TheSUVmarket has officially exploded, offering every shape, size, and style you can imagine. Whether you want something that screams luxury at over $150,000 or a practical ride that won’t break the bank, there’s an SUV out there for you.
Usually, the quickest SUVs come with sky-high price tags, making it tough to find a budget-friendly ride that still packs a punch. But this year, some of the best bang-for-your-buck speedsters are surprisingly found in thecompact SUV category—nimble, efficient, and surprisingly peppy.
That’s why we’ve tracked down the fastest compact SUV you’re able to snag for under $30,000. We’ll dive into what makes this model tick, from its zippy performance and fuel efficiency to its blend of comfort and style, proving that you don’t have to empty your wallet for a seriously fun andpractical SUV.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the Mazda website and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, U.S. World & News Report, Fuel Economy.gov, Car Edge, Repair Pal, and Kelley Blue Book.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 Is the Fastest Compact SUV You Can Get Without Breaking the Bank
The 2025Mazda CX-52.5 S comes in at a neat 180 inches long and weighs just under 3,800 pounds, making it the fastest compact SUV you can snag for under $30K this year.
It strikes a great balance with a size that’s easy to handle, solid performance for the price (don’t expect a race car, but it’s quick enough), plus versatile features that fit daily life.
Add in intuitive tech and comfy, plush touches, and you’ve got a compact SUV that feels ready for just about anything.
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Performance Highlights
Under the hood, you’ll find Mazda’s naturally aspirated Skyactiv-G inline-four, packing a punch with a high 13:1 compression ratio.
It’s paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic that uses a clever multi-plate clutch and a short torque converter for a driving experience that feels both responsive and refined.
2.5-liter inline-four
Six-speed automatic
187 hp
186 lb-ft
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.1 seconds
Top Speed
129 mph
The CX-5 2.5 S is the entry-level trim, so it skips the turbo and packs the least powerful engine in the lineup.
But don’t let that fool you—it still hits 60 mph in just over 8 seconds and can top out at a respectable 129 mph, making it plenty quick for its class and price.
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S: Starting at $28,770
This year, the CX-5 base trim is actually $730 cheaper than before, making the 2.5 S a seriously smart buy for a compact SUV that doesn’t skimp on style or value.
Starting at $28,770, it rocks a naturally aspirated engine and a sleek, upscale look with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, a shark fin antenna, and body-color mirrors—luxury vibes without the luxury price.
If you want more zip, there are seven other trims to choose from, including a turbocharged inline-four that packs 256 horsepower and hits 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds—though it’ll set you back over $30,000.
Inside the Tech: What Powers the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S
Mazda has this knack for mixing luxury and comfort without the luxury price tag, all wrapped up with smart, user-friendly tech inside and out.
They’ve really nailed the formula, which is why the CX-5 snagged a top spot asU.S. News & World Report’s favorite compact SUV, scoring an impressive 9.3 out of 10.
The Tech That Drives the CX-5
At the heart of the CX-5 is Mazda’s i-Active All-Wheel Drive, constantly reading wheel speed, steering, and throttle to deliver sharp handling and confidence on every turn.
It usually runs on front-wheel power to save fuel, but can shift up to 50 percent of the torque to the rear wheels when the road demands extra grip.
On top of that, G-Vectoring Control Plus smooths out your ride by tweaking engine torque and braking, while Mazda’s Intelligent Drive Select lets you pick driving modes—Sport Mode included—for quicker throttle response and the best 0-60 mph burst this SUV can deliver.
Premium Tech, Front and Center in the Cabin
You’ve got confident control on the road—but what about comfort inside? Even in its base 2.5 S trim, the CX-5 doesn’t skimp on upscale touches, giving you plenty of high-end perks at a wallet-friendly price.
Front and center sits a crisp 10.25-inch full-color display, navigated via a slick rotary dial that keeps your eyes on the road. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, though you’ll need your phone plugged in to unlock touchscreen functionality—a small trade-off for fewer distractions.
