LOOKS

With the last full redesign coming back in 2017, and a minor refresh done in 2022, the CX-5 is pretty close to needing a reboot. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good-looking ride.

In fact, the classy but aggressive Mazda design — including the signature nose design and grille, hold up quite well, maintaining an upscale look.

The CX-5 is not a luxury ride, but both inside and out it may often be confused for one due to the way it has been designed.

Exterior features include gloss-black accents, a body-colored rear roof spoiler, 19-inch black alloy wheels, all-season tires, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated power mirrors, a power moonroof, LED lighting (including an adaptive front lighting system and high beam control), and bright finish exhaust outlets.

Mazda never disappoints with its interior designs, delivering a level of quality you would expect in a luxury ride costing many thousands more. The two-tone leather seating is attractive, high-quality, and very comfy.

One downside to the interior design is that the CX-5’s second row is a bit tighter in space than some rival SUVs, and cargo space is also a bit less than competitors. Still, you can seat 5 people comfortably in the vehicle, and the front seats are both heated and ventilated. A leather steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear vents are also featured, and there’s plenty of storage space for small items in the vehicle.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

Two power plant options are offered on the 2025 Mazda CX-5.

Lower trim levels come with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.

The CX-5 I tested featured the upgraded engine, a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder option that offers 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque (or 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet with premium fuel).

As you may expect, the turbo option is going to deliver drivers a more enjoyable overall experience due to the extra horses.

Regardless of engine, the CX-5 comes standard with all-wheel drive, and features a six-speed automatic transmission (though paddle shifters are included to allow you additional control of the gears if you want it).

Sport mode can be activated to boost the fun level, and an Off-Road mode is also included. The CX-5 features Hill Launch Assist, front and rear stabilizer bars, Dynamic Stability Control, and a Traction Control System.

With the turbo engine, 0-to-60 times are respectable in the low 6-second range. Compared to most other compact SUVs, which tend to be on the boring side in terms of drive quality, the CX-5 has much more personality. 

It’s clear that Mazda targets driving enthusiasts more than its rivals. The CX-5’s agility and handling excels, and it’s the most responsive in class. It’s a vehicle you’ll look forward to driving each day. Whether merging onto highways and passing, or simply taking a leisurely Sunday ride, the experience is always pleasant and the interior remains a quiet place.

As far as towing, don’t plan to pull much, as the CX-5 is only rated for up to 2,000 pounds.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

If there’s a common theme you’ll hear from people driving a Mazda vehicle lately, it’s that the tech setup and controls need an upgrade as soon as possible.

The center dial that is used to control the main infotainment system is not as efficient as the systems offered in rival vehicles, and the lack of touchscreen capability on the 10.25-inch center display will turn many people away. These issues should be addressed on the next remodel.

I used voice commands to change radio stations and operate the navigation system, and they worked reasonably well. 

The CX-5 features a Bose 10-speaker sound system, AM/FM/HD radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, a 3-month trial of satellite radio, and 4 USB ports (2 in front, 2 in rear). Also, Mazda Connected Services allows drivers to lock/unlock the vehicle via smartphone app.

In terms of safety features, the CX-5’s Head-Up Display was helpful in keeping the driver’s eyes on the road (even projecting directions onto the windshield), and the 360-degree View Monitor serves its purpose in tight parking situations.

The CX-5 also features Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, anti-lock brakes, radar cruise control with Stop and Go, Rear Seat Alert warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a full array of airbags.

These are all solid safety systems, but sometimes they can be overly sensitive.

MPG

The official fuel mileage numbers on the CX-5 with the turbo engine are 22 city/27 highway/24 combined, equivalent to roughly a 370-mile range with a full tank.

In my real-world testing, I averaged 21 mpg in the CX-5, which was a bit below the listed numbers. To be fair, I wasn’t driving in a fuel maximizing style, and could have done better if I had done so.

The base, non-turbo engine is rated a bit higher, coming in at 23 city, 29 highway, and 25 combined mpg, bumping total range up over 400 miles per tank.

Overall, even the best numbers on the CX-5 are a bit behind its competitors. But it’s not enough of a difference to be a deal-breaker for most people. And it’s also logical, considering that the CX-5 offers a superior drive quality and more power than many of those key rivals.

PRICE

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 that I tested was priced just over $39,000. The CX-5’s base price starts about $30K, and goes up all the way into the low $40K range. These numbers are mostly in line with its rival compact SUVs, coming in just slightly more expensive than some alternatives. But keep in mind the design and performance of the CX-5 both deliver above and beyond most of your other options. 

Trim levels on the CX-5 include S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium Plus, Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Signature. WIth a wide price range, there’s something available for a wide variety of budgets, and even lower trims will deliver a solid experience in the CX-5.

Options with the upgraded turbo engine will come in on the pricier side.  

Warranties are decent but not spectacular compared to rivals. You get a 3-year/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty, and a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. There is no complimentary maintenance included, but you do get 24-hour roadside assistance. 

BOTTOM LINE

There’s a good reason that the CX-5 is the top selling Mazda vehicle —  it’s an attractive compact SUV choice for people who want a bold look, high-end interior design and a fun, sporty drive.

WIth character like that, it’s bound to earn a healthy number of fans as long as it’s offered by Mazda.

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AutoTechReviews.com can be found on Twitter @AutoTechReview, or stay updated at the AutoTechReviews Facebook page. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews. Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu