The 2025 Mazda CX-5: A Timeless Compact Crossover
The Mazda CX-5 2025 has been a standout crossover since its debut in 2017, proving its lasting appeal even in a rapidly changing car market. Among newer compact SUV rivals, the CX-5 remains one of the most stylish options and a top contender when it comes to driving dynamics. Its unique combination of performance and design continues to attract drivers seeking more than just a practical vehicle.
Mazda CX-5 2025: A Lineup That Continues to Impress
Despite the introduction of the slightly larger Mazda CX-50 in 2023, the CX-5 lineup hasn’t been scaled back. Instead, it offers eight diverse trims with a choice between two four-cylinder engines—a standard model and a turbocharged option. With front- or all-wheel drive available, a well-crafted interior, and its signature fun-to-drive nature, the CX-5 is an attractive choice for SUV enthusiasts.
Compelling Rivals, but Mazda CX-5 Holds Its Own
Competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 may edge out the CX-5 in terms of practicality, but the Mazda still offers ample passenger and cargo space for most buyers. Its engaging driving experience makes it a strong contender, especially for those who enjoy spirited driving.
What’s New for the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 brings several updates. The S trim returns, making for a more budget-friendly base model, while the non-turbo Premium trim is discontinued. New standard features on the Carbon Edition include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging. The Premium Plus trim now offers a surround-view camera system and parking sensors. Additionally, all CX-5s have upgraded to USB-C ports for the front seats.
2025 Mazda CX-5 Pricing and Trims
The pricing for the 2025 Mazda CX-5 ranges from $29,990 to $42,020 depending on the trim and additional options:
- S: $29,990
- Select: $31,320
- Preferred: $32,670
- Carbon Edition: $34,020
- Premium Plus: $36,620
- Carbon Turbo: $38,420
- Turbo Premium: $39,220
- Turbo Signature: $42,020
Our Pick: Turbo Premium Trim
For a balance of power and style, the Turbo Premium trim is our top recommendation. Equipped with a 256-horsepower turbocharged engine, it pairs perfectly with the CX-5’s sporty handling. The Turbo Premium’s exterior features glossy black accents, while its interior is upgraded with red stitching and accents, adding to the SUV’s sporty vibe.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Mazda CX-5 comes with a standard 187-hp four-cylinder engine, offering quick throttle response for city driving. However, for faster speeds and highway merging, the 256-hp turbocharged engine delivers a significant performance boost. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all trims come with all-wheel drive. The CX-5 provides a smooth ride over rough roads and offers precise steering for a sporty yet comfortable driving experience.
Acceleration and 0-60 Times
In tests conducted by Car and Driver, the base CX-5 engine reached 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds—comparable to the Honda CR-V and quicker than the Toyota RAV4 by 0.2 seconds. For those craving speed, the turbocharged engine accelerates to 60 mph in a swift 6.2 seconds, making it the preferred choice for drivers focused on performance.
Mazda CX-5 2025: Towing Capacity
The Mazda CX-5 offers a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds, which is better than rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V. While the larger CX-50 can tow up to 3,500 pounds when equipped with a turbo engine, its standard towing capacity matches the CX-5 at 2,000 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Mazda CX-5 has two fuel economy ratings depending on the engine. The base 2.5-liter engine is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the turbocharged engine delivers 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. In real-world testing, the base engine returned 32 mpg, while the turbocharged model achieved 30 mpg on a 75-mph highway route. For more details, refer to the EPA’s official site.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5: Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Mazda CX-5 offers an interior that rivals luxury brands like Audi and Mercedes. In the top-tier trims, the use of high-quality materials and a sophisticated layout create a truly upscale feel. The floor-hinged accelerator pedal is a standout feature, providing a more natural driving position compared to the common suspended version. The steering wheel is thoughtfully placed directly in front of the driver, avoiding any offset, and the armrests are all positioned at the same height for maximum comfort. While the rear seat offers adequate space for adults, it’s not as roomy as some competitors. In our testing, the CX-5 held nine carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats, and the cargo bay features a fully flat load floor. There are also multiple storage compartments for smaller items, with a deep tray at the front of the center console and a handy bin with a removable shelf.
Infotainment and Connectivity in the Mazda CX-5
Every Mazda CX-5 model comes equipped with a 10.3-inch infotainment display, controlled through a rotary dial and volume knob on the center console. The system can also be operated using voice commands or buttons on the steering wheel, giving drivers multiple ways to interact with the interface. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services, which provide remote vehicle access via a smartphone app. Additionally, the CX-5 includes a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot for added convenience.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features of the Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 comes standard with a robust set of driver-assistance technologies. Key safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. For more detailed safety information and crash test results, prospective buyers can refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage for the Mazda CX-5
When it comes to warranties, the Mazda CX-5 falls short compared to rivals like Kia and Hyundai, both of which offer more comprehensive coverage. Some competitors also include complimentary scheduled maintenance, which Mazda does not offer.
- Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature trim offers impressive specs for performance enthusiasts. Below are the key specifications:
- Price: $40,225 (Base) / $40,745 (As Tested)
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4, 256 hp at 5000 rpm, 320 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Chassis: Front and rear suspensions: struts/multilink
- Brakes: 12.6-in vented disc (front), 11.9-in disc (rear)
- Tires: Toyo A36, P225/55R-19 99Z M+S
Performance and Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 106.2 inches
- Length: 180.1 inches
- Width: 72.6 inches
- Height: 66.3 inches
- Passenger Volume: 104 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume: 29-31 cubic feet
- Curb Weight: 3832 pounds
Performance and Fuel Economy of the Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 14.9 seconds at 93 mph. It reaches a top speed of 129 mph, according to the manufacturer’s claim. The braking distance from 70-0 mph is 185 feet. In terms of fuel economy, fast cars 1 observed 24 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
- EPA-rated fuel economy: 24 mpg combined, 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
