2025 Mazda CX-5 Review: A Timeless Driver's Choice

In the crowded world of compact SUVs, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 stands out—not because it’s the latest or the most tech-laden, but because it’s a true driver’s choice for those who value timeless design and a refined driving experience. While many of its rivals are newer, the CX-5 remains compelling, with updates focused on a new base model starting at $30,000 and minor tweaks across the lineup. We’ll dive into why the top-tier Turbo Signature model, priced around $42,000, is a personal favorite for its elegance and simplicity.

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Presenter: Mark Takahashi
Cinematography: Phil Shuyler

#mazda #cx5 #mazdacx50
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0:00 The Mazda CX-5
0:23 Exterior
1:29 Powertrain
2:04 Driving
4:23 Interior & Tech
6:41 Rear Seats
7:40 Cargo Space
8:10 Final Thoughts

[alilia]

It’s an awesome dinosaur, driving one since 2 months…best car that I’ve owned yet.

[TalismanPHX]

Still timeless styling. High quality interior materials and assembly, and excellent crash test ratings. Definitely the CX5 -- In Soul Red.

[dueserdo]

I am driving my 3rd CX5. Because of my age, very old and probably my last CX5, so I got the top of the line, a 2024 Turbo Signiture and use premium for that extra torque. The soul red gets a lot of attention.

[JB-fqdp]

Mazda Cx5 has a great non-turbo 2.5L engine and awesome 6spd transmission!

[dnice]

Have 2019 and 130, 000 miles on it and love it. Interior is great and the most surprising is the steering weight and feel

[mindfullymellow]

CX-5 cargo space may be limited for some, but I managed to haul a 47” desk; piano keyboard; small treadmill and whatever else I could cram into every nook. Averaged 31 mpg/highway, fully loaded. Smooth as silk the whole 500 mile roadtrip.

[bvheath]

I had a 2017 model (base engine) and upgraded last year to a 2024 Carbon edition. I didn’t even take a test drive, knowing what I was getting. The clean, elegant lines of the CX-5 really appeal to me, and the extra oomph of the turbo is appreciated. I rarely have anyone in the back seat, so the dimensions of the vehicle are ideal for me. I really do feel like I’m driving a vehicle that costs thousands more. Couldn’t be more pleased!

[austprodriver]

I had a Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition in USA earlier this year. It was the 2.5 litre naturally aspirated model with all wheel drive and 6 speed automatic transmission. Having driven many CX-5s here in Australia, it was around 5 to 10 percent softer in its front suspension, and about 10 to 15 percent softer in the rear. Compared to an Australian spec CX-5, it understeered earlier, was floaty over big undulations, and its tyres squealed earlier, being all season Toyo tyres compared to the Toyo summer tyres on Australian spec CX-5s. Despite these differences, it was still a great car, though, and after putting 14250 miles on it in 2 months during March to May of this year, I was finally sold, and recently bought a Mazda CX-5 Akera G35 2.5 turbo petrol/ gasoline AWD and 6 speed automatic, which is the top specification CX-5 here - roughly equal to a US spec Signature Edition. It might be an old design by car standards, certainly, but its design is well proven and reliable. I looked at some Mazda CX-50s in the States, too, and their build quality is very much inferior to the CX-5. Just look at both the driver and front passenger seat backs - they have more stitching waves than the Gold Coast's Surfer's Paradise Beach and Daytona Beach in Florida. Not to mention the plastic surrounds around the automatic transmission selector lever and quadrant (P R N D) - they look like they've been cut with a kid's plastic pair of scissors.

You can see blog type reviews of my CX-5 in the States on my channel, whilst driving around USA.

Great, honest review. I subscribed. Keep up the good work.

[ranman]

I’m still driving my 2014 CX-5 GT I bought new in 2013. I think the exterior looks great even today. I’m really getting new car fever!

[Its_YourImagination]

I like the CX5 better than the CX-50 because of no cylinder deactivation or auto start stop....I love that!!

[briengakaplan-b]

Proud owner of a soul red 2018 CX-5 GT. Just passed 60k miles and it’s easily one of the best cars I’ve ever owned hands down. Is it old tech? Yes. Is it excellent? Yes. It’s a poor man’s Porsche Macan but with Japanese engineering lol best way to describe it.

[marcegonzalez]

Best in its class. We have two: 2021 cx5 with the 2.5 and a 2023 cx5 turbo. Reliable, safe, great driving dynamics, classy interior, beautiful styling. Midwest winters are easily navigated by putting Michelin Cross-Climates on. Drive one. And no CVT!

[timmyhelton]

Just bought A new 2025 cx5 off the showroom floor. I wouldn't trade it for nothing.

[baybae]

The CX-5 could go another 5 years and still look amazing. It’s really a timeless design.

My only major complaint is how jumpy it is in bumper to bumper traffic.

[LightningSteve]

I wish you would do all the reviews for cargurus lol... and I wish mazda would use the toyota hybrid system in the cx5 just like the cx50... if it had that... the perfect suv

[LuciTulcea]

The car looks even better "in person".

[rvaillant]

Great review. You did mis a key issue however. Do the rear seats fold down flat, or not? Would have been good to see.

[Pamela]

Right infotainment that works!! People need to pay attention to their driving 👍

[fatbart]

Want more space? Get a used CX9. It solves all of this cars problems. The 2023’s are a steal right now.

[aaronb]

Thank you for the great review! I am shopping for a new vehicle in the next couple weeks. Mazda is tops on my list. I am leaning strongly towards the CX-5 Turbo Premium.