advanced navigation system projected directly onto the windshield, turning the world into an interactive map.

The navigational capabilities of the 2.5 S Premium Plus are enough to set it apart from the 2.5 S Premium, but ventilated front seats, heating for the steering wheel, seats, and windshield, and power-folding door mirrors are what solidify this trim level’s position.

2.5 Turbo

Featured as one of the two trims in the turbocharged division of the Mazda SUV trim level range is the 2.5 Turbo.

A Skyactiv®-G 2.5 Dynamic Pressure Turbo Engine can be found beneath the hood of this advanced trim. The engine has a notable 227 hp which upgrades to 256 hp on premium fuel and can handle up to 310 lb-ft of torque.

Small advancements in the exterior and interior detailing of the trim level and black or parchment-colored leather seating allow the 2.5 Turbo can rival the speed and style of competitors with ease.

2.5 Turbo Signature

Coming out on top as the highest Mazda SUV trim level available is the 2.5 Turbo Signature.

An exclusive navigation system — branded as the Mazda Navigation System, comes pre-installed in the trim level, but consumers may be most excited for the full suite of i-Activsense features that equips the 2.5 Turbo Signature.

This consists of everything included in the packages of the other trim levels along with additions such as a 360-degree View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, Traffic Jam Assist, and Driver Attention Alert.

Together, the enhancements outfitting the 2.5 Turbo Signature qualify it as equal parts safe, stylish, and innovative.

Explore the Full Range of Mazda Trims at DePaula Mazda

Few trim ranges are as competitively stacked as those from Mazda.

For a selection of models or trim levels that are distinct in both design and engineering, consumers should consider exploring the full range of Mazda offerings at DePaula Mazda.

Whether you are shopping for a new or previously-owned model or looking to finance a vehicle, the professional team at DePaula Mazda can assist in any way necessary.

Contact us to learn about our specials, inventory, and financing options at DePaula Mazda.