
What Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 is a five-seat compact SUV that stands out thanks to its lively driving dynamics, standard all-wheel drive, smooth six-speed automatic transmission and first-class cabin design. The base engine is a 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, with a 227-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder available. The turbo engine’s output increases to 256 hp when running on 93-octane premium fuel instead of regular gas.
There’s no shortage of competition in the compact SUV segment, and CX-5 rivals include the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4.
If cargo capacity is a prime concern when you’re cross-shopping SUVs, know that the CX-5 is on the small end of its class, with just 17.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind its backseat, according to Cars.com’s cargo measurements. If little ones are coming along for the ride, see how this Mazda fared in our Car Seat Check.
What’s New on the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
The CX-5 sees a bit of trim shuffling for 2025. The entry-level 2.5 S trim is resurrected, bringing the compact SUV’s starting price below $30,000, and the 2.5 S Premium trim is discontinued. Also, front-seat occupants now get two USB-C ports.
What Features in the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- 17-inch aluminum wheels
- LED headlights
- Push-button start
- Cloth upholstery
- 10.25-inch multimedia screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure steering assist
- Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
Available features include:
- 19-inch wheels
- Adaptive headlights
- Power liftgate
- Power moonroof
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Bose premium stereo
- Satellite radio
- Navigation
- Wireless device charging
- Head-up display
- 360-degree camera system
- Rear automatic braking
Should I Buy the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
The Mazda CX-5 is a delight to drive, with a cabin that wouldn’t look out of place in a compact SUV with a luxury badge on its grille. Granted, the infotainment system is controlled via a rotary knob on the center console; a touchscreen interface would be more intuitive. Backseat space might also prove tight for taller adults on lengthy road trips, and the cargo area is among the smallest in the mainstream compact SUV class. Still, the CX-5’s refinement and agility make it a practical SUV that puts a smile on your face whether you’re zipping through traffic or down a twisty back road. Note that Mazda sells a similar CX-50 compact SUV that’s 6 inches longer and a bit lower and wider than the CX-5; the CX-50 also has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds versus the CX-5’s 2,000 pounds.