My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Mazda CX-5
The reason why it is here on your screen is someone had a crazy video review idea. “Since we own a CX-5, why not bring in a newer one for a ‘comparison’?”
Let’s get this out of the way…this is not the replacement for our beloved V&R Machine.
Yes, it is a 2025 Mazda CX-5 you’re seeing on here. Heaven knows how many CX-5s we’ve reviewed before and after taking delivery on the V&R Machine – the 2021 CX-5 Touring that is our team car.
The reason why it is here on your screen is someone had a crazy video review idea. “Since we own a CX-5, why not bring in a newer one for a ‘comparison’?”
Before you think we’re going to compare a 2021 Mazda CX-5 with 33,000 miles on the odometer to a new 2025 model, let’s just say that you cannot go wrong with either one. After all, it is the volume seller for Mazda here in the USA – if not the world.
Let’s also just say we made the right choice, because there is a lot of things the CX-5 does right.
The 2025 CX-5 in question is a Turbo Signature model – the top of the line. It features a lot of what we have on the V&R Machine. However, there are some differences.
An update to the CX-5 happened the model year after our V&R Machine, which brought new LED lighting front and back and a different grille texture and so forth. Our Signature tester adds 19-inch alloy wheels, nicer leather, head-up display, heated steering wheel, cooled seats, and a few other items to make it bling-bling.
This 2025 Signature model is powered by the upgraded turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine putting down a maximum of 256 horsepower with 320 pound-feet of torque. This runs through a six-speed automatic transmission, sending power to all four wheels.
Everything above was why I brought in the 2025 CX-5 Turbo Signature. It is to see how this long-running SUV has held up over time.
The short answer is simple: It has.
The exterior design is not flashy. It does exude an air of practicality which gets it down to business. The interior is functional with buttons and a mix of analog and digital instrumentation. There is a real shifter you can throw into drive or reverse. The seats are sizable and there is true space in the passenger and cargo areas.
Some will argue that its competitors are larger in exterior dimensions, offer more space, have more technology features, and sell more units than the Mazda. That’s fine and dandy. Those customers are looking for that sort of gratification from a vehicle in its class with two 12-inch (or more) screens, a funky steering wheel, efficient turbocharged engines with advanced gearboxes – or a CVT.
Where the Mazda CX-5 will win you over is its execution.
It is durable. The CX-5 is tough when you set it off onto an undulated road. It is reliable. When you commit to it's maintenance schedule, the CX-5 will never fail. It is practical. You can fill the cargo space up with more than enough items for an extended vacation – or, work trip.
These are some of the reasons why Consumer Reports call it the best in its class. This based off of their data for reliability and real-world testing. Other publications, websites, and YouTube channels have sung similar praises upon the “aging” CX-5.
Further proof is drawn from our own experience with the CX-5. We bought one because it was the best of any of the vehicles we were looking at that met our criteria.
One of our criteria was that it should drive with a lot of confidence. That brings us to the 2025 Turbo Signature. The ride was smooth with plenty of pull from the driveline. Handling was beyond competent. Steering and braking were just fine for everything you do. In all, the CX-5 still delivers on a better driving experience of any SUV in its size class.
At $42,155, the 2025 CX-5 Turbo Signature might be a bit on the high end of some budgets for a vehicle in its size class, but reality will tell you otherwise. It is no longer considered too expensive given current vehicle prices across the board.
At the start, I stated that it would be difficult to compare a freshly new 2025 CX-5 to a four-year-old model with 33,000 miles on the clock. It is worth repeating that the point of making these comparisons is to show not only how this model has progressed. It is to also show the experience of ownership.
People may think that the CX-5 is aging and lacking relevance in the marketplace. We beg to differ. People still buy them because Mazda developed this right off the bat to fulfill many consumers’ needs and wants from a compact-to-midsize SUV.
That counts for something. Especially when a vehicle remains relevant for years. We have proof that it is relevant. Because we own one.
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Mazda North American Operations
All photos by Randy Stern
Thank you for your review of the Mazda CX-5. I had a CX-5 and a CX-3 in the past…and after going to more luxury cars…BMW X1, Polestar 2, Tesla, and Genesis GV60…I can tell you that I miss the fun drive of the Mazda’s.
I am considering leaving the electric luxury models and go back to Mazda…for either the CX-5 or the CX-30.
I always loved the styling and look of the Mazda, and cannot beat the price for the well appointed interiors, along with the fun factor.
Mazda, the best kept secret in the automotive industry!!! Toyota sells 7x more boring vehicles, that are utilitarian and boring! Mazda sells same/better quality, with style and a quiet, luxury cockpit- unlike Toyota
I brought a 2018 model cx5 Maxx sport after my VZ commodore was no longer worthy of spending money on it! After getting advice from my mechanic a cx5 would suit my needs I went searching for one!
Found a Maxx sport it doesn't have all the Nanny features that get in the way of driving and will most likely breakdown as the car gets older nor does it have a sunroof that will leak as time goes by !
It's not as roomy as the VZ commodore in some departments eg. Glovebox but I can still sleep in the back with the seats down even though I'm six foot four!
It also lacks footwell lighting being a base model which makes it hard to find gear when out camping!
But overall it suits my needs nicely
After having a couple of Hondas ( CRV-EXL, HRV-EXL ) I bought a used 2016 CX-5 Touring last year. One owner with 35,000 miles on it. No comparison as far as the ride, quiet, fun to drive over the Hondas. Almost bought a similar year Q5, Outback or Crosstrek. After reading a lot of reviews from different sources my choice was clear. The CX-5 was best choice for me as no comparison in the over all driving experience. From twisting roads to 80 mph freeway touring, it’s fun to drive. I can’t under stand why there are not more of them on the road !
Here in the UK I bought a 2019 Mazda CX5 Sport +, I had a Mazda 3 sedan/salon before that in 2016. I now own a 2023 CX5 Exclusive with DAP pack. I'm sorry I never bought a Mazda before, I've been genuinely impressed with everything about them, from there comfort, ride, quality of plastics & leather used. I'm more than satisfied with all my Mazda's but the one I have now, my only gripe is the 360 cameras the quality of the camera could be better especially at night.
Love my Mazdas. I owned a 3, have a 30, bought a 5 for my daughter in-law, bought a 9.and now have the 70. The 9 is gorgeous but it was used and doesn't handle bumps with the aplomb of the others. I think it needs a new rear suspension or shocks. Otherwise they are all great fun to drive and own.
The CX-5 is a great car until you want to put anyone in the back seat. I have a CX-5 and a Crosstrek and everyone would rather sit in the back of the Crosstrek then the CX-5. That being said the CX-5 is a great car in most other aspects.