2025 Mazda CX-5: Comprehensive Overview, Features, and Comparison with Compact SUVs

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 continues to build on the brand's reputation for delivering a refined, engaging, and practical compact SUV. With a focus on driver-centric design, premium interior appointments, and an impressive suite of standard features, the CX-5 remains a compelling choice in a highly competitive segment. Mazda's attention to detail is evident in the 2025 model, which offers updated technology, enhanced safety features, and a range of powertrain options to suit different driving preferences. The CX-5 is known for its athletic handling, upscale cabin materials, and a quiet, comfortable ride that rivals many luxury vehicles. For 2025, Mazda has further refined the CX-5's design, adding subtle exterior updates and new interior options that elevate its visual appeal and comfort.

The compact SUV market in the US is filled with strong contenders, but the Mazda CX-5 stands out for its blend of style, performance, and value. Whether you are seeking a family-friendly vehicle, a daily commuter, or an SUV with a touch of sportiness, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers a well-rounded package that appeals to a wide range of drivers. This article explores the key highlights, trim levels, performance specifications, technology features, and how the CX-5 compares with other popular compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. By examining these aspects, readers can gain a thorough understanding of what sets the 2025 Mazda CX-5 apart and how it meets the needs of today's SUV buyers.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is a standout in the compact SUV segment, combining a sophisticated design, engaging driving dynamics, and a premium interior experience. Mazda has consistently refined the CX-5 to meet the evolving demands of American drivers, and the 2025 model year brings thoughtful enhancements to technology, safety, and comfort. The CX-5 is available in multiple trim levels, each offering a unique blend of features and value, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences and budgets. With its responsive handling, efficient powertrains, and attention to detail, the 2025 CX-5 continues to be a top choice for those seeking a compact SUV that delivers both practicality and driving enjoyment.

Exterior and Interior Design

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 maintains its signature Kodo design language, which emphasizes sleek lines, a bold front grille, and an athletic stance. Subtle updates for 2025 include refreshed front and rear fascias, new wheel designs, and additional color options. The overall look is both modern and timeless, helping the CX-5 stand out in a crowded market.

Step inside, and the CX-5 impresses with its high-quality materials, intuitive layout, and attention to detail. Soft-touch surfaces, available leather upholstery, and tasteful trim accents create an upscale atmosphere. The cabin is designed for comfort and convenience, with supportive seats, ample legroom, and a quiet ride that minimizes road noise. Rear passengers benefit from generous space, and the cargo area is versatile enough to handle groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear.

Performance and Powertrain Options

Mazda offers the 2025 CX-5 with a choice of two powertrains. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers a balanced mix of power and efficiency, making it well-suited for daily driving. For those seeking more spirited performance, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder is available on higher trims, providing robust acceleration and passing power. Both engines are paired with a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard across all trims, enhancing traction and stability in various driving conditions.

  • 2.5-liter Inline-4: Approximately 187 horsepower
  • 2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-4: Up to 256 horsepower (with premium fuel)
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Standard All-Wheel Drive

Technology and Infotainment

The 2025 CX-5 is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system featuring a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and available navigation. Higher trims add premium audio systems, wireless charging, and additional USB ports for passenger convenience. Mazda's infotainment interface is known for its clarity and ease of use, ensuring drivers can stay connected without distraction.

Safety Features

Safety remains a top priority for Mazda, and the 2025 CX-5 comes standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims may offer additional features such as a 360-degree camera system, traffic sign recognition, and front and rear parking sensors. The CX-5's safety performance is supported by strong crash-test ratings from reputable organizations.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is offered in several trims, each catering to different needs and budgets:

  • S Select
  • S Preferred
  • S Carbon Edition
  • S Premium
  • S Premium Plus
  • Turbo
  • Turbo Signature

Pricing for the 2025 CX-5 starts around $29,000 for the base S Select trim and can reach up to $40,000 for the fully loaded Turbo Signature model. Each trim adds incremental features, from upgraded upholstery and larger wheels to advanced safety and technology options.

Fuel Economy

The CX-5 is designed with efficiency in mind. The standard 2.5-liter engine achieves an estimated 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the turbocharged variant returns slightly lower figures due to its increased power output. These numbers are competitive within the compact SUV category, making the CX-5 a practical choice for both city and highway driving.

Comparison Table: 2025 Mazda CX-5 vs. Competitors

Model Starting Price (USD) Engine OptionsHorsepowerDrivetrain Fuel Economy (mpg, city/hwy)Infotainment Safety Features
Mazda CX-5 (2025)$29,000 2.5L I4 / 2.5L Turbo I4 187 / 256 AWD (standard) 26 / 31 10.25-in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Standard suite incl. adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind spot
Honda CR-V (2025)$30,000 1.5L Turbo I4 / Hybrid 190 / 204 (Hybrid) FWD / AWD (optional) 28 / 34 (gas)
40 / 35 (hybrid)
7-in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Honda Sensing suite standard
Toyota RAV4 (2025)$29,500 2.5L I4 / Hybrid 203 / 219 (Hybrid) FWD / AWD (optional) 27 / 35 (gas)
41 / 38 (hybrid)
8-in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Toyota Safety Sense standard
Hyundai Tucson (2025)$28,750 2.5L I4 / Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid 187 / 226 (Hybrid) FWD / AWD (optional) 25 / 32 (gas)
38 / 38 (hybrid)
8-in touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Hyundai SmartSense standard

Driving Experience and Handling

One of the defining characteristics of the Mazda CX-5 is its engaging driving dynamics. The steering is precise, the suspension is well-tuned for both comfort and agility, and the overall ride quality is smooth even over rough pavement. The CX-5 feels more connected to the road than many rivals, offering a level of driver engagement that is rare in the compact SUV class. This makes it an appealing choice for those who value a sporty driving experience without sacrificing practicality.

Practicality and Cargo Space

While the CX-5 prioritizes style and comfort, it also delivers on practicality. The rear seats fold flat to expand cargo capacity, and there are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin for smaller items. Although some competitors offer slightly more cargo space, the CX-5's thoughtful design ensures that it remains a versatile option for families and active lifestyles.

Ownership Costs and Warranty

Mazda provides a competitive warranty package for the CX-5, including a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and Mazda's reputation for reliability adds peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Summary of Key Strengths

  • Premium interior materials and design
  • Engaging handling and responsive steering
  • Comprehensive standard safety features
  • Competitive pricing and value across trims
  • Efficient powertrain options

References

Disclaimer:
The content provided on our blog site traverses numerous categories, offering readers valuable and practical information. Readers can use the editorial team’s research and data to gain more insights into their topics of interest. However, they are requested not to treat the articles as conclusive. The website team cannot be held responsible for differences in data or inaccuracies found across other platforms. Please also note that the site might also miss out on various schemes and offers available that the readers may find more beneficial than the ones we cover.