2025 Mazda CX-5

When the second version came out in 2018, we drove a CX-5 for a year and 20,000 kilometers. You can read our full long-term review of the Mazda CX-5 here. Even though our experience is still usually useful, keep in mind that Mazda has come a long way since then, so a review written now would be even better. 

Pros 

• Exciting driving experience. 
• Elegant and high-quality interior. 
• The optional turbocharged engine delivers significant power.
• Silent at highway speeds. 

Cons 

• The normal engine doesn’t really speed up or slow down. 
• It’s too hard for this class of ride. 
• There is less room for luggage and legs in the back than in most rivals.

How does the CX-5 feel to drive? The base engine moves slowly when it’s going, so passing on the highway takes a lot of planning. It’s a little faster from a stop, but on our test track, it took 8.7 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph, which is about the same as other cars with base engines. The extra turbocharged engine in the CX-5 can reach 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. 

How easy it is to drive the CX-5 stands out. This car is quick and responsive, so you can go around curves faster than your competitors without your tires squealing or making you feel like you’re losing control. The car is okay when you move quickly from left to right. Without a doubt, this is the best way to deal with a small crossing.

How much comfort does the CX-5 offer? The front seats are usually comfortable and well-shaped. However, the flat floor of the back bench seat may make long trips difficult for people in the back. The back of the rear seat can be leaned back, though, for extra comfort. 

The ride in the CX-5 is hard without being painful. The CX-5 never looks airy, and bumps in the middle of corners don’t bother it much. Any problems with the road are fixed right away. You can only hear the car noise when you’re going 70 miles per hour on the highway. Still, you won’t have to raise your voice to talk to other people on the bus.

How is the inside? In the driver’s cabin, all of the buttons are easy to reach. The front of the CX-5 is roomy, so big people can easily fit. The best seats on the sides may make it hard for people in the back to move around. It may also be hard for an adult to sit in the middle. The back legs don’t have much room. 

Thanks to its tall steering wheel, thin side walls, and big windows, it’s easy to see out of this car. One example is the view over your shoulder. The back windows are a little smaller than those of some competitors, but they still give you a good view to eliminate blind spots. The clarity of the backup camera is good.

How does the tech work? The 10.25-inch screen is nice and bright, and the navigation system is easy to use as a whole. The built-in navigation system is also easy to use. When a CX-5 has a head-up display, it can show turn directions right on the window. Mazda’s voice control technology is based on natural speech detection. You can listen to satellite radio stations, call people, and enter addresses without any problems. 

The advanced driver assistance tools in the CX-5 are useful in different ways. The low-pitched buzzing sound of the lane departure warning device draws your attention. But the blind-spot warning system is very sensitive and will go off even if you only pass cars a few car lengths behind you.

How are things with the storage? The CX-5’s trunk is a little smaller than those of its competitors, but we were able to fit two big bags inside without blocking our view of the back of the car. The loading area is smaller than that of the Honda CR-Vs because the cargo floor is higher, and the liftgate can only open at a shorter height. Inside the cabin, there is a lot of space for keeping small things. 

Do you have little kids? The outside seats have four holes for the car seat anchors. The bolts are set back a little, but it’s simple to push through the holes. The seatback tethers are easy to reach even when the cargo cover is in place. Press down on the plastic tab that hides the items to reach the tether.

How much fuel does it use? An all-wheel-drive CX-5 with the base engine will get 26 mpg on the highway and in towns together. During our mixed-driving test route, our test AWD CX-5 got 28.8 mpg, which means you should be able to beat the EPA number. Some of the best-competing crossover SUVs still get slightly better gas mileage.

Should you pay that much for the CX-5? The CX-5 only has a single piece of trim that feels cheap. From the buttons and controls to the leather upholstery choices, everything feels high-end. The only bad thing about it is that the side supports are bendable and press against the center panel at different times. Everything else is great. The CX-5 might be a little less expensive than its more high-end competitors when it comes to all of its options. As is common for this class, there is no free upkeep, and the warranty doesn’t cover much.

As soon as you see the CX-5’s expressive, shark-like nose, it stands out. The good vibes keep going when you sit inside and enjoy the beautifully designed cabin, which works better than any other car in this class. The CX-5 has a thrilling feel that not many hybrids can match.

People on a budget will like the 2.5 S Preferred trim because it has a sunroof, leather seating, and front seats that can be heated and adjusted electrically. The next step up is the Carbon Edition, which offers a unique color combination. If you prefer something different, the Premium Plus is an exciting upgrade.