2025 Mazda CX-5

Price Range: $28,770 - $40,800

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 remains one of the best small SUVs around. It offers a high-quality interior, sharp handling and a competitive price. It comes up just a bit short in terms of rear passenger space, cargo capacity and fuel economy, but overall it's an outstanding vehicle in its class.

#3 out of 14

Small SUVs

53 Owner Reviews

Pros

Pro:Engaging driving dynamics
Pro:Attractive and upscale cabin
Pro:Optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power
Pro:Quiet at highway speeds

Cons

Con:Base engine offers lackluster acceleration
Con:Ride is a little firm for the class
Con:Less rear legroom and cargo space than most competitors

What’s new

Entry-level 2.5 S trim level brings base price below $30,000
2.5 S Premium trim level disappears
Carbon Edition gains wireless smartphone charging and connectivity
Part of the second CX-5 generation introduced for 2017

2025 Mazda CX-5 Review

Overview

Written by automotive expert Jared Gall

10/17/2024

Closing in on a decade old, the CX-5 remains Mazda's best-selling vehicle for reasons that are readily apparent when you drive it. This compact crossover is handsomely designed inside and out, boasts lively driving dynamics without punishing passengers, and imparts an upmarket feel that distinguishes it from its many, many competitors. And its pricier trim levels include a laundry list of tech and comfort features to rival those on many luxury cars.

Edmunds spotlight: CX-5 vs. CX-50

Mazda offers two overlapping entries in the compact crossover class with the CX-5 and CX-50. They have the same standard and optional engines, are similar in size and price, and offer many of the same features. Based on the fact that the CX-90 replaced the CX-9 and the CX-30 replaced the CX-3, you could reasonably expect that the CX-50 was intended to supplant the CX-5. But the latter remains Mazda's best-selling vehicle overall, and it outsells the newer CX-50 nearly 2-to-1. Both are worthy compact SUVs, so if you're drawn to one, choose it with the confidence that you're not overlooking anything. Mazda is just in the enviable position of having two popular offerings in the same class.

Competitors to consider

Mazda's own CX-50 is the CX-5's strongest competitor, but beyond its own sibling, there are many solid choices available to people shopping for a small SUV. The multitalented Honda CR-V is all-around excellent, as is the outdoorsy Subaru Forester. The Kia Sportage is a good value, with lots of standard features and available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Read our Expert Rating below to see what sets the CX-5 apart.

What’s it like to live with?

We had a CX-5 for one year and 20,000 miles in 2018, when the second generation was newer. You can read our full long-term test of the Mazda CX-5 here. Our experience remains broadly applicable, but remember that Mazda has made numerous upgrades and improvements since then, so a review today would only be more positive.

Which CX-5 does Edmunds recommend?

Budget-minded shoppers will find the 2.5 S Preferred trim highly appealing since it includes features like leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and a moonroof. The next step up is the Carbon Edition, and if you don't want that trim's unique color combo, it's a big leap to the Premium Plus.

Compare 2025 Mazda CX-5 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Mazda CX-5 models

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes in two basic forms: 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S trim levels are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque; 2.5 Turbo trims add a — you guessed it — turbocharger. In an unusual move, Mazda quotes power figures for the turbocharged engine on both premium and regular fuel. It makes 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on premium. Save a few bucks every fill up by feeding your CX-5 regular and you'll still get 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Read on to see the significant features and upgrades of every trim level.

The CX-5 2.5 S comes in these trim levels:

2.5 S
2.5 S Select
2.5 S Preferred
2.5 S Carbon Edition
2.5 S Premium Plus

Go for the 2.5 Turbo and you'll pick from:

2.5 Carbon Turbo
2.5 Turbo Premium
2.5 Turbo Signature

2.5 S
Returning to the CX-5 lineup this year, this base trim is adequately equipped with these standard features:

17-inch gray-painted alloy wheels
LED headlights
Push-button start
Cloth seats
Leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel

The S also comes with:

10.25-inch infotainment display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Mazda Connected Services (one-year complimentary trial period)
Four-speaker audio system
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mazda and the car in front)

2.5 S Select
Last year's base trim, the 2.5 S Select is the first step up for 2025. It adds:

Body-color lower bumpers and exterior trim
Keyless entry
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Synthetic leather upholstery with synthetic suede inserts

2.5 S Preferred
Adds to the CX-5 with:

Power liftgate
Sunroof
Driver's seat memory settings
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Leather upholstery

2.5 S Carbon Edition
This trim includes the S Preferred equipment, plus appearance and feature enhancements including:

Exclusive gray exterior paint
19-inch black-painted wheels
Special black interior and exterior trim
Available red leather interior
Premium 10-speaker Bose sound system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless smartphone charging

