EPA Fuel Economy: 29 MPG Combined

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5L 4-cyl Preferred Plus delivers a combined EPA fuel economy rating of 29 MPG, making it an efficient choice in the compact crossover segment. This rating reflects a balance between city and highway driving, providing owners with realistic expectations for everyday fuel consumption. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission works together to optimize fuel efficiency without sacrificing the performance and reliability Mazda is known for. For drivers seeking a mid-size crossover that doesn’t demand frequent fill-ups, the CX-5 Preferred Plus offers a practical solution that keeps fuel costs manageable while maintaining the cargo space and comfort expected in this vehicle class.

Achieving 29 MPG combined in a crossover of this size represents solid efficiency for modern vehicles. The CX-5’s engineering focuses on lightweight construction and aerodynamic design, contributing to better fuel economy than many of its competitors. The CVT automatic transmission adapts seamlessly to driving conditions, maintaining optimal engine RPMs for fuel conservation. Whether you’re commuting through city streets or taking a highway road trip, the CX-5 Preferred Plus demonstrates Mazda’s commitment to delivering value through efficient fuel consumption, helping you stretch each gallon further and reduce your overall transportation costs.

City vs Highway Performance

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Preferred Plus achieves 26 MPG in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway, a difference of 7 miles per gallon that reflects typical driving patterns across different environments. City driving involves frequent acceleration, deceleration, and idling at traffic lights, which naturally consumes more fuel. The 26 MPG city rating shows the CX-5 handles urban congestion reasonably well, though city fuel economy is always lower than highway figures due to these driving dynamics. Highway driving allows the engine and transmission to operate at steady speeds with minimal throttle adjustment, explaining the improved 33 MPG highway rating. Drivers who spend more time on highways can expect fuel economy closer to the 33 MPG figure, while those navigating primarily urban routes should anticipate consumption near the 26 MPG mark. Most drivers will experience fuel economy somewhere between these two ratings, depending on their specific driving habits and routes.

Annual Fuel Cost

Based on EPA estimates, here’s how to calculate your annual fuel costs for the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Preferred Plus. Using the combined 29 MPG rating with typical annual mileage of 15,000 miles and a gasoline price of $3.50 per gallon, the calculation works as follows:

15,000 miles ÷ 29 MPG = 517 gallons per year

517 gallons × $3.50 per gallon = $1,809.50 annual fuel cost

This means you can expect to spend approximately $1,810 annually on gasoline for the CX-5 Preferred Plus under normal driving conditions. Of course, actual costs will vary based on your local gas prices, driving habits, and annual mileage. Drivers who log significantly more miles than 15,000 annually should adjust this estimate proportionally. Conversely, those driving less than average may see lower annual fuel expenses. Even accounting for potential fluctuations in gas prices, the CX-5’s fuel efficiency helps keep this cost competitive within the crossover category.

Real-World MPG Expectations

While EPA ratings provide a standardized benchmark, real-world MPG figures often vary based on individual driving patterns and conditions. Most CX-5 owners report fuel economy within 1-2 MPG of the EPA estimates, especially when following recommended maintenance schedules and driving conservatively. Aggressive acceleration, excessive idling, and highway speeds above 65 MPH can reduce efficiency, while gentle acceleration and steady speeds improve it. Cold weather driving typically results in slightly lower fuel economy as the engine requires more time to reach optimal operating temperature. Tire pressure also significantly impacts efficiency—keeping tires properly inflated according to Mazda’s specifications helps maintain the rated MPG figures. Highway driving in particular often meets or exceeds the 33 MPG highway rating when drivers maintain consistent speeds and avoid excessive braking.

How It Compares

Compared to similar vehicles in the compact crossover class, the 2025 CX-5 2.5L Preferred Plus performs competitively. The Honda CR-V with a 1.5L turbocharged engine offers 28 MPG combined, slightly less than the CX-5’s 29 MPG. The Toyota RAV4 with its 2.5L engine achieves 28 MPG combined, matching the CR-V’s efficiency. The Hyundai Santa Fe, a slightly larger offering, delivers 27 MPG combined. The CX-5 Preferred Plus positions itself as the efficiency leader among these mainstream options, providing an extra 1-2 MPG advantage that compounds into meaningful fuel savings over time. This efficiency advantage stems from Mazda’s engineering philosophy emphasizing weight reduction and aerodynamics without relying on hybrid or turbocharged powertrains.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

• Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure monthly and keep tires inflated to the PSI specified on the driver’s door jamb, not the tire sidewall. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce MPG.
• Practice Smooth Acceleration: Gradual, gentle acceleration uses less fuel than rapid acceleration. Give yourself time to reach speed smoothly, especially when merging or starting from stops.
• Reduce Idle Time: Excessive idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. Turn off the engine if you expect to wait more than a minute.
• Remove Unnecessary Weight: Clean out your trunk and remove roof racks when not in use. Every 100 pounds of extra weight reduces fuel economy by approximately 1%.
• Regular Maintenance: Keep up with scheduled maintenance, including oil changes with the correct grade oil, engine air filter replacement, and fuel system cleaning. A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of fuel does the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Preferred Plus require?
A: This model runs on regular unleaded gasoline. While it doesn’t require premium fuel, using the recommended octane rating ensures optimal performance and efficiency.

Q: How accurate are EPA fuel economy ratings?
A: EPA ratings are standardized laboratory tests designed to provide fair comparisons between vehicles. Real-world results typically fall within 1-2 MPG of EPA estimates, with variations based on driving conditions, driving style, and maintenance.

Q: Can I improve the CX-5’s fuel economy through modifications?
A: Aftermarket modifications often void warranty coverage and may not improve efficiency. Stick to manufacturer-recommended maintenance and proper driving techniques for the best results.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5L Preferred Plus offers practical fuel economy that balances efficiency with the performance and spaciousness buyers expect from a modern crossover. With its 29 MPG combined rating and reasonable annual fuel costs around $1,810, it represents a smart choice for value-conscious drivers seeking dependable transportation.