The Mazda CX 5 was introduced into Mazda’s lineup as a compact crossover SUV in 2012 and remains popular today. Mazda vehicles are known for their unique styling and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Mazda CX 5?
The Mazda CX 5 has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds across all trim levels and engine types.
There’s a bit more to know about Mazda CX 5 towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2025 Mazda CX 5 Towing Capacity
As we covered earlier, the current 2024 Mazda CX 5 can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 S model can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 S Select model can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 Preferred model can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 Carbon Edition can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 Premium Plus can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 Turbo Carbon can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 Turbo Premium can pull 2,000 pounds.
A 2025 Mazda CX 5 Turbo Signature can pull 2,000 pounds.
| 2025 CX5 Trim Level | Towing Capacity |
| 2.5 S Select | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.5 S Preferred | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.5 S Carbon Edition | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.5 Turbo Carbon Turbo | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.5 Turbo Premium | 2,000 lbs |
| 2.5 Turbo Signature | 2,000 lbs |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Mazda CX 5 in a towing test:
Mazda CX-5 Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Mazda CX 5 tow capacity.
Model Year
The CX 5’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
Some years only had a max towing ability of 2,000 lbs regardless of the trim level, where others ranged from 2,000 lbs to 3,500 lbs.
Check out our guide to Mazda CX 5 towing capacity by year from 2013 to 2023 for other years.
Trim Level
Some trim levels of the Mazda CX-5 had specific access to higher performance engines, making them able to tow more weight than lower trims.
Take for instance the 2023 CX-5: the Turbo and Turbo Signature trim levels can pull 3,500 pounds, while all lower trims can pull 2,000 pounds.
This is not the case for 2025 though, as all models have a max tow cap of 2,000 lbs.
2025 Mazda CX 5 Engine Specs
There are two engine options for the 2025 Mazda CX 5:
SKYACTIV-G 2.5L 4 Cylinder Gas Engine
The base Mazda CX 5 gas engine is a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder engine.
This engine produces 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft of torque.
SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Turbo 4 Cylinder Gas Engine
The base Mazda CX 5 gas engine is a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder engine with Dynamic Pressure Turbo .
This engine produces 256 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft of torque.
2025 Mazda CX 5 Tow Package Info
Does The Mazda CX 5 Have A Tow Package?
Mazda offers a factory-installed CX 5 trailer hitch.
The Mazda CX 5 tow package includes the following:
- Trailer Hitch: A custom-designed trailer hitch specifically engineered for the Mazda CX-5, which allows for optimal towing performance.
- Towing Receiver: The package typically includes a 2-inch receiver that accommodates various towing accessories.
- Installation Hardware: All necessary hardware for installation is included, ensuring a straightforward setup process.
- Cover: A cover for the hitch is often provided to protect it when not in use.
Mazda does not specify whether or not the trailer hitch option comes with a wiring harness.
Advanced Towing Features
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with several features that enhance its towing performance:
- SKYACTIV-Vehicle Dynamics with G-Vectoring Control Plus: This system optimizes handling and stability, providing smooth control while towing.
- i-ACTIV AWD®: This intelligent all-wheel-drive system adjusts power delivery based on road conditions, ensuring optimal traction during towing.
- Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive): Allows drivers to select different drive modes (including Sport and Off-road) to suit various driving conditions.
- SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed Automatic Transmission: Offers manual shift mode and Sport mode for improved control while towing.
- Electronic Power Assist Steering: Enhances steering precision and control when towing.
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a 2025 Mazda CX 5?
If you plan on towing anything with your Mazda CX 5, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
2025 Mazda CX 5 Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Mazda CX 5 uses a Class 2 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class II 2025 Mazda CX 5 trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. With a strong, welded steel build, this class 2 hitch is rated for 3,500 lbs. gross trailer weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- HIGHLY VERSATILE. This class 2 trailer hitch kit has a standard 1-1/4-inch receiver and includes a ball mount with a 3/4-inch hole, allowing you to tow a small trailer or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack (trailer ball sold separately)
- DUAL-COAT FINISH. For industry-leading rust, chip and UV resistance inside and out, this tow hitch is submersed in a liquid A-coat and co-cured with a durable black powder coat finish
- EASY INSTALLATION. This class 2 hitch kit fits select model years of the Mazda CX-5
- TESTED FOR SAFETY. Each CURT class 2 trailer hitch design is thoroughly tested at our Detroit facility, using real vehicles in real-world conditions. Our hitches are tested to SAE J684 specs to give you confidence and safety on the road ahead
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your CX 5:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
2025 Mazda CX 5 Trailer Hitch Installation
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your CX 5, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Mazda CX 5 trailer hitch installation:
How Do I Know If My 2025 Mazda CX 5 Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your CX 5 to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your CX 5.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
What Can You Tow With the 2025 Mazda CX-5?
Here are some examples of items you can tow with the 2025 Mazda CX-5:
1. Small Utility Trailers
- Weight: 500–1,200 lbs
- Ideal for transporting small furniture, gardening tools, or home improvement materials.
2. Lightweight Campers
- Weight: 1,200–2,000 lbs
- Examples: Teardrop trailers or small pop-up campers, perfect for weekend getaways.
3. Jet Skis and Small Watercraft
- Weight: 800–1,500 lbs (including trailer)
- Great for towing one or two jet skis to the lake for a fun day on the water.
4. Small Boats
- Weight: 1,500–2,000 lbs (including trailer)
- Examples: Aluminum fishing boats or small sailboats.
5. Motorcycle or Dirt Bike Trailers
- Weight: 800–1,200 lbs
- Ideal for transporting a single motorcycle or a couple of dirt bikes to your favorite riding spot.
6. Small Cargo Trailers
- Weight: 1,000–1,500 lbs
- Useful for carrying camping gear, sports equipment, or other travel essentials.
2025 Mazda CX5 Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of the 2025 Mazda CX 5 is 957 pounds.
Note that the max payload capacity of your 2025 CX-5 will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain, and trim level of your specific vehicle.
You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.
2025 Mazda CX-5 Towing Capacity Vs Competitors
The 2025 CX-5 has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which makes it capable of light-duty and medium-duty trailer towing.
This number is a little less than the CX5’s main competitors which are the 2025 RAV4 and the 2025 Sportage.
Here are some similar vehicles to the 2025 Nissan Rogue and their towing capacities below:
| 2025 SUV Vehicle | Towing Capacity |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2,500 lbs |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 3,000 lbs |
| 2025 Ford Escape | 3,500 lbs |
| 2025 Toyota RAV4 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2025 Subaru Crosstrek | 3,500 lbs |
2025 Mazda Models Towing Capacity Chart
| 2025 Mazda Model | Towing Capacity (lbs) |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2025 Mazda CX-50 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | 3,500 lbs |
| 2025 Mazda CX-70 PHEV | 3,500 lbs |
| 2025 Mazda CX-70 | 5,000 lbs |
| 2025 Mazda CX-90 | 5,000 lbs |
Data Accuracy
We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 2024 Mazda CX5 Owner’s Manual on Mazda’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.