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:

• 

  So Exciting! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kathy79 - December 1 - 6:59 pm

  I have been scoping out the Mazda CX5 since December. Could not wait to see it in person. Love at first sight. Comfortable, roomy, stylish, and fun to drive. I test drove one last week and had to wait a week before the dealer found the color an options that I was looking for. Looked at many crossovers on the market. This one was worth waiting for. Glad I did.

• 

  Not very happy - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By mikyd1 - November 20 - 1:23 am

  Bought the 2015 Mazda cx5 because saw reviews and knew Mazda from the past. I am not very happy, sitting space is absurdly small I am 6 0 And almost dont fit in the copilot seat, the back seats are too small, no space very uncomfortable, the radio is cheap, the air conditioning is very weak, with 80* takes 20 minutes to cool the space, not cold enough, the car is brand new so Why in the world will not cool down, not a good ac system. If I could go back in time, I would NOT buy the Mazda cx5, consumes too much gas, the rear seats are too small and basic

• 

  ZoomZoom This Car is fun in the twisties. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By poppabear1 - November 5 - 3:07 am

  We drove a 2013 last year did not like the weak engine. We bought this 2014 GTAWD fully loaded after we were blown away by its handling. This car is just flat fun to drive on twisty roads. Its also good on the highway too. But if you cant get into a MX-5 anymore the CX-5 is the car for you. Its an SUV Miata....

• 

  From a Mazda 3S to a CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jb03 - October 29 - 12:53 pm

  I was in the market for about a year considering various makes of automobiles. i was actually settling on a sporty sedan to eventually replace my 3S when I came across the new CX-5. I had heard about the new drive train and was initially concerned about the small 2.0L, high compression engine. I contact my dealer and decided to test drive before adding the CX-5 to my list. I was pleasantly surprised. The Skyactive G engine loves to rev and has good pick-up when driving in manual mode where I have control of the shift points. In automatic mode, the transmission logic is designed for fuel economy and need some coaching of the fuel peddle to accelerate. I bought a Mica Red GT with Tech.

• 

  Dissapointing heated seats function - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By alexandru marica - October 2 - 11:12 pm

  Owned the car for 1 month and 1000 miles, so far so good, except for the fact the seats dont really warm up. After quite a while they become a tiny little bit warm, in the highest setting. Also own a VW Jetta whose seats warm up really quickly and in the highest setting they turn a whole lot warmer then the CX-5s. Thought there was something wrong with my car so test drove another similar CX-5 and same thing. If heated seats are important to you, as they are to us, as we live in a ski town in Utah, just keep in mind they dont really work. Its as if Mazda did the bare minimum to check the comes with heated seats box. Hopefully thats the only area where they obviously cut a few corners....

• 

  I Love my CX-5!!!!!! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By peach2460 - September 8 - 10:34 am

  I bought my CX-5 in March. I traded a 2011 Ford Escape 4wd 6cyl for it. This was the best decision I ever made. I am getting 37mpg on my drives to work. I drive secondary roads on my 25 mile drive to work which are anywhere from 30-55 mph. My car now has 2100 miles on it and the gas mileage is awesome. The Escape I had only got 23-24 mpg.And the handling was mediocre at best and acceleration poor. My CX-5 is so much fun to drive and the handling is fantastic especially through the corners. I love everything about this car. I think the acceleration is just fine even up hills. I never thought I would buy a 4cyl automatic because the were doggish, but this one is definitely not. Buy one.

• 

  Awesome little SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By donovan280 - August 20 - 2:20 am

  This car is the complete package. Best looking of any SUV and you really do get alot for your money. I have the AWD, but even the FWD handles like a sports car, but rides like a sedan. Touring models come pretty well equipped. It is definitely a little slow off the line, but there is power there if you need it. The manual mode on the automatic works great, and its just like driving a stick without the clutch. If the gas mileage really is 28-30 real world, then this truly is the best all around vehicle. I did not notice much difference in the upgrade to the Bose, so I stuck with the base radio since I didnt want a sunroof anyway. I might say the Bose is only slightly better.

• 

  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By oldbearcat - July 29 - 1:37 am

  I needed a replacement for my Honda CRV. After doing research and test driving the new CRV, RAV4, and the CX-5, I feel the Mazda is the best of the bunch. The CX-5 feels more athletic, handles better, and feels more comfortable to me. The Touring comes fairly loaded with features, and, mine has the Bose radio and sun roof package as well. Build quality seems excellent and equal to the Honda it replaced.

• 

  Former Cadillac CTS Owner Goes SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By wuffb - July 21 - 6:48 pm

  Okay, so I came from a 2008 Cadillac CTS and LOVED that car . . . but kids got bigger, stuff got bigger . . . you know the deal . . . needed a vehicle that could be fun and practical. Looked at so many cars including CTS wagon . . . kept coming back to "why spend so much?" Looked at RDX, Highlander (another favorite) but all the SUVs kept coming in with bad gas mileage unless you bought the hybrid. On a whim I came across from Acura to the Mazda dealer and sat in a CX 5. It had features I wanted . . . a great Bose system, bi-xenon adaptive headlights, navi, etc. No, I wont win any races . . . but it really is fun to drive!

• 

  Fun to drive & great on gas! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By chemobob - July 8 - 6:33 am

  I was looking for a new vehicle to use for work. My wish list included 1. Plenty of room in back for sales materials 2. Combined EPA mileage of at least 27.5 mpg (company requirement to get an extra $100/month in car allowance) 3. Manual transmission 4. Sporty handling & fun to drive. I researched a LOT of vehicles, and the CX-5 was the only one I found that met all of my needs. I have already put over 10k miles on it in 3 months. Fuel economy in mostly highway driving has been over 30mpg. I drive around 78mph on the interstate. In 6th gear the rpms are 3200 at this speed. It would get even better mileage at 60-65mph. So far it has performed flawlessly. Im very happy with my choice!