Despite being long in the tooth, the second-generation Mazda CX-5—now in its ninth model year—personifies the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra. With incremental and subtle updates over its life cycle, it stayed relevant by offering not just luxury-car refinement and driving dynamics, but also what people appreciated in old-school luxury before the big push for technology and gimmicks: solid build quality and a sense of interaction that doesn’t leave you feeling disconnected. This alone is enough to make the the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design feel like it hasn’t aged a day.

What’s new for 2025?

For 2025, Mazda focuses on providing more value by offering more standard features throughout the CX-5 lineup. All-wheel-drive, Mi-Drive (sport/off-road modes) and G-Vectoring Control Plus have been standard across the lineup for a few years now. In terms of safety features, all trims now come standard with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist with departure warning, and forward collision alert with pedestrian detection. Following customer demand, Mazda finally also gave all trims a touchscreen centre display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now standard from the GS trim and above.

Is the Mazda CX-5 still a looker?

As much as we genuinely liked last year’s Suna Edition tester, that trim level only came in the Zircon Sand Metallic on Terracotta colour combo. On the other hand, the Sport Design trim offers a wider range of exterior colours with the same accoutrements as the Suna; this particular tester was finished in Soul Red Crystal, which shines like no other metallic red out there. There’s so much depth and richness to it in the right light. The matte plastic exterior bits normally seen on lower trim CX-5s are finished in gloss black here, adding to the upscale and sleek exterior vibe. If there was one criticism, it would be the chrome hockey stick-like trim on the lower half of the greenhouse; it sticks out like a sore thumb with no other bright trim on the body to match. Otherwise, the CX-5’s styling is still well-executed and fresh overall, despite being on the market for nearly a decade.

Engine, driving impressions, and fuel economy

Powering this CX-5 Sport Design is Mazda’s turbocharged 2.5-litre SkyActiv four-cylinder engine, making 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with 93-octane fuel, and 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87. Either pair of numbers is more than plenty in this compact crossover segment. Lesser-trim CX-5s still offer a normally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder engine.

In an age where everyone seems to have a billion-speed automatic or a CVT, Mazda kept the six-speed automatic around through all this time. It does an excellent job utilizing the gobs of torque available from this motor and always seems to be in the right gear at all times. Although the CX-5 can really pick-up the pace, this engine when pushed to the limit feels a bit dull in the pursuit of refinement, preferring being driven at six-tenths at best. On fuel economy, the CX-5 Sport Design is far from a fuel miser, but still produces acceptable numbers especially given the power and torque on tap. Officially, it’s rated at 10.8 L/100 kilometres in the city, 8.7 highway, and 9.8 combined. I averaged a thirstier 11.5 L/100 km combined, attributed to my mostly city driving and heavy right foot.

In terms of ride quality and comfort, the CX-5 is certainly on the sporty side in this segment. While competitors such as the Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4 offer a more plush and cushy ride, the CX-5 caters to those who want something more firm, connected, and sure-footed. In terms of sound isolation, it is one of the best in this segment thanks to the extensive use of sound-deadening throughout the vehicle and noise-isolating glass all around, even on the entry-level GX trim.

Interior style, tech, and practicality

Considering this is where you’d spend the most time, you will never be disappointed spending your daily commutes inside the CX-5. The high-quality interior makes it among the best in the non-luxury segment and that continues with the Sport Design trim. Build quality is solid with nice touch-points and a good use of soft-touch materials spread throughout the cabin. The rear door panels also receive the same attention-to-detail as the front doors, with the same soft touch points on the top of the door cards while yet hard wearing plastics adorn the bottom. The black cloth headliner treatment is icing on the cake, making one feel that their hard-earned money is well spent. If there is one criticism, we wish these seats were less firm as they do get uncomfortable after very long drives, unfortunate for an otherwise top-notch interior.

All CX-5s regardless of trim level come standard with a centre touchscreen, but the 10.25-inch display still feels slightly awkward to interact with. Considering it was originally designed to be solely used with the rotary dial button on the centre console, it is still a nice addition since most people’s habit nowadays is to start interacting with screens. For those that are old-school, the rotary dial is still present and is easy enough to get accustomed to, and quite frankly, it keeps those greasy fingerprints off the screen.

Despite being on the smaller side of this competitive segment, the CX-5 still seats four adults comfortably, but cargo volume falls short. The Honda CR-V, for instance, can swallow 1,112 litres with the rear seats up, and 2,166 with them folded. The CX-5 on the other hand only accommodates 875 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,687 L when folded. With that said, it’s bigger than most “subcompact” crossovers out there, and unless your vehicle is an extension of your living room, the CX-5 is honestly plenty roomy for most people.

Is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 worth it?

Mazda offers seven trim levels to choose from in the CX-5 portfolio, plenty of options to satisfy various consumer wants and needs. Pricing for the CX-5 starts at $32,550 for the base GX model and stretches all the way to $45,200 for the top of the line Signature model. This Sport Design trim sits near the top of the lineup, at $44,200 as-tested. Regardless of what trim level you choose, you’ll be greeted with the same core driving dynamics and solid build quality throughout the lineup.

Despite being on sale for nine model years, people still gravitate to the tried-and-true CX-5. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Sport Design is a good example of constantly building upon a solid foundation, with many incremental yet meaningful changes made throughout its life cycle. It continues to offer their good overall value through solid build quality, above average performance and an exterior that still manages to withstand the test of time.