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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  2.0 L is plenty of power - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By rstibbetts - December 13 - 2:06 am

  Recently purchased a 2014 CX-5 Sport AWD, as we were looking to get into the vehicle on a tight budget. So far so good. Love the ride and handling. I am surprised so many have commented that the 2.0 L engine is underpowered; it is not. Not by a long shot. Test drove the 2.5 L and 2.0 L and found that the 2.0 L was plenty punchy to get up to speed on the freeway without too much engine groan. This is coming from someone who has driven an overpowered V6 Rav4 for six years. Its lower cost and better MPG make the 2.0 L a good choice for many. Just disappointed the Sport is not trimmed out better. Will find out how reliable the vehicle is.

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  Happy with my crossover choice! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By tad2040 - November 23 - 4:13 am

  Before I bought the CX5 I did hours of research into crossover vehicles and Im very happy to have chosen this one. Ive been driving it for about 3 months now and couldnt be happier with it. The sleek exterior of the car is what initially caught my eye. The car is very easy and fun to drive. Even though its a crossover it handles like a sedan. The gas mileage has been great on my wallet and it picks up speed nicely. Im about 2500 miles into the car and havent noticed any problems at all. I previously drove a Honda and I have full faith in Mazda that it will be just as reliable. Im extremely happy with my choice!

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  CX-5 4 Cylinder Base Model - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By milljockey - September 9 - 4:02 pm

  Purchase a CX-5 4-Cylinder Base model on Jan 18, 2013. After one year of ownership, I am still happy with the purchase, no major issues have cropped up, and everything seems to be working fine. I purchased this car to replace a 1999 chevy venture that we had outgrown. Most of the reviews I have read complain of poor fuel economy and lack of engine performance. If you wanted performance then buy a sports car! This is a small SUV with a small engine, Most of our driving is done in town under 40 MPH on flat Kansas roads. After one year I only have 9,000 Miles on the car.

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  One Happy Owner - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By One Happy Owner - August 27 - 7:44 pm

  Well after a week of driving my CX5 I am finally sitting down to write my review. I wanted to give it time to see how I felt and I am very pleased. I went into Groove Mazda on Labor Day looking for a new ride after 13 years of driving my great car. It was time to say goodbye and hello to Mazda. Right when I walked in, I was greeted by David who soon introduced me to Jason. He was super helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable as he told me all about the models. I asked a lot of questions and he went out of his way to answer them all. The CX5 Touring rode very smoothly and had a very so many new bells and whistles. The size, the monitor, the legroom, AWD option, and the cost impressed me. When I finally made my decision on a different color from white to gray, Jason found me my car. It took a few days to come in, but he called me right away. The staff at Groove Mazda especially Jason and Sarah can take the sourest of kumquats or most cantankerous of customers and help them find the right fit with a friendly no-pressure touch. Lisa helped me figure out finances the first day, yet Alex really helped answer more questions and worked his magic to help me get the best deals possible. I appreciate all of their help and just love my new car. A week in and I am still figuring out some of the buttons and how to lock my hatch, but know where to come for assistance and a friendly face. The CX5 Touring has great ratings and I have just added another one.

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  Our 2013 CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By 185911 - August 21 - 10:27 am

  We have had our pearl white CX-5 now for 7 weeks and could not be happier with the purchase. Mazda build quality is everywhere along with great handling. No..its not a power house but not under powered and @ $4.00 a gal for fuel thats ok with us. It is just fine the way it is and do not understand some of the talk of lack of power..it zips right along! The rear back-up camera is great to have..Bose sound system rocks and so far fuel economy with very little highway is 29.5 Mpg...grab one..not the Chevy or the Ford!

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  Zoom x 2 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By carolinapirate - August 20 - 11:52 am

  Just purchased a CX-5 touring a week ago and love it! I have been thinking about trading my 03 Ford Explorer for over a year, but could not decide which vehicle would be functional and get good gas mileage. I really wanted to wait for the 2013 Ford Escape and buy American again. After test-driving the Escape, I liked the way it handled and it had a little more power than the Mazda, but it had 2 recalls within 2 weeks shortly after launching, so I decided to buy the Mazda. I have been very happy, so far. Averaging 28 mpg with combined city/hwy driving (and playing around with the manual shift mode). There is some tire noise, but not too bad. Heard it before, but Mazdas are fun to drive!

