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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  Best Crossover - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By armtech - August 15 - 6:37 am

  My salesman was right, Mazda has that Europian drive like feeling, I test drove the Rav4 and the Crv, but Mazda Cx5 was the winner, I am really impressed all the way around,

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  Nice small suv, not good on gas - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By robinlewes - August 13 - 3:22 pm

  I bought my CX-5 last summer after doing a lot of research to find a small suv that would get good gas mileage. I thought I had made the right decision but now Im thinking I made somewhat of a mistake. I like most things about this car, the way it handles and its comfort and convenience but mine is getting lousy gas mileage. Mazda claims I should get 26/35 but Im generally only getting 20mpg! Even my dealership was questioning this low mileage. They have checked the car over but found nothing wrong suggesting that I use a better grade of gas. I did so but it made no difference. My BMW 325i I traded got better. Im really thinking of trading this car as Im disappointed in Mazdas claims.

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  Huge upgrade from the 2016 model---LOVE MY 2017 - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By RL - June 26 - 1:32 am

  This is the best car I ever bought. Period. I said similar things about the 2016 CX-5, but They have completely re-designed the 2017 model. The interior upgrades are SO luxurious, the drive is ultra quiet, and Mazdas can definitely HANDLE the road. You will read some complaints about lack of power, but I find my CX-5 to be pretty peppy. I have driven the CR-V and the Rav-4 and they dont hold a candle to the CX-5. You owe it to yourself to get into one of these machines and give it a go!

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  Maxda CX 5 a Motion of Excitement - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By autotimer - May 23 - 9:54 pm

  I am a new owner of the CX 5. I test drove the other small SUVs like the CRV but when I drove the CX 5 it was miles above the others in handling. It feels like you are glued to the road. The build quality is excellent. The Bose sound system is time to party on ... no band needed. The safety features like the blind spot sensors are just another added detail to one fine car. I recommend if you are in the market for a small SUV /crossover try driving the CX 5. Have fun out there and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

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  Excellent vehicle: fun, lots of features, economical - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By cx5andmx5 - May 21 - 6:20 pm

  I purchased it 3-days ago and have 300-miles on it so far. I am very impressed with the CX-5 at this point. Mixed driving gave me 29-mpg (as calculated by me, not the computer) on the first fill. The mid-range torque of the engine is really impressive. It holds most grades in 6th gear. Acceleration is perfectly adequate at sea-level (Texas). Those at 5000-feet or with lots of steep hills might not be as satisfied. The steering feel, rigid chassis, great handling, feature content, interior materials and space, and interesting technology are the selling points. The great fuel economy is merely a bonus.

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  The CX-5 is simply best in class - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By akchris - May 21 - 1:51 am

  I have a long commute, need a nice ride and good MPG - drove everything in the class - CRV (loud), new RAV4 (ugly int), Sportage (poor ride), Escape (ugly in/out), Equinox (outdated), Compass and Rogue (CVT), they all had little warts that became glaring weaknesses after driving the Mazda. I have a sound meter, its tied for quietest at 75 mph, fuel economy is unmatched looking at real world results, no CVT (noise, ugh), best handling, great seats, great dash, its roomy - Im 62" and never feel cramped in the CX5. Others have a little more cargo space, or a touch more rear seat room, but none have the complete package like the Mazda. Averaging 28.6 mpg in mixed driving after 3,000 miles.

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  big problem sudden acceleration - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By L. Hinde - May 17 - 1:56 am

  After shopping the other suvs out there we settled on Mazdas Grand Touring CX5...love the red color and the fit and finish. We had a good test drive, no problem. However after picking up the one we ordered and driving it about 10 miles were were slowing down for a flagger at a road repair situation. Just as we got to the flagger he stepped in front of the car to move the sign from slow to stop. Dont know what went wrong but thankfully we were going slow and had my foot on the break but as the man stepped in front of the car the car revved up to 4000rpm. I immediately put the car into park but the engine wouldnt slow down so I had to turn the engine totally off. It was a dangerous situation and could easily have ended in disaster. When the flagger waved us forward I started the car and drove a bit up the road....called the dealer and had them pick the car up. The eyesight not only didnt work but reacted in the opposite of what it was designed for.

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  My first Mazda and I like it a lot. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kathyma - May 16 - 4:16 pm

  Ive owed this new 2014 Mazda CX-5 AWD Touring for about 5 months now (purchased this year, 2013). I overly like it a lot. I narrowed my choices down from three similar vehicles at the time: Mazda CX-5, the Chevy Equinox and the Nissan Rogue. Here are my current conclusions from this very nice Mazda compact SUV that also feels like a sports car...

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  ove my third Mazda CX5 - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Larry Pepper - May 3 - 5:29 pm

  I love the 2017 CX5 - so many improvements from the 14 including. Much quieter - double pain windows, better handling - flatter cornering, all the latest driver assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure, BSM, great back up camera

• 

  Fun but gutless - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By shierwarter - April 28 - 7:13 pm

  I have had my CX-5 since June, and have had fun driving this car with the 6-speed manual transmission. While it is gutless going uphill, mostly I dont notice the lack of power. I tend to get around 31mpg overall, and Im pretty happy with that. Two things... I wish that the great blue color was available on the 6-speed (my choices were black, silver and grey) and I wish that there was better accessibility in the back seat. My mom rides back there sometimes, and its hard for her to get in and out.