2025 Mazda CX-5 SUV Consumer Reviews
Pricing
2.5 S - $30,190 MSRP
Edmunds suggests you pay
$29,25510 for sale near you
Prices based on sales in TX thru 5/5/25
MAZDA HAS HIT THE BULLSEYE THIS YEAR !
Retread, 02/23/2025
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is my third brand new Mazda CX5 in 5 years !! - I had a 2022, 2023 and now traded into a 2025. You may ask why - Its because we kept wanting more factory accessories- such as ---the a/c cooled front seats, heated rear seats , touch screen car play (1st year ) 360 cameras, wireless phone charging + wireless Bluetooth., Bose Audio .- were the main items. --The wheel wells are body color instead of black plastic also.--But there was much more than bargained for after I drove off the lot --NOT having driven the vehicle because it had 02 miles and I assumed it was the same as my previous years ---uh --NOT !! The 2025 being our 1st Premium Plus (non-turbo model) after having the Carbon Edition , Premium and now the P-Plus. The main reason I am deciding to write yet another review on what many might think is the exact same vehicle except the bells and whistles--- well its NOT ! It ended up being a re-engineered powertrain ,( transmission, suspension and engine )...and Mazda has not mentioned anything of this ? First -- I took delivery with 02 miles on the ODO and it still had the PDI tape and seat plastic covers etc --Right off the truck -- So After the exhaustive trade in process -- I opened the hood to check the oil ( just a quirk ) and I immediately noticed the intake noise baffle looked completely different than the 22,23,24 ? So I just figured Mazda designed a better cover --but upon closer inspection the intake was changed as well -- hoses , etc were routed differently and had other things. I had about a 50 mile drive home and thats when I immediately noticed that the way the power was delivered from the engine was unbelievably smooth and predictable - it seemed more powerful by far than the 23 I had just traded in - Then the shifting was extremely sensitive and once I got used to the transmission it was far improved --I could literally use the gas pedal to find the exact gear I needed effortlessly and quickly --so quickly I needed to change my previous habit of applying much more pressure and often using manual mode on the 23 because the down shifts where sluggish comparatively. This is like a manual automatic and I use the paddles far far less--because I dont need to ---- There was no jumpy break in period where it would lunge trying to stay at one consistent speed - Then the suspension -HUGE difference -- picks up little road imperfections- and has a feel like a 100% sports car- yet luxurious? Is that possible ? --- the firmness in the turns was still there - no play- understeer / oversteer whatsoever - It had been tweaked ( in my opinion )- very quiet and less road noise at all speeds --- No doubt new engine mapping occurred- even though the torque/hp are the same as the 23 --the power is greater at all points in acceleration and roll on is magnificent - , Transmision changes I cant define- its beyond perfection --- and the suspension may be one the of finest of ANY vehicle I have ever driven --this includes my 2001 MBZ S500 - and I am not exaggerating , Mazda had literally after over 10 years finally nailed the CX5 to absolute ultimate . Its beyond unbelievable and I drive it every chance I get just to make sure its actually what I last experienced and not a dream. Mazda did announce the suspension changes in 2025 - but that was it -- nothing else about engine mapping or transmission shift changes --- But why ? I can only surmise that Mazda IS changing the CX5 body next year for the 2026 model . They have been collaborating with Toyota and exchanging technology -- Mazdas hybrid drive is directly from Toyota - and Toyota is apparently using the skyactive driveline for its new SUPRA inline-6 turbo --which is made 100% by Mazda in the CX-90/ Also Toyota wanted some of Mazdas engine technology -- Yes you read that correctly TOYOTA wanted engine technology from Mazda ! --So Did Toyota help retune the CX5 ? We know the new Hybrid drive in the CX5 and CX-50 + 70-90 is Toyotas as well except Mazda uses its skyactive driveline --My opinion ..YES -- Toyota did help tweak this stuff in preparation for the 2026 CX5 and other Mazda Hybrids from Toyota --Which are the gold standard for Hybrid drive systems .I still prefer this good old school naturally aspirated non-turbo 4wd set-up. So to anyone who can use my experiences with my previous CX5s-- ---Nows the time ( unless you want Hybrid ) - as I think they got the drivetrain . suspension done for the 26 CX5 early and put it into the 2025.5 CX5- Thank you Mazda / Toyota for what I now claim is the finest , best driving car I have ever owned --( at 5000 miles now )- Remember that Some CX5 models do NOT have 19" rims --the base select and a few others have 17"s which Im sure are good --But know there is a difference in performance getting the 19"-s
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Driving a Cx-5 Again!
SG77, 03/16/2025
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Initially I bought a used 2019 Cx-5 a few years ago. I should have done more research on the model years. The car had "Ghost Screen" issues and a leaking rear shock suspension. Needless to say, I traded it in while I could for a Cx-30. Very nice car but as time went on, it became clear I needed something bigger. Rather than buy used again, bought a new 2025 Cx-5, that I really enjoy. The interior quality is there that's missing in Mazda's other models (cx-30 & 50). The ride is smooth and enjoyable, minimal wind noise and I love the layout and functionality of the physical buttons. Purchased the NA for better long-term reliability and have no regrets. Best car purchase so far!
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2025 Mazda CX-5 for sale near you
3 of 93 listings
- 2.5 Turbo Signature 4dr SUVMSRP: $43,70075 mi away
- 2.5 S Select 4dr SUVMSRP: $32,48075 mi away
- 2.5 S Select 4dr SUVMSRP: $33,11075 mi away
See all 93 listings
Mental Rental
Mental Rental, Glens Falls, NY, 04/19/2025
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Rented a CX5 for a week. Maybe not a bad car for a single person who likes firm seats. But my family HATED the rear seat. The seats are very firm and contoured and if you don’t sit in them exactly as designed, they are very uncomfortable (read, hard to nap on the road trip). Very poor turning radius. Make sure you slam the doors shut or you may wind up with an unexpected dead battery. Small trunk. But if your only sitting in the driver seat it is as good as any other small suv. Typically stiff and sporty Mazda suspension and handling.
Jerks at low speeds
David Best, 04/08/2025
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Preferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The cx 5 gives you a lot compared to rivals, such as the CRV and RAV 4. My cx 5 does not get good mileage when driving locally, about 22 mpg, which is considerably less than the above cars. However, it was about $4,000 less than the CRV EXL and RAV 4 XLE (all three having power lift gate and AWD). With 0.9% financing, I chose the cx 5 over its rivals. I do not like the way the car decelerates. At very low speeds, the car "jerks." It is a transmission problem, which others have cited as well.
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Loved it so much bought a second one.
MB, 02/24/2025
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
After selling our 16 Porsche Macan S which we loved, but hated the high cost of ownership I purchased a certified 21 CX-5 Grand Touring. Fast forward eight months & bought a new 25 CX-5 Preferred Plus for my wife. Prior to the Macan I had an 03 Protege 5 I drove for 13 years which I loved & had always admired the CX’s. Only wish they had a manual option, but appears those days are unfortunately long gone. Now back in the fold I could not be happier & would recommend this economical, reliable, sporty handling Mazda to just about anyone.
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