The Familiar Face: Mazda’s Approach to the 2025 CX-5
Walk up to the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and you’ll notice a design that’s subtle but unmistakably Mazda. The brand’s Kodo design language flowing lines, that signature five-point grille returns, but with tweaks that keep things fresh without feeling forced. The headlamps are slimmed down just a hair, and the available paint choices now include a deeper blue that looks almost black under Detroit’s overcast skies. Mazda hasn’t gone wild with reinvention here, and honestly, that’s fine by me. In a sea of aggressive plastic cladding and oversized badges, the CX-5 remains quietly confident. Competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson are crowding this segment with bold redesigns and flashy tech. But Mazda leans into what it does best: delivering a crossover that feels more premium than its price tag would suggest.
Under the Hood: What Powers the 2025 CX-5?
If you’ve driven a recent CX-5, you’ll find familiar territory under the hood. The base engine remains a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four, delivering a claimed 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. For those craving a bit more punch, Mazda continues to offer its turbocharged 2.5-liter variant good for up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission a touch old-school in a world where rivals are chasing higher gear counts or CVTs. The turbo model, especially, pulls harder than most in its class. On Michigan highways, passing power is always on tap. There’s a faint but satisfying growl when you push past 4,000 rpm a reminder this isn’t your average point-A-to-point-B appliance. Fuel economy numbers for 2025 haven’t been officially released as of this writing (early June 2024), but expect figures similar to last year’s model: high 20s for city driving, low-to-mid 30s on the highway for non-turbo models. Not groundbreaking, but solidly competitive with the CR-V and RAV4.
Behind the Wheel: Still the Driver’s Choice?
Here’s where Mazda keeps its edge razor-sharp. While most compact SUVs prioritize comfort over engagement, the CX-5 feels genuinely connected to the road. The steering is quick and precise nicely weighted for parking lots or winding two-lanes up north. There’s a hint of body roll if you really lean on it, but nothing floaty or vague. Ride quality remains firm but rarely harsh. Pothole-riddled Detroit streets can unsettle just about anything with four wheels; the CX-5 soaks up most imperfections without getting flinty. The cabin stays quieter than some rivals noticeably more hushed than the Hyundai Tucson at 70 mph but you’ll still hear some tire hum on rougher asphalt. All-wheel drive is standard across all trims now (a recent switch), which brings extra confidence in Michigan winters and levels the playing field against Subaru’s standard Symmetrical AWD.
Inside the Cabin: Where Buttons Meet Big Screens
Hop inside and there’s an immediate sense of restraint and relief if you’re tired of dashboards that look like slot machines. Physical knobs for climate control click with satisfying precision; materials are soft where your elbows rest, with subtle stitching along the dash. Mazda has finally joined its competitors by offering a larger central touchscreen a crisp 10.25-inch unit perched atop the dash. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims now (a much-requested update). Some functions still require use of Mazda’s rotary controller, which is less distracting than tapping away at tiny icons while driving. Rear seat space is adequate for adults under six feet tall; legroom is competitive but not class-leading (the CR-V wins there). Cargo space also lags slightly behind segment leaders especially with the rear seats up but it’s enough for most weekly errands or a weekend road trip.
Living With It: Ownership Costs and Everyday Usability
Mazda has built a reputation for reliability in recent years Consumer Reports often ranks it near Toyota and Honda in predicted dependability. Scheduled maintenance is straightforward; oil changes are inexpensive and intervals are reasonable. Insurance premiums tend to be average for this class no surprises there and resale values have held strong thanks to growing brand loyalty among repeat buyers. On fuel costs alone, turbo models will take a slight hit if you want maximum power (premium fuel required), but regular unleaded works in a pinch at lower output.
The Tech & Safety Stuff: Gadgets Without Gimmicks
Every CX-5 now ships with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite: adaptive cruise control (works well in stop-and-go), lane keeping assist (subtle but effective), blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are all standard fare. Higher trims bring extras like a surround-view camera system and ventilated front seats features once reserved for luxury brands. Wireless charging is finally present (Mazda was late to this party), though some rivals still offer more USB ports in back.
The Competitive Set: How Does It Stack Up?
If you’re cross-shopping, here’s where things get interesting. The Honda CR-V offers more rear seat space and cargo room; Toyota’s RAV4 counters with hybrid efficiency and rugged TRD styling options; Hyundai Tucson brings bold design and lots of tech for the dollar. But none deliver quite as much behind-the-wheel satisfaction as the Mazda at least in my book. The Subaru Forester is close in all-weather capability but lacks Mazda’s polish inside and out.
Final Thoughts from Detroit: Still Doing Its Own Thing
Fifteen years into covering this industry from Motor City, I appreciate when an automaker resists simply chasing trends. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 doubles down on what made it popular: sharp driving dynamics, upscale design touches, everyday practicality. It doesn’t lead every spec sheet category cargo space could be better; tech integration is improved but not class-leading but it delivers an experience that feels thoughtfully tuned rather than committee-designed. If you value driving enjoyment as much as daily utility and prefer your family hauler to feel special the latest CX-5 deserves your attention.
