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What do we want? Cheaper SUVs. When do we want them? Yesterday! Luckily Mazda has been listening to what people actually want. That’s why the 2025 Mazda CX-5 base model is returning, which starts under $30,000. 

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 base model is back 

A majority of automakers have been dropping entry-level trims, meaning you have to start with a more expensive model. Mazda is the first brand to go against this trend by bringing the base model of the Mazda CX-5 back. 

The Mazda CX-5 S was removed in 2024, but it’s back for 2025. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 S starts at $29,990, providing a bargain for under $30,000. 

Prices across the entire lineup have been reduced by about $45 to $1,225. The CX-5 S Select starts at $31,320 with a $645 price cut. The top-spec Turbo Signature trim starts at $42,020 with a $45 price reduction. 

The CX-5 S rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, reclining rear seats, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 parked in the city
2025 Mazda CX-5 | Mazda

Standard safety features include radar-based cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. Plus, AWD is standard across the entire lineup. 

To get more safety features like traffic sign recognition then you will have to sign up for the Mazda Connected Services subscription. A prepaid subscription is $17.70 per month, and a month-to-month subscription is $21.95. 

Moving up to higher trim levels provides access to wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and a wireless phone charging pad. 

The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit with 287 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Upgrading to the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine for up to 256 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Premium fuel is required to achieve these figures with the turbocharged engine. 

With the standard engine, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.8 seconds. It gets there in 6.6 seconds with the turbo. So, there is a noticeable difference. 

The CX-5 S is a near-luxury bargain unless you want more power and tech.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.