The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is just now beginning to make its way to showrooms. But while it will eventually take over the reigns from the outgoing 2025 model, it has to share space with a vast majority of them.

They include the 2025 CX-5 Turbo Signature which is still the most powerful CX-5 available. This turbocharged entry has alot going for it including a newfound value prospective, but is it still a go-to for CX-5 buyer who want more power and are willing to sacrifice tech and a new revamp to do it?

2025 model is like a fine wine

With the 2026 model revamping the CX-5 for the next model year, the 2025 model is like a finely aged bottle of wine. Some buyers might actually like the exterior styling better than the new one with the styling on our Turbo Signature coming with plenty of sporty cues and a healthy amount of chrome and gunmetal trim. Mazda chose to keep updates on this outgoing iteration of CX-5 light for 2025, and this has allowed the CX-5 to retain a high degree of familiarity among consumers. slick looking 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels also enhance its presence

The interior is also unchanged, but Turbo Signature models get real wood trim and soft leather seats that feature a balanced mixture of comfort and support. The older infotainment system is still an annoying but necessary evil, and the CX-5 has plenty of room for passengers in both rows of seats. Fold them down, and the CX-5 can swallow an impressive array of stuff.

Turbo engine is the show stopper

But the biggest reason why some buyers might consider an older Turbo Signature model like our tester is because it has the one thing the 2026 model currently lacks, more power. All 2026 CX-5’s have a 2.5 liter four cylinder that only makes 186 horsepower, but a Turbo Signature like our example has a turbocharged version of this engine that makes 226 hp when provided regular fuel to drink.

But if you’re willing to invest more and give it a steady diet of premium, power goes up to 256 horsepower. The extra power on hand makes the turbo engine the star of the show with our tester having strong acceleration and smooth operation from the engine itself. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission available but the 2026 CX-5 also has a six-speed so there’s not much of a difference there in that regard.

The extra power also helps the CX-5 feel more assertive in corners and it allows you to also have more confidence when exiting out of a tight turn or switchback which is rare in a family SUV. The extra power does come (unsurprisingly) at the cost of fuel economy with the EPA saying a model like our tester can get 22/27/25 mpg in city/freeway/combined driving.

Value Quotient

Pricing for the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is now in a unique place due ot the arrival of the 2026 model. Back when it was new, a base model started at $29,050 for the base model with the bulk of the trim ladder being firmly positioned in the $30,000 range.

The lone exception was the Turbo Signature which had a base price of just over $41,000. Our tester had a final as-tested price of just over $42,000 due to various fees and taxes. However, with the 2026 model now in showrooms, dealerships are now pressed to try and clear as much 2025 inventory as possible.

As a result, savvy customers might be able to score a deal on older inventory and while a Turbo Signature model like our tester is a relatively rare find in that particular regard, a search of 2025 Turbo Signature models on Google revealed one in Pennsylvania for $41,000 but with some negotiations, you could potentially get the price down into the mid $30,000 range which would be a pretty good bargain and that’s before any other dealer discounts to firther entice buyers to help clear their lots.

As for which version of CX-5 you should buy, it ultimately depends on what you ned as a consumer. If you want to go all-in on the new interior tech and are willing to live wih less power, the 2026 CX-5 will fit the bill. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful CX-5 that’s still nicely equipped, we highly suggest looking at a 2025 CX-5 Turbo since it will not have the teething issues a revamped model would have and would be inherently more reliable as a result.