Sundaymail Editor
THE current Mazda CX-5 crossover has been in production since 2017, an eternity in the car business.
Even among newer compact-crossover rivals, though, the CX-5 continues to shine as one of the most attractive choices that is also one of the best to drive.
Mazda debuted the slightly larger, slightly pricier CX-50 in 2023, but the CX-5 lineup was not scaled back to make way for its new stablemate.
Anything but: It still offers eight trims, a choice of two four-cylinder engines (one of them a perky turbocharged mill), all-wheel drive, a well-appointed interior and a fun-to-drive personality.
As one of our favourites in its segment, the Mazda CX-5 has also earned a spot on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025.
What is new for 2025?
The S trim returns, offering a more affordable base model, while the non-turbo Premium trim has been discontinued.
Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and phone charging are now standard on the Carbon Edition model and the Premium Plus gains a surround-view camera system and parking sensors.
All CX-5s also switch to USB-C inputs for the front seats.
Engine, transmission and performance
The CX-5’s standard 187-hp (horsepower) four-cylinder engine has great throttle response when pulling away from stoplights or hustling around town, so it feels quicker than it actually is.
It is at higher speeds, such as when trying to pass or merge onto the highway, that it wants for more oomph.
The 256-hp turbocharged version we tested provided much quicker acceleration.
Both engines pair with a snappy six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
You do not need to drive the CX-5 hard to enjoy it or to appreciate its excellence.
Sure, its precise steering and composed cornering make for a great Sunday cruise.
But it also soaks up rough roads without commotion and has the ride quality of crossovers that cost twice as much.
This harmonious interplay of dynamics is unrivalled by its competitors.
Pavement imperfections are isolated, road noise is minimal and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty.
At the same time, the Mazda comes alive on curvy roads.
The electrically assisted steering provides satisfying responses.
The Signature model we tested had a reassuring brake-pedal feel that operated without delay and without being too touchy when you apply the brakes.
In car and driver testing, the CX-5 with the base engine needed 8,1 seconds to accelerate to 96,6 kilometres (km) per hour.
While unimpressive, it matches the Honda CR-V and beats the Toyota RAV4 by 0,2 seconds.
The turbocharged engine is definitely the driver’s choice, hitting 96,6km per hour in a brisk 6,2 seconds.
Fuel economy and real-world MPG
With two engine options, the CX-5 has two fuel-economy ratings.
The base 2,5-litre engine is rated at 11,05km per litre in the city and 13,1km per litre on the highway. The more powerful turbocharged engine is rated at 9,35km per litre (city) and 11,5km (highway).
We have tested both on our 120km/hr highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen and the standard engine returned 13,6km per litre compared with the turbo four’s 12,75km per litre result.
Interior, comfort and cargo
Wake up inside the top-tier CX-5 models and you might think you have been abducted by kidnappers driving an Audi or a Mercedes.
First-rate materials and a fabulous layout make it feel especially upscale.
The floor-hinged accelerator pedal feels better than the more common version that is suspended above the floor, the well-crafted steering wheel is directly in front of the driver and not offset at a slight angle and all of the front-seat armrests are at the same height for optimal comfort.
Sacrifices come in small packages: the CX-5’s rear seat is adequate for adults, but far from roomy and it held just nine carry-on suitcases behind its rear seats in our testing.
The storage bay does benefit from a completely flat load floor, though.
There are also several nooks and crannies in the cabin to store smartphones and other small items; the centre console has a deep tray at the front and a useful bin with a removable shelf. — Car and Driver
Online Reporter