The Mazda CX-5 continues to capture Australian hearts year after year. While many vehicles come and go from the spotlight, this particular mid-size marvel has maintained its position as one of the country’s most cherished family SUVs. There’s something undeniably special about the way Mazda has balanced luxury, performance, and practicality in a package that appeals to such a wide audience.
What makes the CX-5 so enduringly popular with Aussie families? The answer lies not in any single feature but in how thoughtfully everything comes together. From the elegant exterior that turns heads at school drop-offs to the refined interior that makes long country drives a pleasure, the CX-5 delivers an experience that exceeds expectations at its price point.
Eye-Catching Design That Stands the Test of Time
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 carries forward the timeless design language that has kept this model fresh despite competitors constantly nipping at its heels. Unlike some vehicles that scream for attention with over-the-top styling, the CX-5 takes a more sophisticated approach. Its clean lines and perfectly balanced proportions create a silhouette that manages to be both commanding and elegant.
Mazda’s signature KODO design philosophy is evident in every curve and contour. The front fascia features a bold grille flanked by sleek headlights that give the vehicle a purposeful, almost determined expression. The side profile flows seamlessly from front to rear, creating a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary.
What’s remarkable is how the CX-5’s exterior design has evolved rather than revolutionized over the years. Mazda has wisely chosen to refine rather than reinvent, allowing the CX-5 to maintain its distinctive identity while staying current. It’s a vehicle that still looks fresh and contemporary despite a platform that dates back several years.
Interior Comfort: Punching Above Its Weight
Step inside the CX-5, and you might momentarily forget you’re in a mainstream mid-size SUV. The cabin exudes a level of quality and refinement typically associated with vehicles costing significantly more. Soft-touch materials cover frequently touched surfaces, while thoughtfully placed accents add visual interest without appearing gaudy or overdone.
The front seats offer excellent support for longer journeys, with higher trim levels featuring powered adjustment, heating, and even ventilation – a welcome luxury during Australia’s scorching summers. The driving position strikes a nice balance between commanding and comfortable, with excellent visibility in all directions.
In the rear, passengers are treated to decent legroom and headroom, though taller adults might find longer trips a bit snug compared to some competitors. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats offer flexibility when balancing passenger and cargo needs, a thoughtful touch for family adventures.
Technology and Connectivity: Smart but Not Overwhelming
Mazda has taken a refreshingly considered approach to technology in the CX-5. Rather than overwhelming drivers with endless touchscreen menus and digital distractions, the infotainment system strikes a sensible balance between modern connectivity and intuitive usability.
The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch display positioned high on the dashboard for easy viewing without drawing your eyes too far from the road. Unlike many competitors, Mazda employs a rotary controller on the center console for navigating the system – a setup that proves far less distracting once you’ve adapted to it.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the range, allowing seamless integration with your smartphone. The system responds promptly to inputs and offers crisp graphics, though some may find the interface less immediately intuitive than pure touchscreen alternatives.
Higher trim levels receive an upgraded Bose sound system that delivers impressive audio quality, transforming your daily commute into a more enjoyable experience. Throughout the cabin, USB ports and thoughtfully placed storage areas accommodate the devices and items modern families can’t live without.
Performance: Balanced and Engaging
The driving experience is where the CX-5 truly differentiates itself from many competitors. While most family SUVs prioritize comfort to the detriment of engagement, Mazda has somehow managed to deliver a vehicle that’s both comfortable and genuinely enjoyable to drive.
The 2025 lineup offers several engine choices to suit different preferences and budgets. The entry-level 2.0-liter petrol engine produces 115kW and 200Nm – adequate for urban duties but perhaps a bit stretched on faster country roads with a full load. Moving up to the more common 2.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol brings a welcome boost to 140kW and 252Nm, providing more confident overtaking and hill-climbing ability.
