If you're the kind of driver who believes an SUV shouldn’t just be practical but also enjoyable, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 was made with you in mind. This isn’t just another family hauler—it’s a machine that turns routine drives into something you actually look forward to. Mazda has once again delivered a compact crossover that balances performance, elegance, and utility with an unmistakably premium feel.
Engaging Performance From the Start
The first time you press the start button and pull onto the road, you’ll notice something that many SUVs lack—soul. Mazda gives you two engine options for the 2025 CX-5, each tuned to deliver a confident drive.
Base Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder – 187 hp / 186 lb-ft of torque
Available Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged – up to 256 hp / 320 lb-ft of torque (with premium fuel)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Unlike many rivals that prioritize comfort at the cost of handling, the CX-5 delivers both. Its chassis feels tight and athletic, hugging corners with precision. The suspension smooths out rough pavement while keeping body roll in check. Simply put, you won’t feel like you’re piloting a bulky crossover—you’ll feel like you’re in a refined sports sedan, just with a little more ground clearance.
Premium Interior Without the Premium Price
Open the door and step inside. The CX-5 greets you with a cabin that looks and feels like something from a luxury brand. Even in its lower trims, Mazda uses soft-touch materials, detailed stitching, and clean design lines that show an attention to detail that’s rare in this segment.
Standard Infotainment: 10.25-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Available Audio: 10-speaker Bose Premium Sound System
Available Features: Leather seats, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, wireless charging
You’ll sit in well-contoured seats that strike a great balance between comfort and support. Whether commuting or heading out on a road trip, this is a space that invites you to relax and enjoy the ride.
Practicality Meets Design
Yes, it drives well. Yes, it looks good. But can it do family duty? Absolutely. The 2025 CX-5 offers enough room for five passengers and a well-shaped cargo area that handles grocery runs, sports gear, or weekend getaways with ease.
Cargo Space: 30.8 cu ft (behind rear seats) / 59.3 cu ft (with seats folded)
Seating: 5 passengers
Rear Seats: 40/20/40 split-folding configuration
Mazda’s signature attention to ergonomics shines here too. You’ll find smart storage solutions, easy-to-reach controls, and a driving position that just feels right.
Safety You Can Count On
Peace of mind comes standard. Mazda equips every CX-5 with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
Standard Safety Suite: i-Activsense®
Crash Ratings: 5-Star Overall (NHTSA) + IIHS Top Safety Pick+
These systems work seamlessly in the background to keep you and your passengers protected without being intrusive.
Trim Levels Tailored to You
Mazda offers the CX-5 in a range of trims that let you pick exactly what you want. Starting with the value-packed 2.5 S, you’ll find the essentials covered. Move up to trims like the Preferred or Premium Plus, and you’ll unlock more comfort and tech. If you want bold looks, the Carbon Edition delivers a blacked-out aesthetic that turns heads. Want power and luxury? The Turbo Signature trim checks all the boxes.
Trim Levels & Pricing:
2.5 S: $28,570
2.5 S Select: $29,900
2.5 S Preferred: $31,250
2.5 S Carbon Edition: $32,600
2.5 S Premium Plus: $35,200
2.5 Carbon Turbo: $37,000
2.5 Turbo Premium: $37,800
2.5 Turbo Signature: $40,600
Destination Fee: $1,420
How Does It Stack Up?
Before you make your decision, it’s worth sizing up the competition. The Toyota RAV4 might offer more cargo space and a hybrid option, but it can’t match the CX-5's engaging ride. The Honda CR-V is incredibly well-rounded and spacious, but it feels more utilitarian than premium.
Looking for standard AWD? The Subaru Forester delivers, but its design and interior don't carry the same upscale vibe. The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are both modern and tech-heavy, with available hybrid powertrains, but their driving dynamics fall short of what Mazda delivers.
When it comes down to it, if you want a compact SUV that brings emotion back into driving while still delivering on comfort, tech, and safety, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 puts you in control of it all.