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Mazda is about to redesign the CX-5, which is the company's most popular model. The last time was almost a decade ago, for the 2017 model year. When the similarly sized, all new Mazda CX-50 landed in the lineup in 2023, it appeared as though the CX-5's days were numbered. However, money is a strong motivator, so Mazda is keeping the popular and profitable CX-5 around, even though it is the only one of the company's SUVs still using the old naming convention.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
JD Power has published numerous CX-5 reviews since Mazda last redesigned it. However, since 2019, the year a turbocharged engine joined the lineup, every one of those reviews discussed the more powerful drivetrain. This 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition review is about a version of the SUV equipped with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. In addition to the Carbon Edition trim level, Mazda offers the 2025 CX-5 2.5 S model in base, Select, Preferred, and Premium Plus trims. Prices range from $30,545 to $37,175, including the $1,495 destination charge.
Since JD Power last published a CX-5 review in 2022, Mazda has made several updates to the compact crossover SUV.
For this 2025 CX-5 review, Mazda provided a test vehicle equipped with 2.5 S Carbon Edition trim, a navigation system, and a rear bumper scuff guard. The test vehicle's manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) was $34,680, including the $1,495 destination charge to ship the SUV to a dealership from the Hiroshima, Japan, assembly plant.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Modern smartphone integration is a big deal. In 2024, McKinsey & Company conducted a study that showed about one third of car buyers would reject a vehicle that did not have it. Furthermore, JD Power studies show that consumers are more satisfied with their vehicles when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Naturally, Mazda is paying attention. The automaker has slowly been rolling out wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on select CX-5 trim levels, and in 2024, added touchscreen operation of the popular platforms as standard equipment on all versions of the SUV.
Some context is necessary here. Mazda's native Mazda Connect infotainment system does not offer touchscreen operation. Instead, you must use the controls on the center console and steering wheel. Voice commands are also available, but they are not conversational, limiting their helpfulness. Unsurprisingly, Mazda ranks near the bottom in the JD Power 2025 U.S. Tech Experience Study.
Mazda Connect's native user interface is not ideally compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So, the automaker relented on its stance concerning touchscreen operation and started offering it for the 2024 model year, but only when the driver is using those two platforms. The native system still has a static display and requires the use of the controls on the center console and steering wheel.
My 2025 CX-5 2.5 S Carbon Edition test vehicle came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as new features for this model year. It worked well, and the also-new-for-2025 wireless charging pad meant I did not need any cords to keep my iPhone juiced.
Additionally, I appreciated the touchscreen functionality when running Apple CarPlay, when I remembered to use it. Most of the time, my right hand instinctively reached for Mazda Connect's knob and buttons on the center console, a habit I have developed over years of test driving and evaluating the automaker's vehicles.
Mazda appears to be ready for a change in how it approaches its infotainment systems. The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 will have Google Built-in technology with a large 15.6-inch touchscreen display. Based on my experience with other Google Built-in systems, this is excellent news.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
For the 2024 model year, the CX-5 also received a new i-Stop engine technology with automatic engine start/stop and cylinder-deactivation capability. It was standard in all 2.5 S models and significantly increased fuel economy. With i-Stop, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine averaged 28 mpg in combined driving. Without it, drivers could expect 25 mpg.
According to Mazda, 2024 CX-5 2.5 S models built in July, August, and September of 2023 have the i-Stop technology. Starting with the October production, the automaker reverted to the less efficient version of the engine. However, for the 2025 model year, i-Stop is back for a limited engagement, as it is standard only with 2.5 S Carbon Edition and 2.5 S Premium Plus trim levels.
What happened? Reportedly, part shortages prevented Mazda from manufacturing i-Stop engines. That might also explain why only two trim levels get the feature in 2025.
The weather was hot when I tested the CX-5 in Southern California, and in my experience, Mazdas have feeble air conditioning systems. So, as the AC struggled to cool the SUV's interior, the i-Stop technology was not very active. When i-Stop shut the engine down, the dashboard air vents began blowing tepid air into the cabin, which was unpleasant and prompted me to release some brake pressure to restart the engine.
Given the testing conditions, it is unsurprising that the CX-5 2.5 S with i-Stop fell short of its official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings by a significant amount. It should achieve 28 mpg combined, but my test vehicle averaged 25 mpg. Still, that is better than my most recent evaluation of a CX-5 Turbo, which got 21.4 mpg on the same evaluation loop.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
For a design that dates back nearly a decade, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 looks, feels, and drives like a modern crossover SUV. It has aged with remarkable grace, helped along by regular updates over the years.
The 2.5 S Carbon Edition was first offered for sale in 2021, featuring the exclusive Polymetal Gray Metallic paint, a red leather interior, and blacked-out exterior trim. That recipe remains in place today. This model is also available with black leather, and you can choose a Rhodium White Metallic exterior if you prefer.
Short in length and narrow in width, the CX-5 makes the best of its available interior room. Four adults can ride comfortably, and the 29.1 cubic-foot cargo space expands to 59.3 cubic feet if you fold down the back seat. Those are unimpressive figures for the compact crossover SUV segment, but the cargo area's shape is nevertheless accommodating.
Setting aside frustrations with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, it does offer the features you are most likely to want, including access to a Wi-Fi hotspot, Remote Services including remote engine starting, emergency calling, and E911 automatic emergency notification. In addition, it features integrated access to Pandora internet radio and text messaging support.
Safety features are also in plentiful supply, including a new-for-2025 rear seat alert system that reminds the driver to check the back seat for important people, pets, or packages. As you move up to more expensive versions of the CX-5, it offers a surround view camera, automatic reverse braking, front and rear parking sensors, and a traffic jam assist feature. Most of the CX-5's ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are favorable.
Whenever I test-drive a Mazda CX-5, I like it more with each passing day. It is easy to dismiss it as simply another small crossover SUV. However, this one is special because it is refined, comfortable, zippy, nimble, quiet, safe, easy to see out of, and easy to park—all good things.
Furthermore, in urban and suburban settings, I did not find the 187-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to be dissatisfying compared to the available turbocharged version of this power plant (227 to 256 hp depending on the type of fuel used). Mazda calibrates the six-speed automatic transmission to make the best use of the power, and a pleasant growl accompanies acceleration. However, passing power is in short supply on highways, especially with a full load of passengers.
The ride and handling are also enjoyable, and the CX-5 is more fun to drive than most of its rivals. However, on a twisty mountain road, its narrow track, short wheelbase, tall center of gravity, and all season tires mean it cannot hustle much faster than other compact crossovers. Nevertheless, the suspension compliance and body motion control are impressive, clearly the work of Mazda's talented engineers.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
For the money, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S is an exceptionally nice small SUV. It looks, feels, and drives like a vehicle that should cost more than it does. Nothing about it feels cheap or appears like Mazda cut corners to meet a price target. The interior is small though, more like a Dodge Hornet or Jeep Compass and less like a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. If maximum passenger room and cargo space are vital to you, the CX-5 is not be the best choice.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
