2025 Mazda CX-5 Review: Is It Better Than the CR-V?
2025 Mazda CX-5 Review: Is It Better Than the CR-V?
The compact SUV segment continues to be one of the most competitive in the automotive industry, and two of the standout models—Mazda's CX-5 and Honda's CR-V—have long battled for consumer attention. With the release of the 2025 Mazda CX-5, buyers are wondering: is this refreshed model better than the ever-popular Honda CR-V? In this comprehensive 2025 Mazda CX-5 review, we’ll deep-dive into performance, interior quality, safety, tech features, and value to help you decide which model comes out on top.
2025 Mazda CX-5: What’s New?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 benefits from subtle yet meaningful updates that enhance its premium appeal. While it doesn’t come with a full redesign, Mazda has refined the exterior styling, improved interior materials, and upgraded the infotainment system. Notably, Mazda has focused on enhancing ride comfort and noise insulation, addressing one of the few criticisms of previous CX-5 models.
Under the hood, the 2025 CX-5 retains its reliable 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine, now with standard mild-hybrid technology across all trims. This adds a small electric motor to assist with acceleration and improve fuel economy. The base engine produces 187 horsepower, while a turbocharged version—available on select trims—delivers 256 horsepower, making it one of the more powerful engines in its class.
One of the biggest updates is the integration of Mazda’s latest i-Activ AWD system, which now uses predictive algorithms based on weather, road conditions, and driver behavior to optimize traction. This makes the CX-5 more capable in adverse weather and off-road conditions, even though it's primarily designed for on-road use.
Design and Exterior Styling
Mazda has always been known for its Kodo design philosophy—“soul of motion”—and the 2025 CX-5 continues to impress with its sleek, athletic lines. Compared to the previous model, the front fascia has been slightly revised with a bolder grille and updated LED lighting signatures. The overall silhouette remains low and coupe-like, giving it a sportier stance than many of its boxier rivals.
The 2025 model introduces new wheel designs and two exclusive paint options: Rhodium White Pearl and Deep Crystal Blue Mica. These finishes highlight the CX-5’s premium aspirations and enhance its curb appeal. Even in base trim, the CX-5 looks upscale, with tight panel gaps and a polished finish that rivals luxury brands.
In contrast, the 2025 Honda CR-V takes a more practical and modern approach. With its upright grille, larger grille vents, and LED DRLs, the CR-V emphasizes visibility and utility. Its boxier shape maximizes interior space, a hallmark of Honda’s design philosophy. While it's not as visually striking as the CX-5, the CR-V’s design is functional and family-friendly.
When comparing the two, the CX-5 appeals to those who want a stylish, driver-focused SUV, while the CR-V caters to buyers prioritizing space and visibility. If aesthetics matter to you, the CX-5 likely has the edge.
Interior Quality and Comfort
Step inside the 2025 Mazda CX-5, and it’s immediately clear that Mazda has invested heavily in interior refinement. The dashboard features soft-touch materials, real aluminum trim, and available leather upholstery. The layout is minimalist but high-quality, with physical knobs for climate control and a central rotary dial for the infotainment system—features that many appreciate over touch-only interfaces.
The front seats are supportive and come with available 10-way power adjustment and heating/ventilation. Rear seat passengers enjoy ample legroom, though taller adults may find headroom slightly limited due to the sloping roofline. Still, the CX-5 strikes a compelling balance between sportiness and comfort.
Cargo space is 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with the seats folded—a respectable figure, though slightly less than the CR-V. The CX-5’s cargo area is well-shaped and includes underfloor storage, USB ports, and a hands-free liftgate on higher trims.
The 2025 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, shines in interior space and usability. It offers 37.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a cavernous 77.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. Honda’s Magic Seat system also allows for versatile configurations, ideal for hauling large or oddly shaped items.
CR-V’s interior materials have improved significantly in recent years, but they still can’t match the CX-5’s premium feel. Plastics are more prevalent, and the overall ambiance leans more toward practicality than luxury. That said, the CR-V’s upright seating position gives all passengers better visibility, and the rear seat slides and reclines, offering greater flexibility.
If interior luxury is a top priority, the CX-5 wins. But if you need maximum cargo space and seating flexibility, the CR-V takes the crown.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with an 8.8-inch infotainment display controlled via a central rotary knob—Mazda’s signature interface. While some drivers prefer touchscreen operation, the knob allows for distraction-free control while driving. The system runs on Mazda Connect and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wireless on higher trims.
New for 2025 is an updated navigation system with real-time traffic and cloud-based voice recognition. An available 12-speaker Bose audio system delivers crisp, immersive sound, and a head-up display projects key driving information onto the windshield—features that underscore the CX-5’s premium positioning.
Safety tech is also robust. Every CX-5 comes with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A 360-degree camera system is available on higher trims.
The 2025 Honda CR-V counters with a larger 9-inch touchscreen that supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its interface is more modern and intuitive, with physical shortcut buttons for commonly used functions. Honda’s infotainment system also features over-the-air updates and cloud-based navigation.
