The CX-5 sells nicely for Mazda. So nicely that they hold it of their lineup alongside the equally sized CX-50. We’d find it irresistible as a lot as they do. Each one we’ve pushed has put smiles on our faces.
We particularly like them for his or her sporty driving dynamics. And we frequently say it drives extra like a automobile than an SUV. Nonetheless, we additionally recognize that Mazda offers patrons a alternative between two powertrains. Most opponents within the phase now not do that.
Mazda’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine places out 187 horsepower. This provides energy to a number of trim ranges, from the entry-level base mannequin to Premium Plus. Then Mazda ups the ante with its 2.5-liter turbocharged possibility. This engine gives drivers a beneficiant 256 horsepower on the Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Signature trims.
So, let’s have a look at which possibility is perhaps best for you.
What’s the Worth Distinction?
For the 2025 Mazda CX-5, $30,265 will get you right into a 2.5 S. That comes with the 187-horsepower variant. The upper you climb the trim ladder, the extra you’ll pay, however you additionally get extra in-cabin facilities. The best trim with the naturally aspirated powertrain is the two.5 S Premium Plus. It begins at $36,895.
Beginning worth on the least costly turbocharged mannequin, the two.5 Carbon Turbo, is $38,695. For the highest of the turbo line, you’re a $42,295 price ticket.
Which Is Extra Environment friendly?
gas financial system numbers, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 shouldn’t make you’re feeling too skittish to take some street journeys. The two.5-liter base engine will get 23 metropolis/29 freeway, and 25 mpg mixed. It’s not a hybrid, however these numbers aren’t dangerous.
Nonetheless, should you improve to the Most popular, Carbon Version, or Premium Plus trims, you’ll get Mazda’s i-Cease cylinder deactivation expertise, which improves these numbers. Now you’re 26 metropolis/30 freeway and 28 mpg mixed.
For those who purchase a turbocharged mannequin, then these numbers drop to 22 metropolis/27 freeway/24 mixed mpg.
Shopping for the turbocharged possibility will solely price you $300 extra a 12 months in gas than probably the most environment friendly different, the naturally aspirated engine with cylinder deactivation. You’re $100 distinction yearly between the 2 naturally aspirated engine choices.

Which Is Quicker?
All one must do is have a look at the horsepower quantity to know the way to reply this query. Clearly, the turbocharged Mazda CX-5 engine is faster off the road than its naturally aspirated cousin.
Evaluating torque numbers is one other good indicator of quickness. Torque is a measurement of twist or drive and is what, as Steppenwolf would have stated, will get the motor operating.
The two.5-liter makes 186 pound-feet of torque, and the two.5 turbo makes simply shy of double that at 310 lb-ft. For those who go for premium gas within the turbo fashions, that quantity can rise to 320 lb-ft. These are substantial torque figures for this phase.
Each engines mate to a well-tuned six-speed automated transmission, which distributes that energy easily. All CX-5s come customary with AWD. This offers you thrust in any respect 4 corners of the automobile, serving to put all that energy the place you need it most: on the bottom.
Which Mazda CX-5 Engine Is Greatest?
The reply to this query depends upon your private preferences. As Mazda tends to make automobiles and crossovers with sporty driving dynamics and punchy powertrains, some patrons is perhaps extra within the CX-5 for these attributes. Right here, a superb argument will be made for the two.5-liter turbocharged possibility.
Nonetheless, as a result of Mazda imbues even their lower-powered automobiles with wonderful suspension tuning, sharp steering really feel, and dealing with match for a sportier automobile, that is perhaps sufficient to scratch the occasional spirited driving itch, with out the necessity for additional energy.
If that’s the case, then the Most popular or the Carbon Version with the non-turbo 2.5-liter is perhaps the candy spot right here. You’ll get that cylinder deactivation software program that affords you higher gasoline mileage, and also you’ll get a decrease sticker worth. Looks like a win-win.
