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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  Do Not Pay For The Tech Package with the Mazda CX 5 - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By wuffb - July 4 - 4:00 am

  I had a 2013 Mazda CX5 GT with Tech Package and the iPod integration unit / Bluetooth worked perfectly. I JUST bought a new 2015 with the 2.5 Engine and Tech Package. Dont buy this car with the Tech package! Mazda has known about problems with this system for over a year . . . nothing fixed yet. No time stated for firmware update. Pandora / iPod/ Bluetooth . . . sync up very sketchy. Go on Google . .. type in "Mazda CX5 iPod issues" and read all the posts and You tube Video. Dealer knows this system is not working right and will not inform customers. Mazda knows this system is not working right and hasnt fixed it . . . but you will pay for it!

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  Great MPG. Well engineered. Priced right. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By edz3 - June 25 - 7:35 am

  The only Mazda I have owned are Miata (three cars). I loved them for their performance oriented handling and reliability even when they are over 10 years old. Therefore, CX5 was the first crossover vehicle I researched when I started looking for a bigger vehicle to replace my last Miata. I did comparison with other make and models over and over and I always came to the same conclusion. CX-5. Some competitors were ranked higher than CX5 by Consumer Reports. However, none of them had better gas mileage or had lower MSRP when equipped similarly. I went and traded in my Miata for a CX5 after a couple of test drives. And after 4 months of ownership, I have no regrets. Mazda hit a home run

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  A great car ruined by transmission mapping - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By John Zuanich - June 20 - 3:22 pm

  This is a decent car that could be a great car with better transmission mapping and an additional transmission gear or two. I own the larger 2.5L engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission. I live on a hill, but most of my driving is down on fairy flat terrain. The transmission mapping is definitely part of the Skyactive technology, designed to shift to the highest possible gear as soon as is practical. More often than not this isnt a problem--until you begin driving up a hill, where it has a constant tendency to lug. The transmission is reluctant to down shift without feeding it a significant amounts of throttle. Then it downshifts and races up the hill, making it difficult to drive up a hill smoothly. More often than not, Im forced to shift manually whenever Im driving up the hill, inorder to be in total control of shift points. Most of the other cars Ive owned with automatic transmissions seen to sense when you begin driving up a hill and seem to downshift much more inuitively (more quickly and with less throttle application) and smoothly. The transmission is adaptive, meaning it adapts to your driving style over time. I drive very moderalty most of the time, so I dont mind the hunt for the highest gear, as that strategy generally improves fuel economy. But drive it loaded up a hill and any hint of a "performance" vehicle flies right out the door. Additionally, gear spacing between 32 and 40 miles per hour is way to broad. This car would definitely benefit from one or two additional gears in this important speed range. Ive owned many cars with automatic transmissions, and this is by far the worst transmission mapping Ive noticed. The key is "noticed." When transmission mapping is done well, you dont notice it because the transmission always seems to be in the correct great. In the CX-5, even with the larger engine, the poor mapping is always noticed driving up a hill. Its really a shame, because all other aspects of this vehicle are really good. Steering and brake feel are outstanding, and this car really is fun to drive--over flat terrain. Enter a hill, and entire package falls apart due to the transmission.

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  Still getting to know mine but liking it so far - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Dave - June 13 - 5:43 am

  I was looking at BMWs and saw the CX5. I found it to be very stylish for a medium size SUV. Everything in the BMW appears to be in this car. Quality leather, electronics, entertainment, safety feature, smart cruise, sun roof, heated seats, custom attractive wheels, smart key, etc.... You get a lot of car for the money in the CX5. Its quiet, smooth riding, and comfortable. I have less than 1000 miles on mine so I cant speak on reliability. I am not giving it 5 stars because there are some minor things: 1) I wish it had more HP. A turbo engine would have been great. 2) The automatic shift lever was not designed very well and could use some improvement. I often get my fingers pinched in the spring loaded lever on the knob. 3) The break peddle is too close to the gas peddle. If you wear boots while driving, it is hard to put your foot on one peddle without it being on the other too. 4) I would like a little more support in the driver seat. 5) and like all Japanese cars, they just dont design around American long legs and come up short on driver side leg room. But it is a fine 4 star machine.