For those seeking maximum performance, the turbocharged 2.5-liter tops the range with 170kW and a substantial 420Nm of torque, delivering surprisingly spirited acceleration that belies the CX-5’s practical nature. All engines pair with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission that strikes a good balance between responsiveness and refinement.
Regardless of engine choice, the CX-5’s chassis deserves special mention. The steering offers precision and feedback rarely found in this segment, while the suspension manages to absorb bumps without feeling floaty or disconnected. Body roll is well controlled through corners, creating a sense of confidence that encourages you to take the scenic route home.
Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most
When it comes to family vehicles, safety is non-negotiable, and the CX-5 delivers comprehensive protection for all occupants. The extensive safety suite includes features that would have been considered premium exclusives just a few years ago.
Standard across the range are technologies like Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision at lower speeds. Lane Departure Warning alerts you if you’re drifting from your lane, while Lane-keep Assist can gently guide you back.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-start traffic, reducing driver fatigue on longer journeys. Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert provide additional awareness of vehicles you might otherwise miss.
Higher trim levels add front parking sensors and Cruising & Traffic Support, Mazda’s version of level 2 autonomous driving technology that can assist with steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions. However, it’s worth noting that while the CX-5 previously held a five-star ANCAP safety rating, this expired at the end of 2023 due to ANCAP’s six-year limit on ratings.
Practicality: Everyday Usability
As a family vehicle, the CX-5’s practicality extends beyond just its safety credentials. The boot offers 442 liters of space with all seats in place, expanding to a more generous capacity when the rear seats are folded. While not class-leading in terms of raw numbers, the thoughtfully shaped cargo area proves surprisingly accommodating for weekly grocery shops, sporting equipment, or holiday luggage.
Throughout the cabin, clever storage solutions abound – from reasonably sized door pockets to a practical center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. Rear seat passengers benefit from air vents on higher trim levels, along with USB charging ports to keep devices powered up.
Parents with young children will appreciate the easily accessible ISOFIX anchor points for child seats, while the CX-5’s slightly elevated ride height makes loading and unloading little ones less of a back-straining exercise than in lower vehicles.
Variants and Value: Finding Your Perfect Match
The 2025 CX-5 range offers impressive breadth, starting with the Maxx at around $36,950 before on-road costs and climbing to approximately $55,000 for the fully-loaded Akera. Between these bookends lie several well-considered variants that allow buyers to find the sweet spot for their budget and requirements.
The entry-level Maxx, while more basic, still includes key safety technologies and essential comfort features. Stepping up to the Maxx Sport brings additions like dual-zone climate control and satellite navigation, while the Touring adds leather seat trim and front parking sensors.
The sport-focused GT SP injects some visual excitement with black exterior accents and red stitching inside, while the range-topping Akera leaves little to be desired with its premium Nappa leather, 360-degree camera system, and adaptive LED headlights.
Across the range, the CX-5 represents solid value when compared to both mainstream rivals and premium alternatives. While the sticker price might be slightly higher than some competitors, the combination of standard equipment, build quality, and driving experience makes a compelling argument for the investment.
Ownership Costs: The Long-Term Perspective
Buying a new vehicle is just the beginning of the ownership journey, and here the CX-5 continues to make a strong case for itself. Mazda backs the vehicle with a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty and five years of roadside assistance, providing peace of mind for family buyers.
Servicing intervals have recently increased from 10,000km to 15,000km, reducing the frequency of workshop visits for many owners. Mazda offers capped-price servicing for the first seven services, totaling approximately $3,000 over that period – a competitive figure for the segment.
Fuel economy varies significantly depending on engine choice and driving conditions. The 2.0-liter petrol is the most frugal at around 6.9L/100km (claimed combined), while the turbo-petrol variant’s thirst increases to about 8.2L/100km on paper and potentially higher in real-world driving.
Resale value has traditionally been a CX-5 strong point, with the model holding its value better than many competitors. This often-overlooked aspect of ownership can significantly impact the total cost over a typical three to five-year ownership period.
