2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium - Review by David Colman

It’s like a breath of fresh air!

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

You have no idea what a relief it was to spend a week with Mazda's effervescent 2025 CX-5 Turbo. This simple, handsome compact SUV proved itself the perfect antidote to the unremitting deluge of oversized, over-complicated, misnamed "sport" utility vehicles that have recently occupied my driveway. Manufacturers of almost all current SUVs have entirely lost the plot when it comes to appending the "sport" designation to their gargantuan whale boats. My mantra? If you can't see the corners from the driver's seat, you shouldn't be driving it at all.

So what then entitles an SUV to be truthfully called a sport utility vehicle? Hands down, Mazda knows the answer to this question, because they've been building one - the CX-5 - since 2012. Generation One ran through 2016 when Generation Two took over. For nine years running, the current iteration has maintained the original successful formula: build a light, agile, and handsome SUV. And above all, make it affordable. Mazda offers the latest CX-5 in nine different flavors, ranging from basic and pokey ("S") to preening and powerful ("Turbo Signature"). As a "Turbo Premium" variant, our Deep Crystal Blue Mica test CX-5 ranks just one rung below the Turbo Signature on the price and amenity scale, with a base cost of $38,000, and as tested bottom line of $40,755.

The current CX-5 is due for a Generation Three refurbishment for model year 2026. But don't let the impending revision dissuade you from purchasing the current model, which has recently become available at a discounted year-end closeout price ("$1,000 Customer Cash"). In fact, even at the end of its current 9 year run, the CX-5 is still garnering mega industry awards from such reputable sources as Car and Driver, where it was named a 2025 "Editor's Choice," and also Road & Track which said "it comes alive on curvy roads."

After a couple of short blasts over our local 9-mile-long, 100 turn autocross course that the state of California calls US Route 1, I was once again sold on the handling chops of this petite 3,590 pound SUV. Mazda equips the Turbo version with a 256hp inline-4, powerful enough to propel it to 60mph in 6.2 seconds and conquer the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 93mph. The Turbo Premium features 19-inch black alloy rims mounting Toyo A36 radials (225/55R19) that carry a super-soft TW 300 rubber compound rating. When you combine the peaky exhilaration of the turbo motor with the ability to control every upshift and downshift via a real 6-speed, paddle equipped automatic, you've got yourself a very sporting proposition. Just slot the Mi-Drive selector switch into Sport, watch the tachometer face light up red, and the CX-5 morphs into a Miata-class SUV. From rubber compound to throttle response to cornering limits, the inconspicuous-looking, stealthy CX-5 will constantly surprise you with its Miata DNA-ingrained agility.

Of course, you wouldn't be opting for a sports-ute over a Miata if you didn't need the cargo capacity implicit in the "utility" definition of SUV. In this regard, you will discover that despite its concise interior dimensions, the CX-5 is endowed with ample usable storage space. I was amazed to discover that this Mazda's interior layout provided more than enough room to store my full-size bicycle. I didn't even have to remove the rear hatchback's nifty privacy screen that shields the interior from prying eyes. Note, however, that back seat passengers will discover that leg room is tight, at 27.5 inches. Total cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 30.5 cubic feet. That falls about 7 cubic feet short of Honda's CR-V and 4 cubic feet short of Mazda's own CX-50. Be that as it may, the unexpected Houdini bike insertion trick elevates the CX-5 to my Storage Hall of Fame. Another of this Mazda's parlor tricks is its ability to tow a 2,000lb. trailer.

I discovered a fascinating Reddit discussion of the 2025 CX-5 by current owners who repeatedly cited the simplicity of its driver control interface as their incentive for purchase. One statement stood out to me: "I chose it because I didn't want a giant screen and a bunch of tech that I don't need." This rebellion from the current craze to turn vehicles into cell phones is what keeps the classic throwback Mazda CX-5 so popular that it will soon see its third generation arrive in 2026.

2025 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM

• ENGINE: 2.5 liter inline-4, turbocharged and intercooled, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
• HORSEPOWER: 256hp@ 5000rpm TORQUE: 320lb.-ft.@2500rpm
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 22MPG City/27MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $40,755

HYPES: Mazda's Mantra is 'Keep It Simple Stupid'

GRIPES: Weenie Front Seat Storage Bin

STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10

©2025 David E Colman