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:

• 

  Greatest value and performance. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By xatharon - May 19 - 7:34 pm

  I bought my CX-5 in july, I have over 7,000 miles on it already and it has not made one peep. I drive it like a maniac in a mountainous area and still get average of 26 mpg, which is more than the computer calculated mpg. I just put it through a dangerous off-road test and it performed admirably. Two and a half inches of snow over grass and frozen mud, it drove through it like on asphalt on a hot summer day. I have done 125 miles per hour on the highway. I have not seen any reason to miss my V-6 turbocharged car, sure it does not take off on the line but it is not a race car, it still beats most vehicles. The transmission is the best I have seen outside of a Porsche.

• 

  The Worst Stereo/Electronics Ive Ever Encountered - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By ec0516 - May 17 - 9:54 pm

  My 2015 CX-5 GT AWD has the poorest excuse for an infotainment system Ive ever seen, bar none. The "premium" Bose stereo sounds more like someone glued a transistor radio to the dashboard and the TomTom navigation system is extremely buggy, requiring constant updates and is agonizingly slow. Ipod support is in name only, Ive stopped using it. Voice recognition is a joke. The Bluetooth interface stumbles constantly. Various automotive sites (including this one) have referred to the electronics/audio in this vehicle as sub par or mediocre. The reality is living with it day and day out is enough to taint the entire ownership experience.

• 

  Excellent mechanically, terrible electronics. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kardell - April 30 - 5:21 am

  After six months and 6000 miles we still really like the vehicle. The AWD handles mountain roads and snow storms superbly. The manual control, of the auto transmission, is the best I have used, - smooth, no jerks, which is necessary for downshifting on icy, steep roads. The electronics, navigation and Bluetooth, are, at best, antiquated and inadequate. The HVAC works, but, when the cabin is hot, you must manually turn up the fan control to max. The Cruise switches are dangerous with Cancel and Resume being next to each other, and the Resume the easiest to hit. Mileage is as represented.

• 

  MAZDA CX-5 GS 2014 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By irock - March 12 - 10:12 pm

  1st 1000KM lots of problem encounter. hard start @ extreme cold weather (-20C), Engine Light alarm ON; high fuel consumption 10.5/100-mostly hwy not 7.6/100 city-specs; engine nice accelerations 2.5L engine

• 

  Tire warning light problem - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mccreery - March 12 - 12:08 am

  Overall car is good, BUT, tire pressure light keeps coming on. Dealer has reset it, comes back on in less than 10 miles, dealer resets again and stays off for a month, back on again. I have done this dance 4+ times and is on again! No the tires are not low, no I have not pushed the reset button. I think this is a defect.

• 

  Great car - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By kydanco - March 9 - 11:17 pm

  We bought our 2015 CX 5 in August . We traded in our 2014 CX 5 cause I wanted a grand touring model. We love the car and it is a hoot to drive. Mileage is spot on and the Pandora woks great. don"t really use the nav system. Cant say enough good things about it. A little trip to the E Bay store for some crome items for the outside and it is a head turner. I named it our Mazda-Rotti. Looks like a mini Lexus

• 

  Are you kidding me with this lock system? - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lkasko - February 15 - 10:08 am

  Had my CX-5 for 5 days. Love the drive, love the styling, love the gas mileage. Hate, hate, hate the locking system. Are you kidding me with this maybe the lift gate will lock and maybe it wont. How would you know. You have to walk away and when you come back with your key it is always open. What the heck is the purpose of the black button anyway. Are we supposed to depend that this locking sensor is going to work indefinitely. How do we know when it stops working. Not light, no beep not indicator, no nothing. Worse design I have ever seen. I am 66. I have owned a lot of cars. I would not have purchased this one had I known. Will try to get a lock installed

• 

  love it but the 2016 is on the way - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By speechcop60 - February 14 - 1:45 pm

  Bought the Grand Touring AWD in August now has 5,000 miles. I bought the reflex blue color which is hard to find. Get a lot of good comments on it. I love the ride, the stereo sounds great. Good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. Others have complained about the touchscreen but I have no problem with it. I just saw the 2016 is coming out in June. Classic Mazda dealership was great. Will most likely buy another one when i get tired of this one!

• 

  2014 CX-5 Grand Touring, the best ever! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By dps782 - January 25 - 7:49 am

  Purchased it loaded with everything possible on the 2014 CX-5 Grand Touring. Its gas mileage surpasses expectation at 28.6 city using cruise control when possible. The 2.5 engine is peppy and responds fast, nothing sluggish about this vehicle whatsoever. Thankfully the rear camera doesnÂ’t beep at you when in reverse up like a Prius, and inside beep would is so useless. (As if you donÂ’t know you are backing up?) The heated seats are nice on cold mornings and warm quickly. The 9-speaker Bose stereo system is symphony quality and quiets any minimal road noise. The navigation (TomTom) is touchy but adequate. I would prefer to see a Garmin navigation system in the CX-5 but that is a personal pref

• 

  Great Car - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Barry Leinhart - January 13 - 12:40 pm

  This car has all the modern conveniences at an affordable price. Its also fun to drive. If I were to change anything, it would be the heated seats. Not very useful here in TX. I would opt for air conditioned seats if it were available.