2025 Mazda CX-5
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $30,889–$40,048 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 7.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Mazda CX-5's reliability at 8.6/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.2/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.5/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $30,889–$40,048, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda CX-5 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.3/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,889 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 14%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
| Fuel (75,000 miles) | ~$9,050 ($1,810/year at $3.50/gal) |
|---|---|
| Insurance | Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying |
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 8.1 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.1/10 | $30,889 | Read review → |
| 2025 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $30,889 | |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $29,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $29,090 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $28,190 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $27,290 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.8/10 | $26,391 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.9/10 | $25,491 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.8/10 | $24,591 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.7/10 | $23,692 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $22,792 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.6/10 | $21,892 | Read review → |
We rate the 2025 Mazda CX-5's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #84 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 97% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 starts at $30,889 and ranges up to $40,048 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest CX-5 years we've rated are 2016 (7.6/10), 2015 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
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Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.