The Mazda CX-5 i-ACTIV AWD Sport Utility impresses with 227 HP and an attractive starting price of 28,800 $ . Here are all the details at a glance.
The Mazda CX-5 remains one of the best-looking compact SUVs, with clean Kodo lines, slim headlights, and a taut stance that feels more boutique than mass-market. At 180.1 inches long and 66 inches tall, it slips easily into garages and tight lots without looking small. Standard i-Activ AWD helps the proportions look planted while adding confidence in bad weather. It is a tidy, handsome package that reads premium without shouting about it.
Inside, the CX-5 feels carefully tailored, with soft-touch materials, tasteful stitching, and real metal accents where many rivals use plastic. The front seats are supportive on long drives, and controls are logically grouped around Mazda’s rotary controller for the 10.25-inch central display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while upper trims add niceties like a head-up display and a Bose audio system. It is a quiet, refined space that makes daily commuting feel a step above the class norm.
There’s comfortable room for four adults, with the rear bench best for two grown-ups and a child in the middle on longer trips. Cargo space measures about 30.9 cubic feet behind the second row and roughly 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, which is fine for weekend getaways but not the outright class leader. The load floor is flat, and a power liftgate is available to make grocery duty easier. If maximum stroller-and-gear capacity is the priority, some competitors offer a bit more volume.
The CX-5 is tuned with an eye toward driver confidence, delivering precise steering, tidy body control, and a composed ride over rough pavement. It’s not a track toy, but it feels alert in corners while remaining quiet and comfortable on the highway. Standard AWD and an off-road mode add assurance when snow falls or a dirt road beckons. This balance of comfort and control is where the Mazda stands out in everyday use.
Two 2.5-liter gasoline engines define the lineup: a naturally aspirated unit with 187 hp and about 186 lb-ft, and a turbocharged version with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, both paired to a 6-speed automatic and standard AWD. Expect 0–60 mph in roughly 8.7 seconds with the base engine and about 6.6 seconds with the turbo, translating to easy city drivability or genuinely strong highway passing, respectively. Towing capacity is up to 2,000 pounds, enough for a small trailer or pair of jet skis. Curb weight ranges from about 3,700 to 3,900 pounds, which the turbo’s torque handles with relaxed confidence.
The 2.5-liter non-turbo is efficient for its class, returning up to 26 mpg city and 30 mpg highway when driven gently. The turbo’s extra punch brings more thirst, typically around 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, though real-world figures depend heavily on driving style. With a 15.3-gallon tank, highway range can top 400 miles in the non-turbo and comfortably sit in the mid-300s for the turbo. In daily use, both versions are easy to live with, but the base engine is the wallet-friendlier commuter.
Every CX-5 includes a robust i-Activsense safety suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Available features like a 360-degree camera, traffic sign recognition, and a crisp head-up display add polish on higher trims. The infotainment screen is clear and quick, navigated primarily via a rotary dial that keeps eyes up and inputs precise. Smartphone mirroring and available wireless charging make it easy to keep apps and podcasts at the ready.
The range stretches from value-focused S and Select flavors through nicer Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium Plus, up to the turbocharged models like Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and the plush Turbo Signature. Regardless of badge, AWD is standard, the feature mix is straightforward, and the driving feel stays consistently Mazda. Carbon-themed trims add style without losing substance, while the top turbo models edge toward luxury in materials and quietness. There’s a clear path for buyers who want either a smart daily driver or a near-luxe compact SUV with extra punch.
The Mazda CX-5 suits drivers who want an upscale cabin and engaging road manners more than sheer cargo numbers. It’s ideal for small families, empty nesters, or anyone who commutes during the week and escapes town on weekends. Choose the 187-hp version for balanced efficiency and comfort, or the turbo if quick merges and mountain passes are routine. Either way, the CX-5 delivers a premium-feeling drive at a sensible size and footprint.
Costs and Consumption |
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Price
28,800 - 40,800 $
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FuelEconomy City
22 - 26 mpg
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FuelEconomy Hwy
27 - 30 MPG
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
15.3 gal
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
i-ACTIV AWD Sport Utility
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
3,679 - 3,871 lbs
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Trunk Volume
-
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Length
180.1 in.
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Width
72.6 in.
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Height
66 in.
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Gasoline
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Transmission
Automatic
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Drive Type
All Wheel
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Power HP
187 - 227 HP
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Torque
185 - 310 lb-ft
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Engine Displacement
2.5 L
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Gears
-
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General |
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Model Year
2,025
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Brand
Mazda
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