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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  Overall Quite Satisfied with a Few Noted Exceptions - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By Marc Edwards - June 9 - 1:08 am

  Bought in June 2014, 15k on it so far. Very fun to drive. Get as advertised mileage 25 city, approx. 32 hwy, and 27 combined.

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  Mazda cx-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By chels_moore - April 25 - 11:40 pm

  Awesome car, lots of fun to drive.

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  6 month review - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By photoguy22 - April 9 - 9:51 am

  Review of our car after 6 months of ownership. Our 2014 CX5 GS AWD continues to be a good vehicle and everything continues to be pretty much as expected. The gas mileage continues to be low 20s around town and high 20s on the highway. The engine performance is still mediocre at best - Mazda really needs to work on this... Lack of interior lighting in the rear is a real miss. Bose Audio system is very nice! Have had an ongoing issue with the tire pressure sensor telling us air is low when its w/in 1 lb of standard. Apparently it is very sensitive - too much so! See likes/dislikes below for various features. Over-all, still a good choice!

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  Mazda cx5 - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By db - March 31 - 6:09 pm

  I have only had rhe car a few weeks so cant speak to all the issues. So far great except the outdated navigation system. Real time is essential, historical data is useless.

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  Mostly makes me smile - 2016 Mazda CX-5
  By michaelveloz - March 30 - 1:27 am

  I traded in a new competitor C-SUV recently for the Mazda GT and overall I am happy with the purchase. It makes me eager to drive it! The exterior styling and color (sould red) are very sexy looking (comapred to my previous crossover SUV), the interior is clean, and elegant feeling. The driving experience is so much more engaging and fun - great handling, great braking, decent acceleration. The tech gadgets all work well, including the infotainment system.

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  A wonderful small SUV - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By gc666 - March 22 - 9:23 am

  originally looking at CX9. Dealer said best hoped for mileage would be 22-24. Needed better. Bought this 2014 as a certified preowned, 6 mos old, 11000 miles. it is the Grand Touring with 2.5 engine. plenty of power, smooth running, smooth shifting, and best of all great mileage. I was used to a tdi Jetta getting 49 mph. Mazda estimates this engine at 30 combined and 35 highway. that is exactly what I am getting; and actually closer to 36. I couldnt be happier. Interior room much larger than I had expected. I can carry 4 golf bags and their owners with comfort.

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  Great with some small annoying stuff - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mary668 - February 7 - 1:47 pm

  I have had the car for three weeks. Great! Smooth drive. Quiet and though I know about the driver mirror vibrating over 60mph, not a big problem for me. Fits me well, it is comfortable.

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  2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring FWD with Bose/moonroof - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By bdranger1947 - January 30 - 5:32 am

  My wife bought this vehicle on Monday, February 27th. This was going to be mine, but it does not have the manual transmission. Anyway, my wife really liked it and is replacing her 2003 Tribute ES-V6 AWD with the CX-5.

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  interior changes you should know about - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By consumer77 - January 23 - 8:37 am

  There have been new updates to the interior as of November 2013 on the 2014 cx-5 model. I just purchased a white GT with Tan leather interior. The transmission shift gate has been greatly improved to a straight up and down shifter with a leather boot and chrome surround. No more cheap plastic look. I was pleasantly surprised when my CX was delivered to the dealer as I was not expecting this.

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  The Total small SUV Package? - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jmr1061 - December 22 - 2:45 pm

  The 2014 really addressed what was the biggest problem with the 2013, and thats the power. The increase in power along with a couple of new electronic features for 2014 really makes one wonder if this isnt the complete package when it comes to small SUVs. There are a couple of other SUVs on the market that may be slightly more comfortable, or have a more user friendly electronic interface, but the 2014 Mazda CX-5 seems to have it all at the price. Interior materials, along with design, fit and finish are of a very high standard. The vehicle is extremely spacious for its exterior dimensions. It has very efficient use of space for both passengers and cargo, and its looks are great!