Discussion NEW Mazda CX-5 – Upgrade or Mistake?

[Admin]

Design & Size: Evolved, Not Ruined​

• The new CX‑5 keeps its signature proportions but is about 4–4.5 inches longer and has a longer wheelbase (~3 inches), translating to more rear legroom and cargo space
• Expect sharper styling: sleeker LED lights, a wider grille, and minimalist body lines reminiscent of the CX‑90, giving it a more modern but still refined Mazda look .

Interior & Tech: Bold Shift​

• Inside, Mazda has largely ditched physical buttons—climate control and settings are now handled via a large touchscreen (12.9″ standard, 15.6″ top trims) and Google‑built infotainment. That’s a radical departure for Mazda .
• Feedback is mixed: while the minimalist design looks clean, some find it overly minimal. Reviews note the infotainment moves away from rotary knobs entirely

Powertrain & Performance: Stability First​

• It retains the proven 2.5 L petrol engine (187 hp), with mild-hybrid tech on tap; a full hybrid arrives in 2027
• Underpinning and driving dynamics are expected to remain sporty, with Mazda preserving its drive-focused heritage

Space & Practicality: Slight Improvements​

• Rear cabin is roomier thanks to the longer wheelbase, but still not among class leaders. Cargo is better, but rivals like CR‑V and RAV4 still offer more

Community Reactions​

From Reddit:

“It’s literally the current CX‑5 body with an artist interpretation front and rear end grafted on.”
“Those headlights scream Nissan to me.”
The redesign is seen as evolutionary—not revolutionary—leading to mixed opinions on styling tweaks, especially the headlights and grille.

Final Verdict​

Not ruined, but evolved. Mazda’s aiming to modernize the CX‑5 with sharper design, bigger interior, and tech upgrades. The biggest departure is the minimalist cockpit with touchscreen dominance—expect lively opinions there. Performance and driving feel remain true to Mazda’s DNA, so if you value that, the new CX‑5 delivers.

 

[Tom]

Totally agree on the exterior and interior design the 2025 Mazda feels noticeably more refined modern and upscale than earlier model years the cleaner styling slimmer lighting and minimalist cabin give it a genuinely premium vibe without looking overdone.
For anyone considering a used Mazda in the US there are a few real world ownership points that frequently come up in discussions suspension components and bushings may show wear earlier than some competitors which can lead to noises over time brake vibration or pedal pulsation is another commonly mentioned complaint and while not typically serious it can be annoying in daily driving infotainment behavior and driver assistance features also appear in owner feedback with occasional glitches or random quirks rather than major failures the start stop system is another area where experiences vary especially for drivers doing mostly short trips
On the positive side the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine continues to have a strong reliability reputation in the American market smooth predictable power delivery no typical turbo related concerns and the engaging driving dynamics Mazda is known for overall it remains an appealing option for buyers who value design driving feel and long term durability even if it is not completely free from minor annoyances.