Had been looking for a new car after a life changing career change that had me making less than ever before. After driving premium German cars for the past 10+ years it was hard to find something even close on my budget. That all changed when I went to look at a Mazda CX-5! It is sporty, amazing turbo charged engine, upscale inside and out all packaged at an amazing value. It truly reminded me of my previous BMW X3 in so many ways but not the price. The features included in the Turbo Premium AWD model I purchased was endless. Love the rain sensing wipers, heated & cooled seats, heated steering wheel, real leather seats, all the standard safety, Bose stereo, 360 camera, and so much more. Love the way it drives and rides all while feeling like a German car. My experience at the dealership was also more like a high end car marker, while making you feel welcome and valued.

I have the Premium Plus. Non-turbo, but I don't really feel like I'm missing anything. It still has a "Sport" setting, in case I want to be peppier. It is truly a great ride and a beautiful car. Remarkably quiet and smooth. Nice, comfortable leather seats. Great Bose sound system. Good smart features. The blind spot beeping was annoying, but I was able to turn it off (you can turn off many of the sound and a few of the safety features). Way easier to learn the features than my old Acura, which I drove for 11 years, and it still confused me. The reason why I didn't rate the interior and comfort as a 5 star is because 1) it needs a little more armrest and compartment space, than it currently has, 2) the cupholder is set back in front of the arm rest, making it a little tough to get the beverage, and use that small armrest properly, 3) Once you sync your IPhone to the car, apple play takes over and its really tough to get out of it to use non-apple features like Sirius or the radio (yes, the radio!), and 4) it could use a little ambient lighting (but there are built-in areas so you can retro-fit).

This is my 3rd NEW CX5 non Turbo and by far #1- 2025 is a GREAT year with suspension, transmission and engine improvements- If you appreciate precision feedback , handling , suspension , brakes - Then you might start looking here. The vehicle interior is second to none at any cost and the build quality is as well. Approaching 10K miles on my 25 and no issues. I will say with these high compression engines (13-1 )- premium 91 + fuel is a must - turbo or not - As well The break in takes up to 20K miles before it will deliver the power its capable of - that said - Its reliable , easy to maintain - and for me has a timing chain ( no rubber belt ) and a real 6speed traditional step transmission as opposed to many other brands that are dropping cheap short lived CVT transmissions in the drivetrain - Mazda is using old school tried and tested technology. - I can yield at least 35 mpg if I keep it under 75 mph - and with a 15.3 gallon tank thats a lot of miles ! If you need a massive people / pet hauler - possibly look elsewhere- All models have AWD which has adaptive magnetic lockout which means little to no wear as it goes from 90% front -10% rear -- to 50%-50% depending on road conditions -- Just a great vehicle - If you are dead set on a competitor ( and there are many ) at least drive the CX5 before you decide- it may be your last stop - If you want power -- Get the turbo - I prefer the non-turbo as with premium fuel Im good with around 200 hp - The Turbo can get you over 250 Hp both 4 cylinder engines .