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:

• 

  I couldnt be happier with my new CX 5! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lizlubee - January 1 - 6:23 pm

  I spent 1 1/2 years researching small SUVs and finally decided to purchase a Mazda CX 5, AWD Grand Touring. I now have just over 1400 miles and can honestly say its all the car the manufacturer claims it is. Its responsive, very comfortable, and good fun to drive. It also has good ground clearance (important for me) and standard blind-spot monitoring (a real plus). My gas mileage is outstanding for a car of this type: 37 mpg (highway), gas tank 1/4 full and 34.5 mpg (highway), gas tank 4/4 full. In the city I get between 27-28 mpg. And these are real numbers not EPA estimates! If youre in the market for a new small SUV you cant go wrong with this car!

• 

  ZoomZoom... - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By zoomzoom09 - December 28 - 8:23 am

  Its been less than a week, since I bought a 2013 CX-5 Touring Edition (FWD)w/auto/ Moonroof. Plus points: Very sports, high quality interior. great milage. I am getting 29 mpg avr driving almost 45 miles a day in medium to heavy traffic. The BSM system is great. Secondly, the handling is very good for a SUV. It handles like sports coupe, and the engine being a 4 cyl is quite adequent. If I wanted a v6, I would have gotten a Lexus RX, but for the value you get in a CX-5 and fact you DONT need premium fuel, thats a HUGE win.. Bose 9 speaker is awesome. The front profile is very nice, and plenty of room for 5/6 adults.. Bluetooth / ipod integration/rearcamera/ makes it very modern.

• 

  Great Crossover - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By lpmiller - December 24 - 6:40 pm

  We just picked up the skyblue CX-5 i Touring with the Bose/moonroof package and I must say, its an impressive car. Very roomy, drives very well for a crossover (not mushy around the corners) and while it could have more ooomph, its fast enough for most day to day driving. Very comfortable and roomy, in fact the first thing we did with it was buy a new dresser from Ikea. Car is too new to speak towards MPG yet, but the wife is happy, so Im happy.

• 

  2014 GT CX5 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By scweeeker - December 8 - 8:19 am

  After test driving the Kia, Honda, Ford, Chevy Equinox the CX5 made it quickly to the top of my purchase list. It offered the style, comfort, more creature comforts and most importantly price. This vehicle is great handling and a pleasure to drive. I simply love this vehicle. I traded my CRZ hybrid for Mazda so the gas mileage, regardless of what i bought, would never exceed my lil hybrid, but this is definitely worth the switch. I have room again!

• 

  Great SUV with Excellent MPG & Looks - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By verysmartcar - November 21 - 12:14 pm

  Just brought this CX-5 and love it. Right away driving 4 miles to work and 4 miles home getting 25 MPG in the city driving. You cant go wrong with this Mazda. Owned 9 Mazdas is a row and never had any problems with them. Best looking SUV for the Money. Very smooth ride and excellent visability. I have the Touring model that has the 17" Wheels that I think has a little better ride than the Grand Touring with the 19" Just my opinion. Mazda has the looks and reliability. Honda CRV Boring, RAV4 Ugly, Kia Sportage has the looks but not sure on reliability. Just go and look at the Mazda and you will be impressed.

• 

  Disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By ali36 - November 9 - 10:08 am

  Have owned this car for two months now. Stereo is awful, cabin noise is horrible, its also very sluggish. The only thing going for it is the looks. Now Im told the heated seats only work in 63/68 degree temp!!! This was the reason why I bought leather seating. The backup camera doesnt beep when in reverse. I wish I would have chosen the Nissan Rouge instead. The biggest disappointment is the gas mileage, Im getting about 22mpg, not the 28 suggested!!!!

• 

  I love this car! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By girlfromwa - October 2 - 1:20 am

  My last vehicle was a Sub Forester. All well and good. This car handles much better. Better turn radius, much more "umph" on steep mountain passes, lots of pep & energy - and AWD too! Sweet! Subaru a little weak on bells and whistles, and this has really nice comfort features. Good gas mileage too.

• 

  Acceleration Issue - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jam2825 - September 14 - 6:35 pm

  I purchased my 2014 CX5 in early 2013. It has 25,000 miles at this time, mostly highway miles. In the last 6 months there have been times when accelerating to pass, the car accelerates to extreme after I have let off the accelerator, and the tachometer flies up as if the accelerator is sticking. The accelerator also flies up while breaking. It is becoming more and more frequent. After reading another review on the same subject, I felt it necessary to confirm the issue. I am very disappointed, as this vehicle was not cheap.

• 

  Zoom Zoom now applies - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By imadad2 - July 28 - 1:25 am

  Bought the Touring model of the CX-5 only because it has the bigger 2.5 liter engine. The extra 30 horsepower in the Touring and Grand Touring model really make a difference when driving. The Sport model is nice, but the engine makes the vehicle just average. Mazda has a winner here in the CUV division and I would recommend this SUV to anyone over the Forde Escape or Honda CR-V that are its main competitors. This market is competitive and Mazda has what I think is the winner when buying the bigger engine.

• 

  Love it! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By superscaler - June 22 - 5:51 pm

  After being opened minded while shopping around at all the different makes once I saw the CX5 I knew right away this was the car for me. The Rouge didnt have enough front passenger leg room, the Honda CRV didnt come close to matching the interior design and I wouldnt even consider the Rav4.