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  One Year Later - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mary668 - May 21 - 9:40 am

  One year later, no major problems. Runs well, still comfortable, decent sound system (I dont expect a studio experience), no new noises, rear door still occasionally resists latching once, closes the second time. My primary concern is getting on the interstate via a short ramp and 70mph plus speeds whizzing by, this car can be dangerous trying to get up to speed fast. It hesitates too long or is unpredictable in its response. Hope future CX-5 engineers fix this danger.

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By formerhonda - March 25 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased my SUV 2 weeks ago. I am currently getting 29-30MPG. I traded in a 2007 Honda CRV and it was the 4th Honda I had owned. Upon doing research on new autos, I saw the Mazda CX5 and loved the body style. I considered the Honda Fit, but I was disappointed it does not have the height seat adjustment. I am a 52 female and the seat adjustment is something that cannot be an option for me. My only complaint is the headrest sit a little high. I seldom have anyone sitting in the back seat, so I just removed the head rest until I need them. I still trying to get used to no key start, but I think my loyalty to Honda is no longer there!

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  What a Sweet Ride - Mazda has done a wonderful job - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Sonny - February 11 - 1:03 pm

  We traded in a Honda 2016 CRV EXL and also test drove the new 2017 CRV Touring - which can not compare to the CX5 as far as the technology and we hated the cheap looking interior of the CRV - who designed the tinny looking steering wheel controls? THe CX5 handled so much better on the road - steered better-quieter-and handled bumpy roads way better , the Bose Stereo is just awesome , the center knob for the entertainment screen is wonderful. Mazdas lane assist , headlights that move around the corners , the cruise control with assist, a interior that is pure luxury compared to the Honda. The Red Soul Color has no comparison. So if you havent driven a new CX5 please do so before buying anything else in this class of vehicle. Also Mazdas dealership is awesome no pushing to purchase a vehicle which probably is due to the fact that nothing compares to their new CX5

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  "The Miata of SUVs" - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jeffyb - January 18 - 9:06 pm

  I have owned two Miatas and loved them. I also traded my 2007 Honda CRV for a CX5 GT with AWD. I drove the new CRV as well. Its very nice and engine feels a bit more powerful than the CX5 but there is no comparison in handling. The CRV is more luxurious in ride & handling (softer). But the CX5 handles like a sports sedan -- amazing for an SUV! Seats feel like they were pulled from the BMW M-Sport parts bin (no kidding). Very comfortable, solid and so far I am averaging 28.1 mpg around town (with a bit over 1000 miles). That is WAY better than I did with my CRV (about 23 mpg). I can fit to adult bikes in the back with the seats folded! If you want a sporty, efficient SUV, this is it!

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  Dislike the AC - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By Wang Kaisi - January 16 - 5:44 am

  A few things to point out after owning this car more than a year. 1. AC system. Front windshield defrost will ONLY turn on when you use external circulation mode. When I need to defrost, I am also bringing in the exhaust from the car in front of me. 2. 180HP on this vehicle seems not enough power when passing on a freeway. (personal)

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  My Best Mazda yet ! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By stevenewjersey - January 6 - 6:46 pm

  People consider me fussy in the cars I buy or lease. Since my wife drives a 2010 Mazda Tribute AWD Grand Touring, when it came time for me to select a new car, I traded my Mercedes roadster in on a CX5 AWD Grand Touring after considering a Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sportage. I was specific at the dealer, wanting a white one, Tech Package, all weather floor mats, roof rack, cargo cover, rear bumper guard, etc. They didn’t have one but found one in another state and sent a driver to get it for me after I gave them $100 deposit. The next day all the paperwork was completed and they filled it with gas, prepped the vehicle and I took delivery. I’m absolutely impressed with the Bluetooth and how it just sucked in my entire phone addresses and how I can make or receive calls while driving. The Tom Tom Nav system is inferior to my portable Magellan and is the only disappointment. I’m impressed in the seat comfort, three level heated seats, dual climate control, high intensity headlights and responsiveness of the vehicle. It’s beautiful to look at and very stylish with the 19” wheels and black outlining of the wheel openings, dual exhaust with chrome tips as well as the blind spot monitoring system. The availability of having the optional manual shifter is a great extra feature as is the folding 40/20/40 rear seats that are easy to operate. I believe the daytime running lights are a great safety feature as well. All in all, I paid a little too much but am completely satisfied.