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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  So fun to drive BUT - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By electricmicey - June 10 - 2:09 am

  Ive been driving my CX5 Grand Touring for a few months and have put a few thousand miles on it. It is a fun, peppy CUV and great for hauling kids, the huge family dog and loads of stuff around town and beyond. It handles all sorts of terrain well and sits firmly on the road. The suspension is definitely a little firm but it doesnt ride like a truck. The navigation system is quite low tech, and some of the finer details are neglected. One huge issue for my family right now is the discovery that the rear seats dont recline...a deal breaker on a long haul road trip for a kid in a booster seat. The cx5 is not for the seeker of oversized storage compartments to stash stuff.

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  Youre gonna love this car!! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By drainman1 - May 27 - 4:01 pm

  Got our CX-5 a week and a half ago. We had a Honda Civic prior to the Mazda, and wanted a car that didnt require Vaseline-ing myself to get in and out of. This car meets that requirement and much more. I agree with all of the 5 star reviews for comfort, power, gas mileage, safety, fit and finish, good price, and fun to drive as a bonus. Just like many others, I did my homework, checked out the competition. The CX-5 was the favorite pick. Drove the Rogue SV and was disappointed in the cheap look of the interior, plus the ride was mushy. Considered the CR-V, but Hondas dont live up to the mileage ratings, besides being kind of bland.

• 

  Always bought used decided to buy this new - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Greg - May 5 - 11:29 pm

  This car is a great value for the quality, technology and overall usability you get for the price. I have always purchased used vehicles in the as I am not one to take the significant depreciation hit of new cars lightly, but the combination of an excellent interior, all the tech features you can ask for combined with great gas mileage were enough to sway me to purchase new. One of my main concerns prior to purchasing the vehicle was that it would feel woefully under powered, fortunately this has not been the case. Coming from a driver who has only had 6 cylinder vehicles in the past and places a premium on good acceleration, I must admit the small displacement engine in the Mazda is more than adequate for everyday use. I have not been left wanting for more power at any point. That isnt to say more power wouldnt make this an even better car but nonetheless what Mazda gives you is plenty. I must admit the main selling point for me was the interior and technology. The fact that you get such good quality materials as well as safety features that are implemented in a way that I felt were superior to other brands I tested including luxury models is truly surprising. Do yourself a favor and try one out in the higher trim levels before going off and buying a significantly more expensive luxury sedan or SUV, youll be pleasantly surprised at what Mazda has to offer.

• 

  Great looking comfortable CUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By glennm76 - May 1 - 11:58 am

  I purchased the cx5 over 3 months ago and it has almost 3,000 miles. I am only getting about 24 miles per gallon, but i do have the 4wd and mostly city driving. I like the looks of the car. My prior car was a 2010 rav4 limited v6 AWD. I have test drove almost all of the CUVs out there. I liked the CX5 the best. It handles great on the road, takes corners like a sports car and very comfortable. It can use more power, but has enough for everyday driving. The leather seats are very comfortable. Nice and roomy inside. I got the nav, which does kinda suck. But the bluetooth is great and the Bose stereo sounds excellent. I love the blind spot detection. My very first Mazda. No problems so far.

• 

  fun sporty feel, gets compliments, 29 mpg - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By wowza3 - April 20 - 8:12 pm

  My frame of reference is comparing this with other autos Ive owned. I just ordered a cx5 2013 awd stripped down Sport in April and it arrived from japan mid June. The blue color on the catalog color cover is exactly right not the color on the inside color option page. Lift the hood at a dealer and the engine block on all types (I suspect) is blue- thats the blue I got and I love it. The kids have these complaints.: cup holders, back window to small, more room in the van. I am missing armrests, like the van has. My van gets 23 mpg awd, this gets 29 awd. Manual shift is odd, better gas not using it anyway. It has a more active ride- dontdrink coffee on a rough road! Overall I like it.

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  Fun Fun Mazda CX5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By miz_mas - April 3 - 10:01 am

  Since last year, Ive researched, tested-drive compact SUVs include RAV4, CRV, X3, Rogue. When CX5 was available, made my trip to the delarship, tested drive a Touring and I was hooked on CX5. I ended buying the Grand Touring with Tech package, which is ideal for a busy working professional like me, with weekend drive-around with my two dogs. The driving is smooth, love the look, love the rear view camera, the BSM is awesome, the drive is smooth and the price is a steal! This is my fun ride! Zoom zoom.

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  New CX-5 Rocks, so far - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By newcx_5 - March 16 - 8:25 am

  Hi all. Just got a Sky Blue AWD CX-5 Touring a couple days ago. No moon roof or Tech package. I love it so far. Handling is just like everyone is saying. Acceleration is good enough for me. It is a little sluggish on hills as others have said but guess that is the trade off for fuel efficiency. Havent used a tank yet but am curious to see where it comes out. No regrets at all. Love it

• 

  Best of the current breed - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By tenfour - March 16 - 3:17 am

  Doing as much research as possible on the current market led me to the CX-5. A long term RAV4 owner with friends who drive Subarus provided some first hand insight on my most likely competitor candidates. Yet a test drive--along with some nudging from style--made the decision an easy one. I settled on a Touring AWD with Sunroof and Bose. So far Im pleased with the driving experience, style, value and comfort. Any negatives? Yes, for a dozen reasons, I wish I did NOT purchase the Bose audio system. What a waste of $ not to mention effort Ill expend to replace it with something less annoying.

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  I Really Wanted to Like the CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By redskins5926 - March 3 - 3:22 pm

  The CX-5 is certainly the best-handling crossover on the market, with dynamics similar to the BMW X1/X3. The ride was stiff, which was good on smooth roads but uncomfortable on rough roads. Space was plenty for passenger comfort as well as cargo. But the big disappointment with the 2013 CX-5 was the engine and transmission. The engine is definitely underpowered for the car, I literally had to floor the gas pedal every time I merged onto the highway. The transmission was even more terrible as it lagged significantly whenever I floored the pedal to get more power. Fuel economy was good, though not significantly worth it with the underpowered engine.

• 

  Cheap tires. Cheap Bose speakers. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By fayetteal - February 26 - 10:34 am

  Yokohama tires at 27,000 miles are cupping and need new set. Bose speakers are not a true Bose. No pick up and go. Navigator update is not Mac Compatible.