3.9
Overall Rating
Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 blends style, performance, and sophistication, making it a standout choice in the compact SUV market. Known for its sharp handling and upscale interior, the CX-5 offers a driving experience that rivals luxury brands while maintaining competitive pricing.
This compact SUV excels in providing a premium cabin, intuitive technology, and smooth ride quality. Mazda’s renowned attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the sculpted exterior to the soft-touch interior materials.
While the CX-5 impresses in driving dynamics and craftsmanship, it has some limitations, including less cargo space compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, its engaging performance and refined design make it an attractive option for drivers prioritizing style and driving enjoyment over maximum utility.
Pros
- Impressive Driving Dynamics: The CX-5 offers sharp handling and responsive steering, making it one of the most enjoyable compact SUVs to drive. Its agility and composed ride quality set it apart in a segment often focused solely on practicality.
- Upscale Interior: Premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and thoughtful design elements give the CX-5 a luxury-like feel. The attention to detail in the cabin creates an inviting and comfortable space for drivers and passengers alike.
- Turbocharged Performance: The available turbocharged engine delivers up to 250 horsepower, offering an extra dose of excitement for performance enthusiasts. Its smooth power delivery and robust torque make it ideal for highway merging and spirited drives.
Cons
- Limited Cargo Room: With only 875 litres of storage behind the rear seats, the CX-5 falls short of class leaders like the Honda CR-V. This smaller cargo space may be a drawback for families or outdoor enthusiasts needing more versatility.
- Tight Rear Seat Space: The CX-5’s 991 mm of rear-seat legroom is tighter compared to competitors, which may leave taller passengers feeling cramped on longer drives. While adequate for short trips, it’s less ideal for larger families or frequent carpooling.
- No Hybrid Option: Unlike rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the CX-5 lacks a hybrid powertrain. This omission may deter eco-conscious buyers seeking better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is tailored for drivers who value a premium feel without the luxury price tag. Its sporty handling makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an engaging driving experience, while the upscale interior and advanced technology appeal to modern, tech-savvy buyers.
Families or individuals looking for a stylish compact SUV with solid fuel efficiency and excellent safety features will appreciate the CX-5’s versatility. While it may not offer the largest cargo space in its class, it’s perfect for urban professionals or small families prioritizing comfort, craftsmanship, and agility over maximum storage.
What's new?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 brings a refreshed look with a redesigned front grille and updated wheel designs that enhance its sporty presence. Inside, upgraded materials and a refined infotainment system elevate the cabin’s premium feel, making it more competitive in its class. Safety features have also been enhanced, with additional driver-assistance systems now included as standard, while subtle performance improvements further refine its smooth and engaging ride.
4.25
Performance
Performance
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 delivers one of the most engaging driving experiences in the compact SUV class, thanks to its refined handling and responsive performance. Whether weaving through city streets or cruising on the highway, the CX-5 balances agility and comfort effortlessly.
Under the hood, the base 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth and efficient daily driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivers up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93-octane fuel, providing exhilarating acceleration and enhanced passing power.
Subtle performance improvements for 2025, including an updated i-Activ AWD system and enhanced suspension, ensure better grip and stability, even on uneven terrain. Combined with Mazda’s signature G-Vectoring Control, the CX-5 offers confident cornering and a refined ride that rivals luxury SUVs.
3.25
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Efficiency
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 strikes a balance between performance and efficiency, offering competitive fuel economy for its class. On the GX and GS trims, the base 2.5-litre engine achieves approximately 10.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.2 L/100 km on the highway. The mid-range Kuro and GT trims benefit from cylinder deactivation technology, which provides an efficient 9.1 L/100 km for city driving and 7.7 L/100 km on the highway.
For those opting for the turbocharged engine, the CX-5 delivers increased power with slightly higher fuel consumption, averaging 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 L/100 km on the highway. While the absence of a hybrid option may deter eco-conscious buyers, Mazda’s efficient engineering—such as the six-speed automatic transmission and start-stop technology—helps optimize fuel use and maintain respectable efficiency across trims.
4.25
Comfort
Comfort
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 places a strong emphasis on comfort, blending upscale materials with thoughtful design. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long drives a pleasure, while the driver-focused cabin layout ensures an intuitive and relaxing experience.
Ride quality is another highlight, with the suspension effectively absorbing bumps and maintaining a smooth drive on uneven roads. The cabin remains impressively quiet, thanks to advanced sound insulation that minimizes wind and road noise, enhancing overall serenity. Dual-zone climate control, optional heated seats, and high-quality finishes further elevate the CX-5’s refined interior, making it an inviting option for both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
4
Tech
Tech
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers an impressive suite of technology designed to enhance both convenience and safety. Its 10.25-inch infotainment display delivers crisp visuals and is paired with Mazda’s rotary controller, making it easy to navigate while minimizing distractions on the road.
Standard connectivity options, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, ensure seamless smartphone integration for calls, music, and apps. On the safety front, advanced driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist provide added confidence and peace of mind during daily drives and long journeys. While the menu interface may feel less intuitive to some, the overall tech setup strikes a balance between functionality and user-friendliness.
3.75
Space
Space
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers a thoughtfully designed interior that maximizes space without compromising style. Front passengers enjoy ample legroom and headroom, creating a comfortable environment for long trips, while rear-seat space is adequate but slightly tighter than some competitors.
Cargo versatility is a standout feature, with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats that allow for flexible storage configurations. While its 875-litre cargo capacity with the seats up trails behind class leaders, the space is functional and well-suited for grocery runs, sports gear, or small family outings. Clever storage solutions like deep centre console bins and wide door pockets further enhance practicality.
4
Style
Style
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 stands out with its bold yet elegant design, combining sporty aesthetics with premium refinement. The sculpted exterior features Mazda’s signature front grille, sleek LED headlights, and flowing lines that exude confidence and sophistication on the road.
Inside, the CX-5 continues this refined theme with a cabin that prioritizes craftsmanship and attention to detail. Soft-touch materials, a driver-focused layout, and tasteful ambient lighting create a luxurious atmosphere that feels more high-end than its price suggests. With colour options ranging from vibrant reds to sophisticated blues, and customization choices like leather upholstery and contrast stitching, the CX-5 offers a personalized touch for discerning buyers.
4
Reliability
Reliability
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 continues Mazda’s reputation for building dependable and durable vehicles. Consistently praised by owners and industry experts alike, the CX-5 excels in build quality, with materials and engineering that stand the test of time.
While a few minor issues, such as occasional infotainment glitches, have been reported, they are uncommon and do not significantly impact overall reliability. Backed by Mazda’s comprehensive warranty, including 3 years or 60,000 km of basic coverage and 5 years or 100,000 km of powertrain coverage, the CX-5 provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.
4
Safety
Safety
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 prioritizes safety with a robust suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring come standard, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Mazda’s commitment to safety is further evident in its optional features, including adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition, which enhance confidence on longer drives. Consistently earning high crash-test ratings from agencies like the IIHS, the CX-5 is a reliable choice for families and individuals prioritizing safety in their next SUV.
3.5
Reliability
Value
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers exceptional value, combining premium features and engaging performance at a competitive price point. Starting at approximately $30,000 and ranging up to $45,000, it provides a luxurious driving experience without the premium price tag.
Compared to rivals like the 2025 Honda CR-V and 2025 Toyota RAV4, the CX-5 shines with its upscale interior and sharp handling, appealing to buyers who prioritize refinement and driving enjoyment. While its cargo space and lack of a hybrid option may be drawbacks for some, the CX-5’s overall quality and thoughtful design make it a strong contender in the compact SUV market.