2025 Mazda CX-5
According to basically every automotive publication, the Mazda CX-5 is considered the best vehicle in its class. It stands on quality, reliability, drivability, dependability, durability, and practicality. It also continues to be the best-selling model in the Mazda lineup – even with newer models joining the fold.
It has been practically unchanged since its 2022 update, yet it still maintains its leadership as the one SUV to go to when you don’t have a big family to haul around. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is defined by what it still does – being a great all-arounder.
It still looks the part. Its LED headlamps and taillights provide a great lighting signature. The grille is exactly what you expect in this popular model. In all, the CX-5 is very handsome and distinctive enough to notice them on the road. The tall profile, wide opening doors and liftgate, along with a familiar Mazda shape still keeps it young.
Our Signature all-wheel drive tester added some chrome specific badges, and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels. It looks upmarket to meet Mazda’s strategy of going towards the luxury brands, but subtle enough to attract all consumers to its charms.
That upmarket theme continues inside with higher-quality materials, along with easy-to-read instrumentation and knob-based operation of the infotainment system and other controls. The instrument binnacle features a customizable center screen for the speedometer and trip-related readouts.
The soft leather seats of the Signature model are extremely comfortable while offering plenty of support and bolstering. Front seat space is exceptional, but it will be the back seats that will surprise you. There is more than enough leg and head room in the back for people over six feet tall and the doors open wide, almost to 90 degrees.
A power-operated liftgate offers ease of access to an expandable cargo space. There is 29.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to up to 59.6 cubic feet.
Our Signature tester is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter Skyactiv four-cylinder engine with up to 256 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on tap. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission and, in our tester, the all-wheel drive system. Performance is superb, making the turbocharged engine a perfect match for the CX-5. For fuel economy, we averaged 22.8 MPG.
The CX-5 Signature delivers a smooth ride. It manages road imperfections with ease. It also exhibits competent handling and cornering. You might find some lean and roll, yet it does corner flatter than its competitors.
The steering wheel action is good with a solid turning radius overall. On-center feel is also quite good. If you want more solidity on-center, flip the CX-5 into Sport mode. The steering weight will be heavier with a tighter feel. Brakes are fine with decent pedal action. The CX-5 exhibited solid stops in both normal and panic situations.
There is a choice of eight different trim levels and two engine choices for the 2025 Mazda CX-5. Pricing starts at $28,570. Our Turbo Signature tester came with a sticker price of $42,155.
The CX-5 not only attracts customers looking for a good value in a compact SUV. It continues to have ambitions to attract upwardly mobile customers. The CX-5’s competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Lexus NX, Honda CR-V, Acura RDX, Nissan Rogue, Infiniti QX50, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Genesis GV70, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, Lincoln Corsair, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Buick Envision, Jeep Cherokee, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
We’re not sure how long Mazda will produce the current CX-5. As long as consumers are buying them at rate they’ve been going for the past eight years, it will remain relevant as a great choice – or, as our fellow automotive outlets state, the best choice – in the Compact SUV segment.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
