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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  Wow! Amazing upgrades in 2017 - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Judy Barfell - January 9 - 9:14 pm

  We traded our 2016 CX-5 for 2017 Grand Touring CX-5. Wow! The many upgrades are amazing. Safety features includes new and improved backup alerts, out of lane driving alerts, heads up display with speed, highways signs, brake now alert, 2 driver memory seats, 6 way passenger electric adjustment, and on and on. This car is so quiet compared to our 2016, with tinted windows and good gas mileage. The best car we have ever owned!

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  Its worth the wait - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By bobodastud - December 21 - 10:48 pm

  This car was never on my list of cars to test drive because of its horsepower and I wanted to drive something more upscale. After test drove the X3, Allroad, RDX, and Escape, I gave this car a try and I ordered the GT model afterward. It was worth the 3 weeks wait and I am loving it. It handles like the X3, it has less power but I can use unleaded gas and I get 30 mpg.

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  2017s best automotive bargain! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By James Lewis - December 15 - 1:01 am

  My wife waited 4 months for this car to come out and we are glad she did. Mazda listened to the automotive community on just about everything they criticized and made changes accordingly, not that there any show stoppers with the 2016 version. To me, it looks like they copied a lot of the best things from the european SUVs to make this car an amazing bargain. The interior is so nice it would make an Audi or BMW blush in comparison. And lets face it, thats where you spend your time. Just as well, as the exterior is still a toad in my opinion, despite Mazdas effort to make you think otherwise. Our Grand Touring version, with the sunroof and upgrade sound system option package, has all the latest bells and whistles that we need; the only thing it doesnt do is park itself. But with a back up camera, if you cant parallel park, perhaps your proficiency needs to be addressed??? The sound system is by Bose, and as expected, is a waste of money. A bog stock late model Dodge mini vans sound system (have one at work) destroys this cars system. But then again, I have only heard one factory system as good as the Dodges, and that was in a bone stock Jeep Grand Cherokee Loredo... Makes me wonder if Chrysler has cracked to code on audio hifi and none of the auto rags has noticed or cared, as they dont spill ink on that subject. The engine doesnt compare to anything Honda makes. Its large displacement 4 cylinder lacks that sewing machine smoothness you would expect to have in such a nice vehicle. And the mileage and power isnt anything to brag about either. The average we get is about 31 MPG, and if pushed past 70 on the highway will get less than that. Some of this I blame on the use of a 6 speed automatic, I suspect the rest is attributed to aerodynamics similar of a barn door... As much as I dont like driving with a variable ratio transmission system like Honda and Nissan utilizes, I personally find it very easy to get great mileage with that system, just by paying attention to the sound and feel of the drivetrain. Mazda: If you are going to stick with a traditional automatic, more gears are needed now to stay competitive. Its too bad they didnt provide the option of the turbo motor from the CX-9; that would make this vehicle unbeatable. But Mazda has always had issue with providing killer options in the engine department; for proof look no further than the Miata. All of this is nitpicking. Dont walk away without taking a close look and a test drive. If you buy this car like we did, every time you drive it you will marvel at how Mazda provides so much vehicle for so little money. Amazing.

• 

  Not as expected - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By datulip - December 11 - 9:45 pm

  So, I have had this car for about a year and my biggest complaint is the performance. If you dont drive on the freeway this may be the car for you. If you need to get moving quickly - dont even think about it. Secondary issue is the gas mileage. Advertised as 26 city and 32 highway. I have averaged 22 in the city; 28 highway; and 23 mixed. Not much of a consolation for the lackluster engine. Overall the design is pretty good and handling is fair. It does get quite a bit of wind noise. It has been reliable over this first year of ownership with no issues. Last issue - keyless entry isnt really keyless. Must have the key in hand to unlock the doors with this model.

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  Beware of Road Noise - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By cozyjohn - October 15 - 4:46 am

  The noise appears to be coming out of the rear wheel well area. I spend quite a bit of time on the Interstates for my job and the noise is constant. Friends say "just turn up the radio", but that’s not a solution. Both Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics magazines have made it a point in their reviews to mention the "noise issue", wish I had read them first. The decision to purchase was based on my need to improve fuel economy, the looks and how the vehicle physically drove. (all of these are great) But I have regretted my purchase since the 1st road trip. Either a financial loss is taken by trading / selling it or I do something about it.

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jgc1995 - October 7 - 12:06 pm

  We have had this car since 2012 and it has been great! It is just the right size for getting around town but with lots of space. AWD gets through the snow without a problem. As many, had to replace the tires at 27,0000 miles.

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  Just Purchase CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kudzu68 - September 18 - 4:14 pm

  Just purchased a CX-5 Touring 2 weeks ago. So far so good. It rides well. Im getting over 26MPG with city and freeway driving. The blue tooth/touch screen stereo system is great. Very intuitive. All the controls in the interior are intuitive. Overall Im very happy with my purchase. Some things to consider: 1. The headrests are very far forward and can be and uncomfortable neck position for some. 2. Blind Side Monitoring can take some getting used to. 3. Very new vehicle so there arent many accessories available yet.

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  Great Crossover car - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By pchan - September 16 - 3:06 am

  We just picked up a silver GT, AWD with Tech Pkg for $29k plus tax, title and doc fee in Chicagoland area. We were looking for a GT, 2WD with Tech Pkg and no dealership carries one. The lead time is around 6-8 weeks from Japan, so we paid a little more for a top of the line. No regrets. My wife loves this new Mazda CX-5 a lot. We were comparing with Honda CR-V and CX-5. Technology and a product design wise, CX-5 is ahead of CR-V. The CR-V drives like a Odyssey, not much zoom zoom.

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  Dont Buy - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dontlikeit - September 1 - 1:29 pm

  Leased a 2015 CX-5 from Pugi and wished I didnt. Had to jump-start it 4-times over the last month. Car would go dead sitting. Dealership said the battery & electrical systems were fine. Then the car self accelerated on its own & breaking didnt disengage it. Had to put it in neutral as the engine was screaming in high rpms trying to disengage by stomping on the accelerator pedal. So now they want to put a black-box recorder in to see if it happens again. Could be to late and end up fatal. Would you want to be the lab rate waiting for your death? Talked to Mazda DM and said "the buck stops here" and thats what we are offering. We have no confidence in the Mazda product or the dealership..

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  accident waiting to happen!! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Red - August 21 - 3:47 am

  all important decisions re: which mode to go to (music, nav, phone, modes in general), are tucked into the console of the car...so you have to look DOWN to search and implement those decisions. personally: i want my eyes ON THE ROAD at all times, and that aspect was nothing short of idiotic and UNSAFE. went in there with this car as #1 choice; left dealership running towards Ford for the much safer Escape, and VW for their brilliant new 2018 Tiguan.