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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  Detailed Review of my new2014 CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By nkrishna - August 8 - 11:23 pm

  I practically researched the following small SUVs before settling down for the CX-5: 1. Mazda CX-5 2. 2013 Rav 4 Limited Edition 4WD 3. 2013 Honda CRV EX-L with Navi - 4WD 4. Acura RDX 2WD with Tech Package 5. Infiniti EX 37 6. Ford Escape I test drove all the above, some even multiple times to cross compare. There were others on my list which I did not test drive: 1. Buick - Encore 2. Chevy - Traverse 3. Jeep - Grand Cherokee. (The new small version was still not out) Finally, settled for CX-5 more from a value for money, fun to drive aspect. I have a blue color CX-5, AWD, GT, Tech Pack.

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  Great little SUV - gets lots of compliments! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By compurip - August 8 - 12:46 pm

  I had a CX-5 as a loaner vehicle a few months back and was really impressed by it. Had to drive upstate to visit family and snow was predicted, so I wanted an AWD vehicle and it really impressed. When I decided to buy, I test drove the Sport with the 2.0 liter and was more than pleased with the power. I ended up leasing a 2014.5 Dark blue with Sand cloth interior with bluetooth. The mica finish is beautiful and the contrasting cloth interior is really unique.

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  Happy so far - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By billmz66 - July 29 - 2:54 am

  After much online research (on edmunds and elsewhere) I decided on the CX-5 over the RAV-4 and the CR-V. I based this on horsepower, transmission, styling and fun-to-drive factors. Leased the vehicle in January, now have over 10K miles. Mostly use it for weekend trips and daily commute. My mileage is at 28 combined which is right about the sticker est.

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  The Best of the Mazda 3 and CX-7 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By billybobii - July 24 - 7:01 am

  I recently purchased a new CX-5 Grand Touring auto. I have owned a Mazda 3 and CX-7. The 3 was a pleasure to drive: peppy, comfortable, great mileage, and quite reliable. The 5, in my opinion retains those characteristics. The new styling and amenities are far superior to those that were included in the 3 and CX-7. The CX-5 seems more compact in design than the 7; however, it has as much or more storage capacity. As noted below the car is somewhat under powered, but is still a zoom zoom car to drive. Mazda has taken the best of the 3 and 7 and produced a really great SkyActiv CX-5.

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  So far, beyond expectations! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By photoguy22 - July 5 - 5:57 pm

  Bought this very recently and thus far, were very happy. Well update this review after a few months with new findings and experience... Contrary to a few reports, there is little road noise, the Bose system works great, Nav is just fine and the seats are very comfortable. This is NOT a European luxury vehicle - at the CX5 price point, just add another $25K if youre determined to have true luxury. Otherwise, after seeing virtually every other C-SUV, this Mazda competes quite well with all of its competitors and in general, it does it for less! Well worth looking at !!!

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  Fun to drive Premium SUV - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Raam - May 24 - 7:43 pm

  I test drove CRV-EXL(Turbo), Ford Titanium (2.0L Ecoboost) , Jeep Chrokee (V6) and Mazda GT(Skyactiv). I liked engine response of Ford escape and Fun and premium feel of Mazda. Finally chose CX-5 over Escape. CX-5 Performance is adequate,It matches 0-45 against my traded in V6 Altima. Out of these four cars CRV was the boring one. My only problem with Mazda is its driver memory positions does not set side mirrors. Navigation and blind spot alert is integrated with HUD and it is awesome. I love the turning headlights. Overall very satisfied.

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  A Happy New Mazda Owner - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By esslewis - May 23 - 9:09 pm

  I was looking very hard for a few months at the 2013 RAV4 and the Honda CRV. Something got my attention, though, with the Mazda CX-5, and I ended up buying the 2014 Grand Touring version, and I love the choice I made. Others have mentioned a higher than usual amount of road noise, but I don’t notice it, and you have to compromise something (in this case, heavier and thicker materials) to get such good gas mileage. All in all, it feels good to think that you got more car than you thought you could for the money spent, with features you didn’t think you could get, and that it’s such a strong performer in the safety and reliability department. One very happy Mazda owner here, so far.

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  Love the car but the smell is making me sick! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By veruca - May 19 - 12:39 pm

  Just bought a 2014 GT AWD. The gas right now is holding steady for me at 22.8 and Ive mostly done city driving so I guess thats almost true to stated MPG. I cannot believe how smooth this car drives. I feel like all the stuff that came with it made it a pretty sound deal. I test drove a 2013 against the 2014 and you can instantly tell the difference in power for not much loss in MPG. My problem is the new car smell is making sick, even on short drives. Its still cold and Im forced to drive with all the windows done. Also, I am just hoping there are no radiation issues. Even though Hiroshima is far enough away, these cars are probably shipped with Nissans.

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  Best of class - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Jeffery Herman - April 16 - 10:50 pm

  We looked at all other major players in this class, including the 2017 Honda CRV. The CX-5 beat them all out and in particular beat the CRV with better controls (not as dependent on a touch screen), better acceleration and driving dynamics. However, the CRV beats the CX-5 in fuel economy. For my wife, who didnt want a "minivan" the CX-5 gave her a sporty vehicle that supports the family too.

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  Feel a little cheated with this one.... - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By trx284 - April 10 - 11:38 pm

  The car has a mix of good and bad features. Not a bad car overall, but probably not the best SUV in this category on the road (at least for me). It really depends upon what you value in a car. If you value exterior styling, good gas mileage, and a decent engine you will be happy with this purchase. If you value technology, ride quality, and comfort (interior components) you will likely be happier with the CRV or Escape.