The Mazda CX-5 is not a crossover cliche
The phrase “affordable luxury” has become nearly cliché when describing the entrants in the crossover world, but few of these entries actually earn it. While venerable stalwarts like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 have top-spec trim levels that feature luxurious amenities like leather seating, heated/ventilated seats, and premium audio systems, neither of them has the same panache and elegance that the Mazda CX-5 exudes, at least when it comes to their interiors.
Joe Santos
I spent a week with the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition, and it reminded me of why this sporty little SUV has such a loyal following. The Carbon Edition isn’t just about the unique paint job, black trim accents, and black wheels; it’s Mazda doubling down on the idea that you can feel special behind the wheel without stretching your budget into luxury-car territory. When you open the door, the Mazda CX-5 greets you with red leather seats that look and feel more premium than the car’s price point entails. The stitching is tight, and there are soft-touch materials everywhere your hands naturally fall. Even the switchgear has a touch of class to it.
Overall, the CX-5 has a simplistic cabin design that feels curated, as if someone edited out the unnecessary features and left the things that count. After all, luxury isn’t just about the features a car has; it’s about the atmosphere and the way the car makes you feel, not only when you drive it but even when you’re sitting in it. The CX-5 Carbon Edition nails that atmosphere with its dark accents and sleek curves, with an additional sense of calm that borders on premium. You would never guess that this SUV belongs in the same segment where hard plastics and a utilitarian layout are still common.
That said, the CX-5’s interior ambiance is only part of the equation. The real question is whether the Carbon Edition enhances the driving experience in a way that feels worthy of the moniker.
A true driver’s SUV
The Mazda CX-5 has always been a driver’s car compared to others in its class. Although the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are comfortable to drive, neither of them exudes the same type of sporty characteristics that the CX-5 has. The steering is precise, the body stays flat through the turns, and there’s a sense of balance that makes the CX-5 feel smaller than it actually is.
Joe Santos
Is it fast? With the turbocharged engine, yes. The CX-5 Carbon Edition can be equipped with either the base naturally aspirated engine, which produces 185 horsepower, or the upgraded turbocharged one. My test car had the latter, which sends 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Overall, the car’s power is more than adequate for daily driving, especially if it includes highway sprints and the need to pass slower cars. Mazda tuned the powertrain to respond naturally, which gives it seamless off-the-line power and plenty of traction.
On the highway, the CX-5’s cabin stays surprisingly quiet for a mainstream crossover. I couldn’t detect much wind or road noise, which resulted in a subtle hum that feels expensive.
Simple, clean technology that’s slightly annoying
While some automakers are making an effort to erase physical buttons from their cars, Mazda stuck to the tried-and-true method of using buttons and a crisp infotainment screen. The buttons operate the HVAC controls, and a rotary knob controls the screen. While I can hand it to Mazda for keeping the center console minimalistic, I find the rotary knob to be annoying to use, especially while driving. Instead of using a simple touchscreen, which is easy to operate, you have to twist the large knob to navigate between screens, which requires you to take your eyes off the road for seconds at a time.
Mazda
Otherwise, the car’s Bose premium audio system sounds utterly amazing, which increases the luxurious vibe, and the driver-assist features ensure your safety while driving. It has all the usual features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, which all work smoothly without being intrusive.
The CX-5 is practical enough for the daily drive
Although the CX-5 won’t win the cargo war against the Honda CR-V, it has plenty of room for groceries, weekend trips, and large suitcases. Rear-seat space is adequate rather than generous, and the front seat area is spacious for two adults. However, I would have liked more thigh support from the front seats.
Regardless, where the CX-5 Carbon Edition shines is in its everyday demeanor. It feels upscale each time you climb into it, and the materials don’t wear on you. The driving experience isn’t fatiguing, and it’s the kind of crossover that you can drive every day and not feel like you are compromising on practicality.
Joe Santos
Final thoughts
Ultimately, I think the Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition makes luxury feel attainable, especially compared to other vehicles in its class. The Carbon Edition adds enough visual flair and interior richness to elevate the CX-5 without inflating its price into luxury-car territory. If you are someone who wants a crossover that feels special, looks sharp, and still lands comfortably in the “consumer-friendly” price range, the CX-5 Carbon hits the mark.
This upper trim level is proof that attainable luxury doesn’t need chrome badges or massive screens. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a thoughtful design, good materials, and a driving experience that respects the person behind the wheel.