2.5 S Premium Plus
Upgrades the S Preferred with:

19-inch wheels with gray finish
Sport and Off-Road drive modes (Mazda Intelligent Drive Select)
LED taillights
Windshield wiper de-icer system
Heated power-folding mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Wireless charging pad
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Paddle shifters

The 2.5 S Premium Plus also gains additional safety features, including:

Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the CX-5 and its surroundings in tight parking situations)
Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

Carbon Turbo
The Carbon Turbo is a blend of Carbon Edition and 2.5 S Premium Plus content, propelled by the turbocharged engine. Standard features include:

Exclusive Zircon Sand Metallic or Rhodium White paint
Black exterior trim pieces
19-inch black wheels
Terracotta-color leather interior with black synthetic suede inserts
Heated and ventilated front seats
Wireless phone charging
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Head-up display
360-degree camera system
Front and rear parking sensors

Turbo Premium package
This version of the CX-5 adds in the rest of the Premium Plus equipment and more, gaining:

Heated outboard rear seats
Heated steering wheel
Windshield wiper de-icers
Black leather-trimmed seats with red stitching
Traffic Jam Assist (can control the vehicle speed and steering at low speeds)

Turbo Signature
The range-topping Turbo Signature is the most luxurious CX-5, featuring:

Bright silver wheel finish and exterior accents
Body-color exterior trim
LED and ambient interior lighting
Black headliner
Premium brown leather upholstery
Wood trim
Navigation system
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)

Mazda CX-5 Owner Reviews

4.2

5(62%)

4(13%)

3(13%)

2(8%)

1(4%)

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

In love with my new CX-5

Denise, 03/23/2024

2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I have owned my CX-5 for almost 2 months and have driven 3000 miles. I downsized from an Acura MDX after becoming an empty nester, and I was initially considering an Acura RDX or Lexus RX350. I am so glad I chose the CX-5! I paid at least $15k less than the Acura or Lexus and I don't feel like I am missing anything. I love virtually everything about this vehicle. The fit and finish is …

Best in class

Jason, 08/15/2023

2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Don’t trust the negative reviews. Do yourself a favor and rent a few compact SUVs before you buy. I tried Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, Jeep Compass, and Mitsubishi Outlander, each for at least a few days. Compared with any of these, the CX-5 is a luxury SUV. The interior materials are of superior quality, and each detail is manufactured with great precision. Safety features abound, the engine …

Glad I bought it

Chris , 12/19/2023

2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/23 (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I know I have only had the CX-5 for 10 days now, but I love it. The non-turbo engine has plenty of get up and go. Nice ride. Good visibility, quiet, I love the the dial. Almost luxury but not a luxury price. My only complaint is I wish it got better gas mileage.

Great car but not for all

Ken, 02/03/2024

2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Going into this review, it may help to know that I am 6 feet tall and approximately 190 pounds. I fit perfectly in this car. This by far is the most comfortable car I have ever been in. You do have to work the driver's seat for a while to find the most comfortable position for longer rides. I commute 1 hour each way every single day and have no issues or pains. That being said, a … couple gripes I have with the interior are as follows: 1: The cup holder is in an awkward spot. I have longer arms and it's a little bit annoying because the cup holder was clearly made for shorter people with shorter arms, and it's depressed relative to what's behind it, so I have to angle my hand to grab or place things in the cup holder. 2: The trunk space is relatively bad. Even putting the back seats down I sometimes have trouble with space. It's enough for me to sleep on my back if I move the front seat forward and put something to support my head in the gap though. You actually can hold the front seat back entirely too. 3: The infotainment system. It's somewhat lacking especially compared to other vehicles. There is no touchscreen and while the rotary dial is easy to get used to, it'd still be nice to have touchscreen. The screen also takes a little bit to get used to because it looks like it should be able to retract back into the car but can't. 4: The material used on the dash and other parts of the interior are difficult to clean. I have the non-turbo model and it does sometimes lack passing power. The transmission is also a little bit goofy but at least it's an automatic transmission and not a CVT. It would be nice if it was an 8 speed. At first, the steering wheel was a little bit awkward to operate but as the car broke in it felt like I was driving a sedan. The wind can push this car a little bit but that's to be expected in a somewhat light SUV. When you're going fast, you may want to turn off lane keeping assist. While I do like the looks of the car and especially the front of the car, there is one big problem: the paint. The paint is indeed thin and after just one month of ownership and 3,000 miles I already have scratches and it has already been chipped. It costs 30$ for a good touch up kit on amazon for my color. Be very careful taking this thing to car washes. It does lack an identity if you get the non-turbo model, as it is neither particularly sporty, powerful, or distinct. To sum up my experience, I got this for reliable transportation, and I was pleasantly surprised with the comfort and technology in this car. So far I have no major complaints. I also got 0.0% financing. I'm not sure I would buy this car or any new car for that matter without that financing deal.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Mazda CX-5, so we've included reviews for other years of the CX-5 since its last redesign.