While it’s not a hardcore driver’s machine, Mazda still prioritizes engagement with a well-laid-out cabin, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and thoughtfully placed controls. The standard cloth seats are comfy, but if you want to nudge just past that $30K line, leatherette or genuine leather options are on the table.
Comfort and convenience come baked in, too—dual-zone climate control, push-button start, Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry, and a decent six-speaker sound system that’s ready for a Bose upgrade if you’re feeling fancy.
The Features That Make the CX-5 a True All-Rounder
Don’t let its compact size fool you—the CX-5 is surprisingly versatile for a small SUV.
With up to 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded, 41 inches of front legroom, and a roomy 39.6 inches in the back, it keeps everyone comfortable while still handling your gear like a champ.
Add in solid towing and payload capabilities, and you’ve got a do-it-all SUV that punches well above its weight.
2,000 lbs
Payload Capacity
957 lbs
If you plan to tow with the CX-5, you’ll need to add a 2-inch hitch receiver and wiring harness—but don’t worry, it’s removable, so you can keep that sleek, clean look when you’re not hauling anything.
Mazda says the CX-5 is up for towing a small boat, a teardrop trailer, snowmobiles, or even four kayaks, making it more capable than rivals like theVW Tiguanand2025 Honda CR-V, which top out at 1,800 and 1,500 pounds, respectively.
Rock-Solid Reliability, Wallet-Friendly Maintenance
Let’s be honest—reliability is one of the biggest reasons we keep coming back to certain models, and the Mazda CX-5 doesn’t disappoint. Like many of its Japanese peers, it has a solid track record you can count on.
While we don’t have the full scoop on the 2025 model just yet, the2024 version scored a strong 4.5 out of 5 for reliability, and since nothing major has changed, it’s safe to expect more of the same.
What really makes the CX-5 shine is its low cost of upkeep. With average annual maintenance at just $503, it’s far below the $652 average for most cars.
CarEdge gives it an “A” for value, pointing out that maintenance only makes up about 6 percent of five-year ownership costs, and with just 37 percent depreciation over that time, it holds its value like a champ.
Easy on Gas: Great MPG and Low Fuel Costs
These days, hybrids and EVs are grabbing all the headlines for their stellar mileage, but the CX-5 2.5 S proves you don’t need batteries to be fuel-savvy. With its naturally aspirated engine,it still delivers a solid 28 MPG combined—respectable, even if it’s not topping the charts.
You’ll get around 30 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city, which translates to about $1,700 in annual fuel costs, right on par with other modern gas-powered vehicles. A full tank will set you back around $48, taking you roughly 428 miles, making the CX-5 a quietly efficient road trip companion.
How the 2025 CX-5 Measures Up to the Compact SUV Competition
The CX-5 lineup is one of the most well-balanced offerings in today’s compact SUV game, blending value, performance, and comfort with ease. It’s earned solid praise across the board—an 82/100 from J.D. Power, a 4.4/5 expert rating, and a4.5/5 from owners on Kelley Blue Book.
In the sub-$30K arena, the CX-5 2.5 S edges out many rivals in speed, but the competition is tight when it comes to overall performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction, so it’s holding its own in a very crowded field.
2.5-liter flat-four Boxer
1.5-liter inline-four
180 hp
175 hp
8.3 seconds
9.1 seconds
8.6 seconds
83/100
82/100
84/100
88/100
$29,995
$28,690
$28,600
Other Speedy 2025 SUVs
If you’re watching your budget, the fastest SUVs are mostly playing in the luxury league—and they come with luxury price tags to match.
These beasts are powerful, plush, and show just how far SUVs have come, blending sporty performance with everyday usability, and some can even challenge sports cars and supercars on the track.
Sure, those luxury SUVs impress with their power and comfort, but they come with price tags that can rival a small house.
If you’re after something quicker without breaking the bank, there are plenty of fast, used turbocharged SUVs out there that strike a great balance between speed and fuel economy.
