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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  Exemplary vehicle - Mazda sets the standard again. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By govind_nair - June 1 - 7:07 am

  Its hard to come by a crossover SUV which gives exceptional mileage combined with excellent sports-car like driving dynamics and styling all at a competitively great price. Its just a practical and fun to drive car with a brand new Skyactiv engine & 6-speed transmission along with impressive interior space & wheelbase. The tactile steering feedback is excellent. I really like the blind spot monitoring feature. The interior is simple and elegant with high quality materials. The GT Technology package is not necessary in my opinion. Even though it only has 155HP power, you can feel what the Mazda engineers have tried to achieve in this vehicle with the SkyActive engine and suite of technologies

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  Luv the car but hate the electronics. - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Don - June 1 - 7:03 am

  Navigation poor. Obviously they have never used or seen a Tom Tom. Mazda would benefit greatly by partnering with Tom Tom. It is a shame to have this system on a car that is,otherwise, a very up to date vehicle. I would have expected a system like this four or five generations ago. Also, the sound system is not really great, for a ten speaker Bose system. Can`t operate the windows unless engine is running. Nav screen is bright at night and dim during day instead of bright in daylight and dim at night.It is distracting and a pain to keep resetting it On auto it should not require adjusting.

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  Fooled by the looks - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By jdagosta - April 18 - 4:30 am

  What a shocker. Our last four new car purchases had been Toyotas. We were lured in by the sporty look of the CX-5, and claims that its reliability was comparable toToyotas. The salesman hyped the CX -5s maintenance free transmission. About a week after our purchase, the transmission failed completely and required replacement. No support, no apologies, from the dealer. We wont be fooled again. Back to Toyota

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  Just bought - Love it!! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By sweetride4 - April 4 - 3:12 pm

  Bought for family of four. Shopped a lot! Once we decided we were okay with less seating capacity and overall size v. the Ford Explorer, Traverse, etc., the search continued for similar SUV feel on smaller scale, including lower price. Looked at Edge, really liked drive, but had to go with used and not so great gas mileage. So, on to the Equinox and Escape.. the Chevy just felt cramped.. even though good looking it just wasnt doing it for me on interior. The advertised prices led us to CX-5 v Escape.. The CX5 just felt right on interior roomy space, comfort and ease/simplicity of dash.Yet had enuf cool features to feel modern and plush. Awesome gas mileage too!! That alone should sell!

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  The CUV to beat - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By hammer105 - March 31 - 7:24 pm

  I purchased a CX5 after spending 3 months looking and waiting for the new RAV4. I actually purchased a RAV4 but waited 2 month for a FWD in the northeast before giving up. I always liked the look of the CX5 exterior better but was really drawn to the passenger view of the interior on the RAV4. The 2013 RAV4 XLE would have cost me about $2.5K less than the 2014 CX5 Touring with Sunroof and a few extras that are standard in the RAV4 (excise tax larger). I would have got the Grand Touring but did not want leather or the low profile tires. The CRV was to boring and was not that impressed with the rest of the competition although some can be found with better prices. To many angles in the escape and I found them to be expensive with options. From a driving perspective the CX5 was always better and the gas mileage is impressive on the 120-mile ride home from the dealer it averaged 34.7 at 65-70 mph on the computer and is still above 30. The car looks like it’s a BMW except it looks more aggressive. The seats are comfortable and the ride very smooth and quite. Like Toyota they are using long life fluids and most last over 100K. As a side note I traded a Mini cooper 40+ to the gal and would leave any of these cuv’s for dust on a windy road with 2 people inside. I also have two Toyota,s shame on Toyota for not giving customers what they want when they make it, regional bull$h$#. All the manufactures need to take their apple heads off and just make the inboard computer a fully customizable computer the owner/buyer of the vehicle can fully customized to their taste i.e. picture of your kids or dog comes up instead of their logo, vehicle status screens with temp gauge, audio screen so on and on, although both the Toyota and the CX5 are getting close. As for resell value that’s a bit like the stock market will a RAV4 build in Canada hold its value more than a CX5 built in Japan, what if gas goes to $6 a gallon and who cares if you keep it for a while because if you don’t you might as well lease. I feel this is the car to beat in this segment and I am sure Mazda will keep adding to it. Mazda try to make a profit this year as your cars are no cheaper than the compertition.

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  3,000 miles and counting.... - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By dwbinnwa - March 2 - 6:21 pm

  As a 6 foot 4 inch man, I was worried about this vehicle. However a test drive proved I had nothing to fear. I can easily get in and out with plenty of room once nestled in the soft leather seat. The styling is impressive, with an aggressive looking nose and a well done interior. The sun roof, reverse camera, Bose sound system, and easy to collapse rear seats are also positives. This SUV isnt going to throw you back in your seat when accelerating, but it is quick enough for my purposes and havent found myself wanting more.

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  Gas Mileage not as high as advertised - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By schuylkillsa - February 24 - 2:55 pm

  My highway gas mileage is supposed to be close to 35 MPG. I have over 5000 miles on the car and have taken several long road trips and Ive yet to hit 31 MPG. Are others finding the same thing?

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  Some problems Ive had so far - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By lj9 - February 17 - 2:59 am

  I have a fully loaded 2013 model. KMs not as promised, I do have all wheel drive and dont live on flatlands though. I have had to change so far: GPS - old one turned off for no reason and was always searching for a signal, changed driver mirror, vibrated over 100 km, back up camera, went blank after one week. Current problem - anti lock brakes kicks in at low speed on dry road. Mazda dealer cannot find problem, would no show up on test drive with mechanic. Mirror sensor flashes on left turns, passenger side sensor does not detect sudden lane change from other cars. A/C takes forever to cool car.

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  Another Mazda - Another Great Ride - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By basst95 - January 30 - 7:44 am

  My wife and I just bought the 2015 CX-5 AWD Touring. We got the blue ext / black int no tech but w/installed remote starter. Price $25250 before $500 Loyalty discount, trade in, and Tax / Title. Overall good price for great vehicle. Were still breaking in but handling, comfort, and overall design seem to be living up to the hype. My wife is enjoying features like the blind spot monitoring and rear back up camera. Layout is simple but intuitive and functional; from tilt / tele steering wheel, 40/20/40 folding seats to easy pairing of bluetooth. Gas mileage is right at 25mpg so well see how that holds up in the winter months. This Mazda out shined over the Toyota, honda, & Ford.

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  Update to driver from Salt Lake City - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By utahdriver - January 12 - 11:22 am

  After 2,600 miles everything is going great. The performance is better after the 2,000 mile mark. No problems to date. The last three gas fill-ups used 33 gallons with 921 miles driven, 27.9 miles per gallon in mixed city/highway. This car is very tight and drives like a dream on the highway. I really like the blind spot monitor system and the center rear seat fold down is handy for long items. For you owners with the auto I found that by shifting to Neutral and pressing the engine off button the radio/blue tooth says on, and engine is off. Then shift into park and finish the phone call or radio until you exit. Just push the engine run button twice to completely turn off the car.