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Pros
Cons
A redesigned version is coming for 2026, but in the meantime the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is a commute-friendly crossover that can be fun to drive.
The CX-5 lineup starts with the GX at $38,385, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,095; and the model’s first four trims use a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. The Sport Design version tested here is the first of the three turbocharged trims and starts at $46,645; and this one was further optioned with a coat of Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint for $500.
Styling: 9/10
The CX-5 is a looker, and that shade of Soul Red has to be the industry’s best. Lower trims ride on 17-inch wheels, while pricier ones, including the Sport Design, get 19-inch rims. The cabin design is handsomely understated, with a pair of bright-trimmed vents in the centre of the dash visually tying the console below to the tablet-style infotainment screen above, and the materials look and feel top-notch.
Safety 8 / 10
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2025 Mazda CX-5 the top five-star crash-test rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it the highest “Good” in crash tests, including the updated moderate front overlap that now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger, as well as to those in front. But in its emergency front braking, it got a score of two out of a possible three-level “Good” for detecting a pedestrian, and “Poor” for vehicle-to-vehicle stopping.
All trims include automatic emergency braking, plus adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam control, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. The GT and up add a head-up display and traffic sign recognition, while the top Signature trim has surround-view cameras, driver attention alert, front and rear parking sensors, and emergency rear braking.
Features 8 / 10
The entry GX includes such items as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rain-sensing wipers, LED exterior lighting, manual air conditioning, keyless entry, and heated cloth seats. The next-step-up GS adds a six-way power driver’s seat, faux-leather upholstery, a power tailgate, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a heated steering wheel, but you have to add a package to get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless phone charger.
Other add-ons continue with the trims, such as a 10-way driver’s seat and power passenger seat, both with ventilation, real leather upholstery, power-folding mirrors, a premium stereo, navigation, and heated rear seats. All of that is in the GT, and the Sport Design upgrade includes the turbo engine, LED interior lighting, and black exterior styling cues.
User-Friendliness 7 / 10
The CX-5’s upcoming makeover for 2026 may be a case of “be careful what you wish for.” I really like that my 2025 tester has simple buttons and dials for its climate system, which helps reduce distraction. But its infotainment screen is only touch-operated when you’re running your connected phone through it. Otherwise, the embedded system uses a console-mounted joystick to page through menus and select icons, which can often require a few steps. When the voice assistant didn’t recognize a navigation destination, I had to spin the dial for each letter to spell it out. The 2026 CX-5 will have an available 15.6-inch touchscreen, but the climate functions will be in it, so you’ll be looking for an icon to tap, instead of a simpler spin-the-dial that helps keep your eyes on the road.
Practicality 7 / 10
The CX-5 doesn’t have as much cargo volume as some of its competitors — the redesigned Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have considerably more space — although the Mazda’s wide tailgate opening helps with getting bulky items inside. There also isn’t a lot of room to stash small items in the centre console as the infotainment controller takes up a chunk of it. The cubby in front of the gear selector contains the wireless charger.
Comfort 8 / 10
The ride is firm but still within the comfort zone, and the seats are supportive and stay easy on the spine on longer drives. Front-seat legroom is on par with rivals and exceeds some of them for rear-seat space, and visibility is good.
Power 8 / 10
The CX-5 lineup covers three engine choices, starting with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque in the GX and GS. It’s also used in the Kuro and GT, where it makes similar power, but that trim has fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and ignition stop-start.
My Sport Design and up use a turbocharged 2.5L making 227 hp and 256 lb-ft of torque on regular-grade gasoline; and if you pump 93-octane premium into it, you get 310 hp and 320 lb-ft. All trims use a six-speed automatic transmission and have all-wheel drive (AWD). The turbo version is a sweet unit, quick and strong for acceleration and passing, but not so muscular that it’s tiring in everyday driving.
Driving Feel 9 / 10
The CX-5 features Mazda’s signature quick and fun handling, with well-weighted and responsive steering. It stays flat around corners and you’ll look forward to curvy roads. Mazda uses a system that reduces engine power when you turn the wheel. It’s so slight that you don’t feel it, but it’s just enough to shift the vehicle’s weight to the front tires, improving their grip and making the turn smoother. Straightening out, equally-unnoticeable brake pressure improves stability, including on lane changes.
Fuel Economy 8 / 10
The turbocharged CX-5 is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at 10.8 L/100 km in the city, 8.7 on the highway, and 9.8 combined. In my week with it, I averaged 8.7 L/100 km. Those official numbers are higher than some rivals, which are around 8.4 L/100 km, but those competitors are also much less powerful. Meanwhile, hybrid entries like the RAV4 do even better.
Value 7 / 10
At a starting price of $46,645 to $51,135 for its turbocharged versions, the CX-5 isn’t the least-expensive for someone who simply wants an everyday commuter; and even at the lineup’s starting price of $38,385, the Subaru Forester undercuts it at $35,990. However, the CX-5’s driving performance and cabin quality seem fairly in line with its price. Its CX-50 stablemate is a bit larger but carries the same engines, starting at $42,045; but it’s also available as a hybrid.
The Verdict
You might not buy the 2025 Mazda CX-5 on budget alone, but it has a lot going for it with its driving performance and its quality-feel cabin. The redesigned version will be larger and have more cargo space, and it will offer a hybrid powertrain for 2027; but the 2025 model still has a lot to offer and might be the right choice for many drivers.
