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

58 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

4 Colors
8 Trims
1 Package

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2025 Mazda CX-5 Review

Overview

Written by automotive expert Jared Gall

8/27/2025

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 trim 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)

2025 Mazda CX-5

At a Glance:

4 Colors
8 Trims
1 Package
$28,570starting MSRP

View Offers MazdaUSA.com

Excludes taxes, title, license fees and $1,420 destination charge (Alaska $1,465). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.

Mazda CX-5 Owner Reviews

4.3

5(66%)

4(12%)

3(12%)

2(7%)

1(3%)

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 …

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)

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

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.

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.

2025 Mazda CX-5