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  There are better options - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By jpemm - July 6 - 7:53 am

  Two test drives, many reviews, bought a 2015 Grand Touring for price, have buyer’s remorse. Positive features not unique in the SUV field. Navigation system delivered in December 2014 not current. Free update took 8 hours to download/install including at least 8 trips back and forth between the car and my computer. The HomeLink system yet to function. Larger buyers be aware that the seats may be too narrow/uncomfortable. Mileage so far on mostly level highway speeds of 65 mph or less, is is 26, not the 30+ claimed. Steering so responsive that you may drift out of lane if you glance at the displays. The 19” wheels provide a bumpy ride. Recommend you consider Honda, Nissan, or Subaru.

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  No zoom zoom here - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By ygbsmbd - June 28 - 7:01 pm

  Had mine for 6000 miles, MAZDA! Never again. CX5 is underpowered; the transmission makes it worse. Slow and gear confused at 20-40 MPH, especially in the hills. Must manually shift this slug or nail gas in hills or entering hyway. Dont pass; it dies for a whole second before accelerating. 25 MPG at best. Seat adjuster is awful, nav is cumbersome, the road noise makes it hard to talk at 50 MPH and above, insulation is not there, crank the air and leave it, or drive an oven. Second highest model has no tail lift gate light; WHAT! Shifter easy to knock out of gear/ over to manual. rear wiper grinds. cannot see out the right side well. cant see the gages. no lights on window controls.

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  Faithful Honda owner Switch to Mazda - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By sasha4life - June 15 - 11:36 pm

  For many years I have been a faithful honda owner. I recently purchase the Mazda CX-5 FWD with tech pckg. It was a very difficult decison for me because I owned a 2006 Honda Civic. The decision was difficult because with the Civic I got 40 mpg. And with the CX5 in my research it only get 32 mpg. I switch because I use to own a Honda CRV and I missed having the CRV. I looked at Kia, Honda, Hyundai. None of those came close to the mileage or additional options you get with the CX5. Ive only had the car for 3 days. So far its a great vehicle to drive. It could be the bells n whistle of a new car that Im liking. Taking it on 4th july vacation. Will update comments

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  Lots of great, some not so great - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By sshankster - June 13 - 8:07 pm

  First, I drove every crossover in this class when I was shopping. I mean every one. Some were smoother rides, some more space, but really, no other car matched the handling of the Mazda. If you like to drive, this is really the best one, and a few other reasons to love it. Personally, I like the design. I think it is sporty looking with nice lines. Great ground clearance. Others, like the Nissan had a front spoiler kind of thing that cut the ground clearance down. Mazda had true height. Inside is nicely laid out and the materials are decent quality for the class. I had read a lot of reviews of this car and there were several comments about road noise. Frankly, I dont know what they mean. Its not a Bently, but its more than reasonable. Could always be a tire issue. I got leather seats, Bose Sound, no navigation. So now to some critiques. Mileage is not as advertised. I really dont know how you get the miles they say without driving like your grandmother. You really cant drive like that with this car since the engine is geared high, must be to push the mileage, and it has other gas saving features. What that means is that, 1. You have to get used to the car sounding like marbles in a dryer when it starts up (for just about 1 minute so no big deal), but it is a little weird if you dont know it, and 2, you have to punch it more than you might be used to so it moves. Its a little hard to describe, but youll know it when you feel it, but you will get used to it. But when you do punch it, this car can move. Love the regular gas it gets. As far as comfort, the front seats are very comfortable, but I get complaints that the back seats are too upright. Mazda should give a reclining back seat like Nissan has. Another small thing is the center front console. I read one review where the guy complained it was too short for comfortable arm resting, and at least for my size, 511". he was right, it should be longer for a more ergonomic arm resting. Also, I would like the steering wheel to drop a little more, but not a biggy. The heated seats take a little longer to warm up than I would like, and the only other thing is the radio. Most reviewers complain that even the upgraded Bose doesnt sound so good and they are right, if you dont have a good HD signal. In HD, it sounds really good, in non HD, it is pretty lame for an upgraded system. So for all my negatives, I like to think of them as constructive criticism, I really love to drive this car. If you are a driver, if handling, good (not great) economy, great pickup (just with some extra pedal) are important, great styling, this is the right crossover. Bottom line, it is for drivers. se