2025 Mazda CX-5 — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2025 Mazda CX-5

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $30,889–$40,048
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 scores 8.1/10 at Carivo, ranking #84 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $1,810/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2025 Mazda CX-5

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$30,889–$40,048

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2025 Mazda CX-5

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

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 →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2025 Mazda CX-5

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$9,050 ($1,810/year at $3.50/gal)
InsuranceVaries 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.

Which CX-5 Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2025 Mazda CX-5

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

Common Questions — 2025 Mazda CX-5

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

We rate the 2025 Mazda CX-5's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 worth buying?

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.

How much does the 2025 Mazda CX-5 cost?

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.

Which CX-5 years should you avoid?

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.

Owner Essentials — Mazda CX-5

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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More Mazda Reviews

Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.