I've been looking at the difference between the 2.5T an GT and I'm not sure the extra $1,500 is worth the additional features.

From the mazdaus specifications page, the only additions to the GT are:

LED fog lights
Black metallic finish front grille
Roof-mounted "shark fin" antenna
Bose®*9 speaker surround sound system with Centerpoint®*2 and AudioPilot®*3
SiriusXM13*Satellite Radio with 4-month trial subscription
Full-color Active Driving Display

Am I missing something?

There's also some confusion as the Smart Brake Support is listed for both the T and GT, but I also see it in one of the options for the GT (but not T).

Thanks,

 

Don't know about 2017, but I went with GT in 2016 because we could get something other than black interior.

 

I prefer the black because of low reflection.

There doesn't seem to be a big difference in the 2017, but also a lot of things are still options, so IMO it is going to come down to the loadouts your dealer has available. You will likely find more options on your GT trim editions.

 

The grand touring comes standard with radar cruise control, dynamic cruise control, bose stereo, and several other tech and safety features that are not standard on touring. I think it's well worth the jump ti grand touring. I am not so sure the jump to the premium package on grand touring is worth 2500 for just basically adding nappa leather and I eloop.

 

Not sure if the 18" wheels come on the new Touring, if not then along with the Bose sound and the display upgrade, these things are worth the $1500 IMO. Check for the roof and backup camera too.

At the time we bought the '15 3-GT all of those things were on the GT, including leather seats, and not the other models, so it was a slam-dunk for us. Especially since the competing vehicles we were looking at were all in the $45K to $55K price range, namely BMW and Mercedes.

Much as we loved our 3 we just traded it for a '17 CX--5 GT. Oh, and we think the Soul Red color upcharge is worth it too.