Top 5 Features That Make the Mazda CX-5 the Ideal Crossover SUV
May 12 2025 - Ben Kettle
A red 2025 Mazda CX-5 parked on a driveway.

If you’re in the market for a new compact SUV, you may have noticed that there seem to be infinite options. On the one hand, the popularity of these vehicles, with their loads of room for passengers and cargo alike, makes perfect sense. On the other hand, where does the discerning driver even begin the shopping process?  

You can make the decision easier by looking for a Mazda CX-5 for sale. Though it would be very bold to pretend that any car is right for every driver, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a lot to offer. In fact, it has so many excellent traits that it was hard for us to narrow it down to just the top five. However, we feel pretty confident that our favorite Mazda CX-5 features will get your attention. Just read on.

Top Feature 1 - Two Fantastic Engine Options

In total, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is offered in eight trims. However, the lineup includes two different engine options. The 2.5 S lineup includes the base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium Plus trims. The engine in these models is Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.5L four-cylinder, which provides a brisk 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine is known for its efficiency, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 MPG combined.  

There are also three 2.5 Turbo trims: the Carbon, Premium, and Signature. These models are so named because of the Skyactiv-G 2.5 Turbo engine, which cranks up the thrills with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when provided with 93 octane fuel. When fed a diet of regular 87 octane gasoline, the Turbo models are still very quick, with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque at your disposal.

Regardless of which engine you select, your 2025 CX-5 will come with impeccable driving manners. All eight trims are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with both manual and sport modes. Standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive keeps you balanced in bad weather and rough terrain, and the available Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) technology provides Sport and Off-Road drive modes.

Top Feature 2 - An Elevated Experience in the Base Model

Over the years, many drivers have become accustomed to base models and standard packages that aren’t entirely livable. Mazda agrees that lacking what you need can be a problem; therefore, it has created a base model that covers all of the bases.

Comfort and convenience are two areas in which some auto manufacturers skimp. This is not the case with the 2025 Mazda CX-5. The Mazda Connect Infotainment system is operated via a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen and allows you to connect with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Bluetooth connectivity and HD radio are also standard, allowing you to play your favorite cruising tunes through the four-speaker sound system. The 40/20/40 split rear seats even recline to allow the back-row passengers the chance to relax after a hard day.

While every 2025 CX-5 has its own exterior personality, automatic on/off LED headlamps with High Beam Control, 17-inch gray metallic wheels, and automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers are all standard in the not-so-basic base trim. Peace of mind is also standard across the CX-5 lineup thanks to the i-Activsense suite of safety and driver assistance features. This includes Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Smart Brake Support - Forward.

The black interior in a 2025 Mazda CX-5 for sale.

Top Feature 3 - Super Suave Design

If you’re looking for an SUV that is equally attractive inside and out, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 fully delivers. As you climb the trims, Mazda unlocks more and more elegant and thoughtful design features. For example, the 2.5 S Select trim adds rear privacy glass and auto-leveling headlights, so you’re never left in the dark.  

The CX-5 Carbon Edition may be the most aesthetically pleasing model in the lineup, with its unique exterior styling and exclusive red leather interior accented with red stitching. This trim also steps up to 19-inch black metallic wheels, which coordinate with gloss black body accents.

Drivers who select the CX-5 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim have two exclusive paint colors available: Zircon Sand Metallic or Rhodium White Metallic. The black accents and 19-inch black metallic wheels continue, while the interior is clad in terracotta leather and black suede.  

At the top of the lineup is the CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature, which is well-dressed in silver 19-inch wheels and body-color accents. Inside, you’ll be treated to a unique cabin experience with genuine woodgrain accents, Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, and bright LED interior lighting. Across the lineup, you get a great-looking SUV.

Top Feature 4 - Commitment to Comfort

Each of the 2025 CX-5 trims has its own unique approach toward driver and passenger comfort. The 2.5 S Select upgrades to a six-speaker audio system and adds nice features like dual-zone automatic climate control, Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry, and rear USB-A charging ports. It also dresses the seats up in black leatherette and provides the driver with a six-way power adjustable seat. The driver and front passenger seats are both heated.  

The CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium trim level gains some very nice features that are bound to make life much easier, like heated rear seats, automatic power-folding side mirrors, and a de-icer for your windshield wipers. The 2.5 S Premium Plus is even more user-friendly, with a 360-degree View Monitor along with front and rear parking sensors. At this level, the front seats, rear seats, and steering wheel are all heated, and the front seats are ventilated, as well.  

Top Feature 5 - Total Package Technology

But not all technology is designed to make life easier—sometimes, it’s just there to make life better. Drivers who select the 2.5 S Preferred trim will get life-improving features like a power rear liftgate and power-adjustable seats with driver memory and power lumbar settings. You'll also get to experience a power sliding moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and built-in HomeLink remote connectivity.

The 2.5 S Carbon Edition offers a 10-speaker Bose sound system with Centerpoint and AudioPilot technology to take your tunes to the next level. Not only does the Carbon Edition offer wireless phone charging, but your connection to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also wireless. From a full-color Active Driving Display projected on the windshield to exclusive safety features like the Adaptive Front-Lighting System, the 2.5 S Premium Plus to 2.5 Turbo Signature trims bring your daily commute to an entirely new level.

A person loading a painting into the trunk of a 2025 Mazda CX-5.

Make the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Your Next SUV

For most drivers, it would be hard to choose just five things to love about your favorite car. The same is true of the 2025 Mazda CX-5. With plenty of trims to choose from, engine options that offer a lot of fun without draining your wallet, and an interior designed to help drivers enjoy their time behind the wheel, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 just makes sense on a lot of levels. It’s fun, it’s stylish, and it comes with loads of standard technology to provide you with peace of mind, along with a comfortable seat for your next adventure.