Words by: Adam Allen
Since Mazda introduced us to the CX-5 back in 2012, it hasn’t changed much during its two-generation existence. Hasn’t needed to, really- the fundamental excellence of this SUV is such that only a nip here and a tuck there are all that’s needed to keep it fresh and relevant.
So why then are we having yet another go around in Mazda’s perennial best seller?
For starts, it’s fun. Yes, we’re being extremely brief here, but consider that the words ‘fun’ and ‘crossover’ seldom coexist in the same sentence. The CX-5 is no sports car, but you can feel some MX-5 DNA sprinkled throughout. Even a task as mundane as tackling an on ramp is revelatory- the chassis responds in high fidelity to subtle changes in your inputs of steering and throttle in a way that some performance-oriented machinery fails to do. The transmission, while only packing six gears, telepathically selects the proper ration for whatever the situation and is satisfyingly playful in Sport mode. The brakes are strong and offer millimeter precision when modulating the pedal- no jerky or abrupt stops here, thank you very much. The engine, however, is the biggest headline grabber. It is neither sonorous nor rev happy, preferring to spend its time spinning close to idle rather than charging to the redline. Still, 310 pounds feet of torque is hard to argue with, and it provides a lusty wave of torque to surf along whether cruising the streets or the highways.
Continuing to focus on its excellent driving dynamics, Mazda engineers have carefully fettled with the recipe that makes the CX-5 such a compelling dish. By far the coolest- and most imperceptible- bit of tech they can boast about is called G-Vectoring Control (GVC.) We think Mazda describes this interesting bit of tech best in their own words: “GVC maximizes tire performance by focusing on the vertical load on the tires. The moment the driver starts to turn the steering wheel, GVC controls engine drive torque to generate a deceleration G-force, thereby shifting load to the front wheels. This increases front-wheel tire grip, enhancing the vehicle’s turn-in responsiveness.” Here’s our translation: Mazda engineers saw an opportunity, however slight and subtle, to make an already excellent handling SUV even better without having to worry about activating it. Your humble author was at a press event years ago where GVC was on full display, and trust us, it works.
You can likely gather from our breathless praise on the overall driving experience that we enjoy piloting the CX-5 at every chance we get, but there’s more than just astute handling that make this SUV such a delight. Mazda has seen to it to outfit the CX-5’s interior in rich surroundings and has so many of its competitors licked when it comes to interior fit and finish and quality of materials. Although Mazda lacks a proper luxury brand, the confines of our CX-5 were exquisite. Mazda has also upped its game with respect to refinement as well. Long a complaint of those who have driven various offerings from the brand over the years, the CX-5’s interior is now pleasingly hushed, with wind and road noise significantly reduced. The loudest noise now comes courtesy of a surprisingly excellent stereo, and the strategically placed speakers mean that the door panels don’t buzz annoyingly when listening to music with heavy bass. The only issues we noted were with the infotainment system- once lauded as one of the best, it’s starting to show its age and doesn’t respond with the crispness you might expect, nor do its menu layouts and screen resolution cause for celebration. We aren’t crazy about Heads Up Displays and grew tired of shutting it off before the beginning of each trip- we wish Mazda would make the default setting off instead of on.
And so, time marches on; seasons change, and all that jazz. Yet some things stay the same, an island of stability amidst the turbulent sea of life. That’s how we’d describe the Mazda CX-5 in a nutshell, and it’s a calming influence that buyers have gravitated towards in droves, making the CX-5 the constant crown jewel in Mazda’s portfolio from a sales perspective. It also doesn’t hurt that it is a blast to drive. If you are in the market for an SUV in this segment, there’s an embarrassment of riches to choose from; but we still maintain that the CX-5 is the cream that never fails to rise to the top. Take one for a drive and see what we mean.
2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design - Specifications
- Price as tested: $46,795
- Body Type: 4-door, 5 passenger SUV
- Powertrain Layout: Front engine/all-wheel drive
- Engine: 2.5-litre turbocharged inline 4, DOHC, 16 valves
- Horsepower: 256 @ 5,000 rpm/227 @ 5,000 rpm (with 87 octane fuel)
- Torque (lb-ft.): 320 @ 2,500 rpm/310 @ 2,000 rpm (with 87 octane fuel)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Curb weight: 1,754 kg (3,866 lbs)
- Observed Fuel consumption: 11.8/100km (20 mpg)