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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  Great car! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By janelles - April 22 - 12:36 pm

  I have purchased the Mazda cx-5 from Lee Johnson in Kirkland, WA and so far I love it! I have been looking for a mid size SUV for about a year and really liked this car compared to many others I test drove. The CX-5 Grand Touring edition is sporty, spacious and affordable.

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  Great Vehicle - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jlsfla - April 7 - 9:36 am

  Posted week ago in Forum when purchased. After 1 week am in love. Great interior, seats extremely comfortable, handling feels very positive. Everything within easy reach. Sound system very good. Havent checked gas mileage yet but seems good. Has that "heavy feel" in the front end making you feel more in touch with the road while driving. Enough power when merging into traffic. Quiet inside though there is some road noise which seems to come from the tires. All in all compared to the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav 4 it wins hands down. Road trip coming up in a month or so so will get a real feel then. Great vehicle to consider.

• 

  Coming from a Rav4, a step down - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jayne10 - April 4 - 1:08 am

  I live on a gravel road in the land of snow. The car managed just fine this winter with our snow, ice and slop. I did not have any trouble getting up the hill to the house. I get less mileage than others, as you would expect, given our driving conditions. Driving along this winter and a piece of the interior plastic below the dash just fell off. Why? I dont know. It is now lying on the counter in my kitchen waiting to be dealt with. I dont really think that I would buy another one. Lacking power.

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  Runs great in Salt Lake City you must test drive this SUV!! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By utahdriver - March 30 - 11:36 am

  Getting 28 MPG in 50/50 mixed driving with winter fuel, handles great in snow and ice. I was set on Subaru Crosstrek, but not impressed with noisy CVT and had to really push throttle to get moving, freeway ride stiff and choppy. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Ride better but did not like CVT. Sorry no Fix Or Repair Daily Escape, look at consumer reviews and GM crossovers . Honda CRV did not like looks. CX 5 highway drive solid, smother ride, quieter, lots of options and space for the $. Did not get Technology Package. Engine/trans provides all the power needed for hills and accel for freeway. Driving at 70 MPG registers 32. $1,400 off list plus tossed in set of all weather floor mats

• 

  Best car in its class - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By cdubbg - February 17 - 11:25 pm

  I just bought a CX-5 Touring with the bose/moonroof upgrade and love it! I spent months researching and couldnt seem to find a crossover that had everything on my wishlist and still managed to have good gas mileage. It was love at first sight when I found this car! If I had to be picky, I would love to get a little more bass from the car stereo, and the seats could be just a little bit more comfortable but this car really is the total package at an affordable price.

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  Love the new 2014 CX5 Grand Touring with a few exceptions - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By nrgxmsn - January 31 - 5:44 pm

  This care was a very pleasent surprise. I was set on a Honda CRV and after a test drive it was a little better than average. Also test drove a Suburu Forester and it was below average with basic interior frills. Never test drove the Rav4 because its ugly cowhide dashboard. Wasnt considering a Mazda but after looking at it, it looked rich and classy, the interior was above all the others lots of frills, but the ride was amazing very steady going around turns like a race car. Test drove a 2013 and it appeared light on HP but not the 2014 no longer an issue. The gas mileage is better than my previous car a Honda CRV.

• 

  Drives Great - Almost a Home Run - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By scmtbdoon - January 8 - 5:42 pm

  The perfect car – if your criteria is: 1) Drives like a small BMW sedan, 2) Carries camping gear, bikes and kayaks down bad dirt roads to your favorite primitive campground. For an SUV it is high on utility and it is the first SUV where the S truly means sports car-like performance. However, it is not the perfect car if your criteria includes: 1) Tomb-quiet interior under all road conditions and speeds, 2) Zero intrusion of road-feel of any kind through the brakes, steering or suspension or 3) Extended off-road terrain crawling. The exterior is sleek, muscular and emotive without being overdone. 19" wheels are handsome. The interior is elegant rather than flashy – like an Italian suit.

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  After 6,500 miles I still love it - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By sdpadsfan - January 3 - 8:17 am

  After months of research and more test drives than I can count, I purchased my CX-5 about 5 months ago. I have not regretted the decision. I am 65" tall and needed a family vehicle that was comfortable for me to drive and had room for car seats in the back. I also wanted a vehicle that got good mileage. The CX-5 is perfect for this role and is fun to drive too! I know a lot has been said about lack of power, but I have not had any issues where I thought it needed more power (Disclaimer, my previous car was a 2004 VW Jetta with the 2.0 engine).

• 

  Love performance, hate the new exterior design - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Pamela - January 2 - 5:26 am

  I currently own a 2014 Touring CX-5 and love it! I was considering trading it for the 2017 until I saw it in the show room. I was shocked at how much they had changed the exterior. It now looks more like the CX-9. What I really liked about the CX-5 was the fact that it was a small crossover SUV. It no longer looks like a crossover. The new design is ugly and too big. They totally ruined the appearance of this car. Im so disappointed!

• 

  Nice handling, little else - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By djd123 - December 22 - 3:27 am

  I was looking for something with a little more cargo capacity than my old rsx last year, and was really taken by how well the cx-5 handled during the test drive. I did not think the low-powered engine would be much of a problem. I was wrong. Going up hills with a single passenger and two dogs in the back, the car made a lot of noise with very little movement. It also felt cheaply put together. After about a month of ownership, the drivers seat squeaked like an old mattress. The stock radio and speakers are utter trash. Lots of little rattles and vibrations that I didnt notice during the test drive.