On the safety front, the CR-V includes Honda Sensing as standard. This suite offers similar features to Mazda’s system, including collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. However, Honda’s lane-centering assist is often praised for being smoother and more reliable in real-world use.
While both SUVs offer comprehensive tech packages, the CR-V edges ahead in infotainment usability, while the CX-5 feels more premium with its Bose audio and head-up display. Neither system is perfect, but your preference may depend on whether you prioritize intuitive tech or high-end features.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Where the 2025 Mazda CX-5 truly excels is in driving dynamics. Mazda has long emphasized the “zoom-zoom” philosophy, and the CX-5 delivers a sporty, engaging drive that’s rare in the compact SUV segment. The suspension is tuned for responsiveness, with minimal body roll and precise steering feedback.
The standard 2.5-liter engine with mild-hybrid assistance now achieves an estimated 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, a modest improvement over the previous model. The turbocharged 2.5T engine, producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque (with premium fuel), offers strong acceleration—0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds—making it a standout in its class.
Transmission is a smooth 6-speed automatic, which downshifts promptly when needed. While some competitors have moved to 8- or 9-speed automatics, Mazda sticks with the 6-speed for better control and responsiveness. The i-Activ AWD system is also highly effective, sending power to the rear wheels under normal conditions and up to 50% when extra traction is needed.
In contrast, the 2025 Honda CR-V is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. While adequate for daily driving, it lacks the punch of the CX-5 Turbo. Honda’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) is tuned for efficiency, resulting in smooth but less engaging performance.
The CR-V’s fuel economy is excellent—30 mpg city and 34 mpg highway—making it a great choice for commuters. However, it feels more like a comfortable cruiser than a driver’s car. The suspension prioritizes comfort over sportiness, which means more body roll in corners and a less connected feel to the road.
If you enjoy spirited driving or live in a region with challenging terrain, the CX-5 is clearly the better choice. But for those who value smooth, efficient driving and low running costs, the CR-V remains a strong contender.
Safety and Crash Ratings
Safety is a critical factor for compact SUV buyers, and both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V perform exceptionally well. The CX-5 has earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), thanks to its strong performance in crash tests and available advanced safety features.
It received top “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories and was praised for its available pedestrian detection system and available front headlights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet released its 2025 ratings, but previous CX-5 models earned a 5-star overall rating.
The 2025 Honda CR-V also holds a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and is expected to receive a 5-star NHTSA rating. Its Honda Sensing suite is standard on all trims, increasing accessibility to life-saving technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
One area where the CR-V may have a slight advantage is in rear seat protection. Its cabin structure and seat design have been optimized for better crash energy management, particularly in side-impact scenarios. However, both vehicles offer excellent protection for occupants, and the difference in real-world safety is likely negligible.
Ultimately, both SUVs are among the safest in their class. Your decision here won’t hinge on safety alone, but it’s reassuring to know that either choice offers top-tier protection.
Fuel Efficiency and Ownership Costs
Fuel economy is another important consideration, especially with fluctuating gas prices. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 with the base 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The turbocharged version drops to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway—still competitive, but less efficient than some rivals.
With the new mild-hybrid system, the CX-5 benefits from improved stop-start functionality and regenerative braking, which helps reduce fuel consumption in city driving. However, drivers seeking maximum efficiency may want to consider hybrid or electric alternatives.
The 2025 Honda CR-V, in comparison, offers slightly better fuel economy with its 1.5T engine: 30 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. But Honda also offers a hybrid version—the CR-V Hybrid—which delivers an impressive 40 mpg combined. This model combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors, providing both power and efficiency.
On ownership costs, both vehicles are known for reliability. According to J.D. Power, Mazda and Honda rank near the top for predicted reliability. Maintenance costs are relatively low for both, though Mazda’s recommended service intervals are slightly longer—every 10,000 miles versus Honda’s 7,500-mile intervals.
Depreciation is another factor. Historically, Honda vehicles tend to hold their value better than Mazdas, though the gap has narrowed in recent years. The CX-5’s premium positioning has helped improve its resale value, especially in higher trims with desirable features.
If fuel efficiency and long-term value are paramount, the CR-V Hybrid may be the better long-term investment. But for those who prefer a more engaging drive and are willing to sacrifice a few mpg, the CX-5 remains a compelling option.
Pricing and Value Comparison
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 starts at $27,950 for the base Sport trim, rising to $38,500 for the top-tier Signature model with the turbo engine and premium features. The turbo upgrade adds around $2,500 to the price, depending on the trim.
Standard features on the base model include LED lighting, cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and the full i-Activsense safety suite. Even at the entry level, the CX-5 feels well-equipped and upscale.
The 2025 Honda CR-V starts at $29,150 for the LX trim, making it slightly more expensive than the CX-5 at the base level. However, the CR-V includes more standard tech, such as a larger touchscreen and standard wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. The CR-V