The Driving Experience: Where the Magic Happens
Numbers and specifications tell only part of the story. What truly sets the CX-5 apart is how it feels when you’re behind the wheel – something that can’t be adequately conveyed through a brochure or website.
The driving position is spot-on, with clear instrumentation and well-placed controls falling easily to hand. Vision outward is excellent, with pillars that don’t create significant blind spots and a commanding view of the road ahead. The steering wheel feels substantial in your hands, communicating just enough of what the front wheels are doing without becoming tiresome on longer drives.
Moving off, the transmission engages smoothly, and the CX-5 builds speed in a linear, predictable fashion. Around town, the suspension absorbs the imperfections of urban roads without fuss, while still maintaining enough control to prevent the body from floating over larger undulations.
It’s on winding country roads where the CX-5 really distinguishes itself from the pack. The chassis feels cohesive and composed, with a natural balance that inspires confidence. Corners can be taken with surprising enthusiasm, the body remaining level and the tires maintaining grip in a way that defies the practical nature of the vehicle.
This driving engagement doesn’t come at the expense of refinement. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, making conversation easy even at highway speeds. The engines, particularly the larger units, provide a pleasant soundtrack when pushed but fade into the background during steady cruising.
Why Australians Keep Coming Back
The Mazda CX-5’s continued popularity in the fiercely competitive Australian market speaks volumes about its overall package. While it may not lead every statistical category, it excels in the subjective aspects that make ownership genuinely pleasurable – the quality of materials, the thoughtfulness of design, and the joy of driving.
For families seeking a mid-size SUV that doesn’t force them to choose between practicality and driving pleasure, the CX-5 remains a compelling proposition. It successfully bridges the gap between mainstream and premium offerings, delivering an experience that feels special without breaking the bank.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve with electrification and autonomous technology, the current CX-5 represents something of a sweet spot – modern enough to include the features and safety technology families expect, but focused on the fundamentals of what makes a great car: how it looks, how it feels, and how it drives.
This winning formula ensures that even as newer competitors arrive with flashier technology or more radical styling, the Mazda CX-5 continues to earn its place as one of Australia’s favorite automobiles – not through gimmicks or marketing, but through the genuine quality of the experience it delivers every day.
FAQs
Is the Mazda CX-5 good for families?
Absolutely! With strong safety features, comfortable seating, and versatile cargo space, the CX-5 accommodates families brilliantly while offering a more engaging driving experience than many competitors.
What’s the fuel economy like in real-world driving?
Expect around 7-8L/100km for the 2.0L engine in mixed driving, 8-9L/100km for the 2.5L, and 9-10L/100km for the turbo variant – figures that may increase in heavy traffic or enthusiastic driving.
How reliable is the Mazda CX-5?
The CX-5 has built a solid reputation for reliability, with few major issues reported across its lifecycle and strong owner satisfaction ratings.
Does the CX-5 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all variants of the 2025 Mazda CX-5.
How often does the CX-5 need servicing?
Service intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first – an improvement over the previous 10,000km intervals.
Is the CX-5 good for long trips?
With comfortable seats, refined ride quality, and efficient cruise control systems, the CX-5 excels on longer journeys.
What’s the warranty coverage?
Mazda offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty and five years of roadside assistance on the CX-5.
Should I choose AWD or FWD?
Front-wheel drive is adequate for most urban and highway driving with slightly better fuel economy, while all-wheel drive provides extra confidence in wet conditions or on loose surfaces.
How does the CX-5 compare to the Toyota RAV4?
The RAV4 offers hybrid options and slightly more space, while the CX-5 delivers superior interior quality and a more engaging driving experience.
Is a new CX-5 coming soon?
A new generation CX-5 is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, likely featuring hybrid technology and Mazda’s latest design language.
Also Read: Isuzu D-MAX: The new kid on the block, for Australian work Utes