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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  Buying a New CX-5 without XM - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Paul L Berger - June 24 - 4:04 am

  I was very Disappointed to find out after i purchased a 2017 CX-5 Touring with BOSE System that the car is not equipped with XM radio. It comes up on the display but its Grayed out, i assume just to let you know you bought the Cheap version of the SUV. I guess Mazda feels 30K is Cheap and we would not want XM. I own Three other cars. VM with XM. Chevy Cruse with XM and My 2016 Mazda 6 Touring. the 2015 Mazda CX-5 i turned in did have it. I have recommend MAZDA to all my friends and Family plus the dealer ship is one of the best i have ever used. Due to this i will still recommend Mazda but i will let all know if you want XM you will need to look at other MFGs.

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  4 months and 5000 miles - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By bsailing2 - May 29 - 10:57 pm

  Purchased this shortly after they arrived in US. Decided on Mazda over CRV to be different. Also like BSM and that the better radio/speakers can be added to the mid level Touring model. Wife is primary driver and she is getting about 26.5 MPG w/ 30 mile city daily commute. Also very comfortable on highway. Noise level is very acceptable. Now that my wife has driven this a lot she likes it more and more compared to 2001 Town & Country which was actually a very quiet and competant driving vehicle.

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  After 6 months, traded it for a Subaru - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By akchris - May 18 - 7:29 am

  After falling in love with the CX5 and really enjoying it, some warts really started to show. My commute changed from 55mi a day, 70% hwy to 40mi mostly city and my MPG really crashed. Was getting 30+ mpg per tank, after moving I never saw 20 mpg again. Then theres the wear on the interior - the seats in my 2004 Honda with 170k looked better than the CX5s after less than 6 months. The drivers seat looked beat after 8k miles and stray threads were popping up in the pass seat. The carpet in the rear hatch was trashed after I moved bags and boxes, I hauled tons of stuff in my Honda and it looked better, cant imagine how bad the CX5 will look in 5 years, brutal. Got a great Subaru trade.

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  No XM unless you go top of the line - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By JMT - May 15 - 6:22 am

  I was very surprised by the fact that XM radio was an option that was only available on the Grand Touring. Very disappointing...I almost bought the car. Oh well.

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  I love my new CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kothmcaa - April 8 - 9:10 am

  After years of looking for just the right mix of features, price, and MPG rating I finally found what I wanted - the Mazda CX-5. I wanted an SUV or crossover with high-end features, a MPG rating at or near 30 mpg, for under $30,000. The Mazda CX-5 has it all. I purchased the Grand Touring edition as soon as it arrived at my local dealers lot. I have 1,300 miles on the car after one month. I am getting consistently getting 30 mpg in mixed (city/hwy) driving conditions. I have not taken a road trip yet, so I dont know what my high end mileage will be for highway driving. I would not buy this car if I had a lot of hills or mountains. The acceleration on inclines is not that great.

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  Mazda CX-5 GT with premium package. Best in class! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By N. Ross - March 24 - 12:55 pm

