Mazda continues to be a brand that excites me every time a loaner arrives in my driveway, and that's an interesting realization because I usually gravitate toward tech, power, and fuel efficiency above all else. Yet Mazda blends these elements together in a way that's ultimately practical and beneficial to the driver - and they do it with a refreshing no-bullshit approach that I genuinely appreciate.
Do You Like Road Trips?
- Engaging driving dynamics that make daily commutes and weekend getaways genuinely enjoyable
- Standard all-wheel drive capability for confident handling in varied weather and light off-road scenarios
- Practical size that works for urban parking while offering enough space for road trip gear
- Mazda's no-nonsense approach to quality and reliability without premium brand posturing
- Advanced driver assistance features that enhance safety without overwhelming the driving experience
- Returning to Where My Mazda Journey Began
- Real-World Driving Experience That Partners With You
- Mazda Intelligent Drive Select Enhances Weekend Capability
- Interior Comfort and Technology That Prioritizes Driving
- Safety Technology That Works Unobtrusively
- Design That Avoids Attention-Seeking Trends
- Looking Ahead to July 10 and Current Value
- The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus Remains A Great Choice For Men Looking For A Compact and Sporty SUV
- For more information about the 2025 Mazda CX-5, visit the official Mazda CX-5 page.
Returning to Where My Mazda Journey Began
It's been several years since I've had a chance to drive the CX-5, having spent time rotating through Mazda's bigger offerings - the CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90. While all of those SUVs are newer to the lineup and undeniably fun to drive, they're less sporty than this CX-5 that served as my first introduction to Mazda all the way back in 2017. That feels like a virtual eternity in automotive terms, but everything I loved about the CX-5 back then, I still love today.
The 2025 CX-5 Premium Plus demonstrates why this compact crossover remains a compelling choice. The Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, delivering that same engaging driving experience that originally won me over. You could compare Mazda to BMW and Mercedes in terms of driving dynamics, but Mazda as a brand feels more confident - they don't need fancy labels to define them because they're simply great cars to drive.
Real-World Driving Experience That Partners With You
What continues to impress me about the CX-5 is how it maintains that sportiness, nimble driving experience, and remarkable quietness that creates the feeling this is a partner in your journey rather than just a car to control. The steering provides genuine feedback, and the suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort during long road trips and responsiveness when you encounter twisty backroads.
The standard i-Activ all-wheel drive system adds year-round confidence while achieving EPA estimates of 26 mpg city and 30 mpg highway - exactly the kind of practical efficiency blend that makes Mazda's approach so appealing for active professionals who need capability for both daily driving and weekend adventures.
Mazda Intelligent Drive Select Enhances Weekend Capability
The Premium Plus trim includes Mazda's Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. This isn't gimmicky technology - Sport mode genuinely sharpens the driving experience for spirited drives, while Off-Road mode adjusts systems for light trail duty or challenging weather such as snow or maybe driving on the beach in Daytona.
I had to chuckle a bit, though, because putting an off-road mode just seemed a bit silly for what is clearly a pavement vehicle. However, I suppose for guys trips to mountain destinations in winter or family road trips where you need to travel up a muddy road this versatility could prove to be genuinely useful.
Interior Comfort and Technology That Prioritizes Driving
The Premium Plus cabin prioritizes driver comfort with heated and ventilated front seats that offer excellent support during long-distance travel. Heated rear seats ensure passenger comfort, and there's practical space for two adults up front with room for bags in the back - or maybe a couple of kids for shorter road trips.
Regarding the infotainment system, I'll be honest about this area where opinions diverge. While I continue to prefer the puck-based navigation over the touchscreen approach that most manufacturers have adopted, when comparing Mazda to its competitors, their infotainment system doesn't feel as modern in design or as intuitive. The 7-inch LCD multi-information display and Active Driving Display provide useful information, but the overall interface feels dated compared to newer systems.
However, this doesn't bother me in the CX-5 because I find myself rarely looking at the screen - I'm too focused on the fun of driving. The wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity work well when needed, and practical features like the 360-degree view monitor and parking sensors enhance daily usability without demanding constant attention.
I'd still love to see Mazda introduce more advanced HUD technology and hands-free driving capabilities in future iterations, but the current setup works fine when your priority is the driving experience rather than digital engagement.
Safety Technology That Works Unobtrusively
Mazda's i-Activsense safety suite comes standard, including features like Advanced Smart City Brake Support with pedestrian detection, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go. These systems work quietly in the background, providing assistance when needed without constantly interrupting the driving experience - exactly how I prefer safety technology to behave.
Design That Avoids Attention-Seeking Trends
The CX-5's exterior design language remains timelessly attractive without chasing current styling fads. The Premium Plus rides on 19-inch gray metallic wheels that provide an upscale appearance while maintaining ride quality. This is a vehicle that looks great without trying too hard to make a statement - perfect for professionals who want quality without ostentation.
Looking Ahead to July 10 and Current Value
While Mazda has done an excellent job keeping the CX-5 updated, there are definitely areas where I'm excited for future developments. I'd love to see a hybrid powertrain option and more advanced tech integration. With Mazda's introduction of their new model on July 10, we're looking forward to seeing what they have in store - who knows, we may get some of those improvements I'm dreaming of.
However, the practical reality is that starting at $35,400 for the Premium Plus, this represents outstanding value for anyone seeking something compact, fun to drive, and genuinely capable. Even while anticipating future enhancements, the current CX-5 delivers exactly what active professionals need today.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus Remains A Great Choice For Men Looking For A Compact and Sporty SUV
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus succeeds because it focuses on what actually matters - that engaging driving experience, practical capability, and reliable quality delivered with Mazda's characteristic confidence. This is a crossover for drivers who want substance over style, offering excellent capability for diverse scenarios while maintaining the sporty character that makes every drive enjoyable.
For active professionals seeking a vehicle that enhances rather than numbs the driving experience while providing real-world practicality, the CX-5 Premium Plus continues to hit that sweet spot between affordability and genuine driving satisfaction.
