When choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Nissan Leaf, buyers must consider key factors such as performance, technology, efficiency, and safety features. While the Mazda CX-5 offers an engaging driving experience with its combustion engine, the Nissan Leaf provides an eco-friendly alternative with its all-electric powertrain. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to determine which vehicle suits your lifestyle better.
1. Performance Comparison
2025 Mazda CX-5
- Engine Options: 2.5L 4-cylinder (187 hp) or turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder (256 hp with premium fuel)
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Standard front-wheel drive (FWD), available all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Fuel Economy: 24-26 MPG city / 30-33 MPG highway (varies by trim)
- Driving Dynamics: Sporty handling with Mazda’s signature G-Vectoring Control Plus
2025 Nissan Leaf
- Powertrain: Fully electric motor
- Battery Options: Standard 40 kWh (147 hp, 150 miles range) or 60 kWh (214 hp, 215 miles range)
- Transmission: Single-speed direct-drive
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) only
- Charging: Level 2 charging (7-8 hours) and DC fast charging (80% in 40 minutes)
- Driving Experience: Smooth and silent acceleration with e-Pedal regenerative braking
Winner
If you prioritize fuel efficiency and performance, the CX-5 takes the lead. If you want zero emissions and instant torque, the Leaf is the better choice.
2. Interior and Comfort
2025 Mazda CX-5
- Seating: Spacious for five passengers
- Material: Available leather seats, real wood trim in premium trims
- Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Cargo Space: 30.8 cubic feet (59.3 with seats folded)
2025 Nissan Leaf
- Seating: Also spacious for five passengers
- Material: Cloth seats in base trims, leather in higher trims
- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Cargo Space: 23.6 cubic feet (30.0 with seats folded)
Winner
The Mazda CX-5 provides a more premium interior with better cargo capacity, making it a more practical choice.
3. Technology and Infotainment
2025 Mazda CX-5
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 10-speaker Bose audiosystem (optional)
- Heads-up display (HUD)
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Navigation with real-time traffic updates
2025 Nissan Leaf
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 7-speaker Bose audio system (optional)
- Digital instrument cluster
- NissanConnect EV telematics for charging status and remote access
- ProPILOT Assist for semi-autonomous driving
Winner
The CX-5 has a more sophisticated infotainment system, but the Leaf’s EV telematics is an excellent bonus for electric vehicle owners.
4. Safety and Driver Assistance
2025 Mazda CX-5
- Mazda i-Activsense safety suite
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic emergency braking
2025 Nissan Leaf
- Nissan Safety Shield 360
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Rear automatic braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- High-beam assist
Winner
Both cars have sophisticated safety features, but the Nissan Leaf’s standard safety tech is ever so slightly more comprehensive.
5. Price and Value
2025 Mazda CX-5
- Base Trim: $28,000 (est.)
- Fully Loaded: $40,000+
2025 Nissan Leaf
- Base Trim: $29,000 (est.)
- Fully Loaded: $38,000
Winner
The Mazda CX-5 offers better performance and luxury for the price, but the Nissan Leaf qualifies for EV tax credits, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Nissan Leaf cater to different buyers. If you value a fun-to-drive SUV with premium features and AWD, the CX-5 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer an eco-friendly, zero-emission vehicle with lower operating costs, the Nissan Leaf is ideal.For daily commuting and city driving, the Leaf’s electric efficiency is unbeatable. However, for road trips, all-weather performance, and a more refined interior, the CX-5 takes the lead. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritize performance and luxury or sustainability and savings.
FAQs
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 or the Nissan Leaf?
The Nissan Leaf is fully electric, meaning it has zero fuel consumption, making it the more efficient choice.
Does the Mazda CX-5 offer a hybrid or electric option?
No, Mazda has not yet introduced a hybrid or electric version of the CX-5.
Is the Nissan Leaf practical for long road trips?
The Leaf’s range (150-215 miles) makes it best for daily commutes, but long trips require DC fast charging stations.
Which car is better for winter driving?
The CX-5’s AWD system provides better traction, making it a better winter vehicle compared to the FWD-only Nissan Leaf.
Which car has a better resale value?
The Mazda CX-5 tends to hold its resale value better than the Leaf, due to lower depreciation rates of gasoline-powered SUVs.
