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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  lharsh - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lharsh - December 14 - 10:17 am

  I just purchased the 2014 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring and am thoroughly impressed with everything I see. The styling is far above the other similar SUVs of Honda, Subaru, Toyota and Chevrolet. Before buying I looked at each model based on price, styling, gas mileage, specifications and all the standard features of each model. In my opinion, the Mazda came out ahead in all categories. My first tank of gas came in at 27.9 miles per gallon driving a mixture of highway and local miles. I would recommend this SUV to anyone that wants a fun vehicle to drive and still have good gas mileage.

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  Way More Than I Expected! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kaedens - November 28 - 12:05 pm

  I was coming off owning a 98 Ford Explorer and owning a 2004 Honda S2000 as my fun car. Took the Explorer in for a funny noise, got a $3,800 estimate and realized it was time to put the Ford out of its misery. The Honda wasnt going to cut it for daily stuff and I still wanted either a station wagon or an SUV, but was really tired of the 15 mpg that the Ford got. Looked at the Outback and the Escape, but was blown away by the CX-5. Without repeating what everyone else has said, Ill leave you with this: The CX-5 AWD with the 2.5 liter Skyactiv engine is 90% of the utility of the Explorer and 95% of the fun of driving the Honda. I love this SUV/car/CUV vehicle!

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  Peppy! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dpeerwani - November 24 - 2:47 am

  I got my CX-5 in July and currently have about 9,500km on it. Driving it has been nothing but fun. Great response, torque and stability in all conditions. I test drove the CR-V, RAV4, Santa Fe and Cherokee before settling on this one, the most balanced package of all. I am absolutely in LOVE with the steering, which adjusts firmness perfectly with speed. The interior build quality is great with soft-touch materials and while some may find it bland, I prefer this over the overly done interiors of RAV4 and Santa Fe and the pointless buttons of the CR-V. No problems so far - definitely room for improvements as noted below.

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  Push button start and some safety risk - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By kamal - November 9 - 4:35 am

  I have this SUV since April. Its a great ride and I do not want to add more to what most already mentioned. I would like to mention a huge safety issue with the key less entry. The key will disable the "start" feature itself if you are inside the car with the key and someone exiting the vehicle presses the outside lock button. This is ridiculous and unsafe especially if I am traveling. You will need someone bring the 2nd key or dealer need to reprogram it. There are vehicles push button start features which will prevent the doors from locking if the key is inside. Mazda says system disables keys in order to prevent theft! I do not buy this excuse. I rather have a locked key inside that I can have a locksmith open it and I can be on my way instead of a dealers costly reprogramming (in case you were traveling with both keys and they became disabled). Imagine getting stuck with a disabled key in the middle of the woods or a snowy road!

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  What car do these other people have? - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By vitden21 - September 1 - 10:01 am

  Have read other reviews of the CX5 and am wondering what Im missing. I purchased the Touring model with the Bose/moonroof package. The Bose system is pretty awful. All the sound seems to come out of the center speaker. The vocals sound tinny and no adjustment of the treble and bass seem to make much difference unless bass is turned all the way up and treble all the way down. And the interior is so cheaply made! The floor carpeting pulls away every time I try to remove the floor mats to vacuum.The driver side cloth covered armrest is already showing some sign of wear and Ive only had the vehicle for 30 days. Very disappointing. So is the bird chirping sound the engine started making.

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  Beyond Awesome! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Smilin CX-5 Driver - August 12 - 5:11 pm

  Took a long time and drove lots of vehicles before selecting this Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD and I LOVE IT!!! Its super fun to drive with tons of zoom zoom but has such a phenomenally quiet smooth ride even all my passengers comment on it. The technology I thought Id find annoying is actually helpful and the audio system rocks! Everyone who has ridden in it regardless of age or size has been very impressed including tall back seat passangers. Already hauling stuff in it and it has more usuable cargo space than I expected. Havent had a single problem but its too soon (5 weeks) to really comment on reliability. Wish automakers could/would make AWD autos with better gas mileage - Tesla might have to be my next car - but this performs with the rest of its class and I couldnt dream up a better car. Great job Mazda engineers!!! Go get one for yourself.....

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  cruise and gas problems - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By rich186 - July 23 - 8:05 pm

  Bought the car last May, Great til Aug. On a trip when cruise went from 2400 to 6000 rpm. Happened 4 times. Thought the engine was going to blow. Highway gas mileage went from low 30s to upper 20s. Since 1-1-13 have avg. 31 in the city and 29 on hwy trips. Mazda says there is nothing wrong with the car. I live where its flat. Cruise goes into passing gear when going up the slightest incline. Again Mazda says thats normal and its saving gas by doing that. Service manager told me today that mpg hwy is only good up to 60. After that your mpg will decrease. Sky inactiv tech. Am going to try to see if Mazda USA can help but I guess it will be like hitting my head against a wall.

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  Very happy with my new SUV - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By suziesivlerado - July 17 - 7:15 am

  I just traded in a 2014 Accord sedan (which had multiple problems) for the CX-5, so let me start by saying I only had this car for five days. But I love it so far. The seats are so supportive and comfortable (apart from the head restraint which are fine for taller people) The Bose system sounds fine to me--not great-- but good enough. The interior noise level (I checked with a decibel meter) is lower than some higher price models. It is relatively smooth on bumpy roads and a pleasure to drive. The electronic multifunction interface is not great. it is a bit slow and sometimes requires multiple entries. Also, the screen could be a tad bigger.

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  Good Bad and the Ugly - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By geeman6 - July 12 - 4:53 pm

  After shopping around I decided to buy the 2014 CX-5 Sport/ 6A. This was my first non-American car. I love the car and it has every thing I wanted as standard equip. BUT the car has 4,200 miles and when you sit at a light, trans in gear, engine at idle the car will suddenly lurch forward. Its happened three times. At first I thought I got re-ended, not so. Very dangerous and it could happen at anytime. I believe the trans lock-up converter engages for a split second. Im trading it in. Its only a matter of time before the trans goes totally bad.

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  Nice small SUV - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Lois Thatcher - July 8 - 5:08 am

  I felt the acceleration was okay. Did not like the choice of interior colors. Drove nicely, but I did not purchase the car.