  2017 Mazda -5 GT, premium package. 5 STARS Searching for a mid size Crossover, I narrowed my choices down to the Mazda CX-5 and the Lexus NX 200t. I need a spare tire for long road trips. Surprisingly, many premium brands delete this. I am a long time Lexus owner, with my last 13 cars being Lexus. I currently have an ES and a GS. The NX was the easy choice, until I started researching the Mazda CX-5. Although these two vehicles are in a different price category, they are very similar in size and capabilities. What interesting is the Mazda for me was the better choice. The CX-5 is very smooth and quiet. The interior materials are actually superior to the Lexus, and the fit and finish of the Mazda is easily on par with any Lexus vehicle. Where the Mazda really shines is safety. The GT with premium package has all the latest technology with Blind Spot monitoring, Lane departure and assist, pre collision with auto braking, etc. What’s is really interesting is that this is all displayed on the HUD right in front of you. It warns you if you are too close to the car in front of you. It duplicates the blind spot monitors. It shows you your current speed and speed limit. It shows you navigation and turn directions. Its very advanced, and exceptional in this price range. The Lexus NX has none of this for $15k more. This may change for Lexus when the ‘18 model comes out. The Mazda uses regular fuel and gets better gas mileage. The Mazda rides smoother and quieter. My CX-5 has no rattles and feels very solid. The NX service loaners that I have driven, all had rattles from the rear hatch. I like the Mazda design better, but thats subjective. So what does the Lexus have for $15k more? A turbo for more power ( but uses premium fuel), parking sensors, ventilated seats, and telematics. So far I’m really happy with my CX-5. There have no problems or defects, and I actually enjoy driving it. I think this car is the best going in this category and price range. If Mazda put the turbo from the CX-9 in it, it would beat many premium crossovers costing $20k more. Maybe the diesel coming later this year will change that. A little more “zoom-zoom” would be good. Any complaints? I wish the driver’s seat would move a few more inches back ( I’m 6’2”), and it has older style tire pressure monitors that just tell you if a tire is low (as opposed to showing you the exact pressure in each tire). Thats about it. Check this car out and you will be surprised at the value here. Its an excellent vehicle that punches above its class.

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  The little big SUV - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By motiver - March 4 - 7:52 pm

  I drove a Nissan Altima Sedan (2008, 170hp), then an Infiniti G37 Sedan (2010, 330hp). Now I just bought this 2014 CX-5 Touring AWD. I am surprised how Mazda was able to pack in terrific gas mileage in a powerful engine. The comfort in the cockpit is top notch and I love the Bluetooth Phone and Pandora integration. The blind spot indicators are awesome. Makes me feel very safe and confident. The drive smooth and comfy. Huge leg room for everyone in the car (I am 6ft tall). Overall, it is downright amazing. I dont miss my G37 anymore. :)

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  True to expectations - Comfortable but some quibbles - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By agaurav - March 3 - 6:16 am

  I have had my CX5 for 2+ months and driven 2200 miles in Dallas metroplex. It has been great so far with no surprises. Comfortable ride and no squeaks or any mechanical issues. Gas mileage for this FWD has been 27 mpg in mostly city driving with a very light foot and a constant eye on the current mpg reading. The USB port in the console charges phones at a slow rate since it has medium amp. The rear seats dont recline so not very comfortable for adults. Now that I am used to backup camera and blind spot monitoring, I need to be careful when driving wifes car without these aids. The gas tank is 15 gallons but I could fill only 12.2 gallons when range left was 5 miles.

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  Great look... Great ride - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By Donna Mc - January 7 - 9:35 am

  I purchased the pearl white Grand Touring with black leather interior. It is so eye-catching. The ride is quiet and it handles great. Sound system is awesome. The vehicle I bought did not come with the remote start and tech option. I had it added and I am disappointed. I thought I could just push a button and get my car started... its not that easy. First you have to download the app to your smartphone. Then you have to create a username and password. To actually start the car, you go to the app, ... when you finish entering your username and password you log on.. and wait. When you finally get into the Mazda app you then push the start button,.... and wait.... The message claims it can take up to a minute each for these two steps. There is also a panic button, but I cant imagine having to log in when you are in a panic. I would not spend the extra 500+ again. I do love the vehicle and cant wait to see how it rides in the snow. I expect to be a Mazda owner for many years.

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  A great choice! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lizlubee - January 5 - 7:29 pm

  I spent the better part of 2 years researching small SUVs. I keep my vehicles for a decade or more, so wanted to get it right. I ultimately decided upon the 2014 Mazda CX 5 Grand Touring (AWD) and I am extremely pleased. My gas mileage has been very good (31 highway/27.5 city) and will likely improve as the weather warms and the engine "breaks in". It also handles well, is very comfortable, and includes "blind-spot monitoring" as a standard feature! Its great fun to drive and a great value. I couldnt be happier with my choice!