Overview & Reviews

When it comes to small crossover SUVs, the Mazda CX-5 is a relative newcomer. But Mazda has done an excellent job designing the CX-5, and it's quickly become one of our favorite models. Like other competitors, it offers plenty of versatility, high fuel economy and value. But the CX-5 is also uncommonly enjoyable to drive, which could very well give it the edge with car shoppers who want something a little extra from their small crossover.

Current Mazda CX-5
The five-passenger Mazda CX-5 is currently offered with two different engines: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on models with the 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive; a six-speed automatic is optional. All other CX-5s have a six-speed automatic.

There are three CX-5 trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. Standard equipment for the Sport includes full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker sound system with a USB port. The Touring trim brings keyless ignition and entry, a color screen to the center stack, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a power driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Grand Touring trim adds leather seat trim, automatic climate control, an upgraded audio system and automatic climate control. Popular options, depending on the trim level, adaptive xenon headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, satellite radio and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've found the Mazda CX-5 nimble and enjoyable to drive. The brakes, suspension and steering are uncommonly capable, and in general the CX-5 is downright fun and confidence-inspiring to drive around corners. The 2.0-liter engine's on-paper specs won't blow you away, but there's a suitable amount of power for real-world driving.

Inside the CX-5, things are attractive, modern and functional. There are lots of high-quality materials and classy trim details to please the eye. Seating is comfortable both front and rear. The rear seat does not slide fore and aft, a handy feature some competitors offer, but it does fold easily. Furthermore, the upper trims offer a 40/20/40 split, allowing a useful amount of cargo-and-people-hauling combinations.

Used Mazda CX-5 Models
The Mazda CX-5 was introduced for 2013. It effectively replaced the now-defunct Ford Escape-based Mazda Tribute. In its first year, the CX-5 was only available with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but in 2014 the larger, more-powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was introduced.

User Reviews:

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  2.5 Touring w/Bose and Tech package - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jrod9707 - November 22 - 4:01 pm

  I wanted to get the wife in a larger and higher vehicle due to crazy traffic in Dallas,TX(drives a civic). I was very impressed with how much it drives like a car in that there is virtually no body lean. We wanted a SUV that you could get good amenities without having leather and this was it. The acceleration is very good when you want to speed up to get around someone. My wife initially liked the CRV more as you can see better out of it but you need to drive the car for the day and get used to the blindspot mirrors and once she was used to them it was hands down a much better driving experience than the CRV. I felt that in a year or so the CRV would be ho-hum compared to the CX5.

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  CX - 5 Grand - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By mikecmaryland - November 10 - 6:51 pm

  My son did the research and saw the CX-5 AWD with the tech package as the best deal for a small SUV. He bought one. I liked it so much, three weeks later, I bought one. Paid $32K on the road - MD

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  Acceleration problems - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By amber - October 23 - 2:38 am

  I have a 2015 Mazda CX-5 so afraid to keep driving this car. Mind you that I like this vehicle but its nothing considered best a good vehicle. #1 The acceleration is very dangerous my car started revving up higher at 2,000rpms plus the speedometer went nuts and transmission jerked extremely bad to the point thought was going to die. Interior is comfortable like all features in my car but overall other things dont trust its a defective vehicle that needs to be off highway ASAP- It had almost caused my life took into dealership it came from computer wiring problem. #2 Now experience transmission jerking bad nearly almost rear ended by 18 wheeler after it slowed down to 25mph. I had a 2010 Ford Fusion with this same problem will not deal with another vehicle having same identical problem as my 2010 Fusion. This time its much worse to the point think might get sued by another motorist or get killed because its very dangerous driving will not purchased another Mazda again after all these bad electronics having out a vehicle brought last year has 15,000 miles this will be the 3rd time taking it back into dealership for a bad issue.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kenshin - October 12 - 10:52 pm

  Purchased : December 2013 Build quality may be an issue... Week 2 : the passenger seat trim vibrating noise, probably due to contact when exiting vehicle. Fixed by dealer. Week 3 : front windows vibrating noise when opened slightly. Not bothersome enough to take to dealer, but disappointing nonetheless. Week 4 : right sun visor vibration noise, goes away if opened then reclosed. Week 6 : upper right corner of center console screen intermittent rubbing noise. Since the beginning, theres also been a ceiling vibration noise if only the rear windows are open. Apparently, this kind of wind harmonics problem is common for many cars. Again, more disappointment.

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By ray161 - September 30 - 7:42 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that was comfortable for this 66" guy to drive, that also has great gas mileage. I found it in the CX-5! The seats are supportive, the controls all easy to reach with the seat all the way back, and I do nnot need to duck to see out below the headliner.

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  Fantastic car - made 2 of my friends buy them! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By compurip - September 17 - 10:59 am

  Favorite car I have owned so far, and my first Mazda. I purchased it in Feb of 2014, I got the AWD Sport model since I wanted a lease payment under $300 a month - cant say enough good stuff about this car. I rented one for a weekend previously to see how it was, and took it through a foot of snow in upstate NY without a slip or slide. It was comfortable and a ton of fun to drive.

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  3 months into owning... - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By photoguy22 - September 14 - 9:22 pm

  An update to the review written only a few days after buying... Weve now put 2500 miles on our 14 CX5 AWD and its performing well. Nothing failing, no problems - performing about as expected. Gas mileage not quite what we hoped but still reasonable at around 25 mpg combined. Closer to 30 on the open road but never higher average than that. Finding a few shortcoming described below, but so far a good choice in a new vehicle.

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  Best Car Ive Owned in a Very Long Time - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kewright - August 19 - 5:29 pm

  I purchased a 2014 GT/AWD 2.5 CX-5 in October 2013. I test drove Audi, Lexus, BMW and Infinity models of compact SUVs (with the intent to buy a luxury SUV), but this vehicle was the best bang for the buck overall. This vehicle felt comparable in handling and "fun to drive" with the Audi Q5. The size is great for (downtown) city driving (as about 90% of my driving is). I am getting great gas mileage, around 23-24 mpg city. It handles well in the snow, and feel like I have good traction when the road condition is less than perfect. I feel that it has good power to make it up the CO mountain roads. The trim level is good with just a few things needing improvement for the GT trim level.

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  gas mileage - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By robert_suv - July 22 - 11:01 am

  I own a CX5 AWD with a hitch. I have reviewed this car when it was new and I am now reviewing it after one years worth of driving. The most impressive feature for me is the outstanding gas mileage in this car. I recently hyper- tested my mileage for about 100 miles over flat and/or gently rolling country roads with a fair amount of traffic and squeezed about 40 MPG from the car. I average 35mpg normally. The info gauge seemed slightly generous with a reading of about 45mpg. I set the info gauge to averaging mode which is a little confusing as to how it calculates its figure but Im not complaining too much. The handling is outstanding although over bumpy road conditions it is a bit harsh.

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  Great vehicle, love to drive it. - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dereksmith - July 7 - 7:48 pm

  I have bought and driven a Mazda CX5 Sport with AWD and the 2.5L engine. I really love to drive this vehicle. I have put on about 6000 miles and driven through all kinds of conditions, on a long trip and daily use. I am in awe of how great this vehicle is. I have the Sport model with AWD and the 2.5L engine. Honestly, it is all the power I want. Whether it is on the freeway or off a stop light, it can move and accelerate at any time. The CX5 handles like a dream, looks great, rides comfortable. Whenever I have popped the back seat down and loaded it with stuff on a number of occasions and it worked great and was impressed on how much could be loaded in.