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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  Great blend of performance and value - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By David Magee - March 22 - 7:42 am

  This SUV has the great road performance for the price range its in. The only SUVs that are better on the road are much more expensive. The comfort and technology are top of the line as well. Overall, a great car and a great value.

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  Great Car but climate Control does not work correctly - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By newowner10 - March 17 - 2:44 pm

  My only real complaint is the Automatic Climate Control is not automatic. If the outdoor temperature is 85 Degrees and the temperature is set to 62F on the automatic temperature control the blower will run at 50% and slow down in 5 minutes to 25%. After 30 minutes of driving the temperature in the car is 78 degrees. The dealer said this is normal. I sent an E-Mail to customer care, a week later they repeated what the dealer said and would not take any further action on behalf. This causes me to have to manually maintain the temperature by varying the fan speed and switching the air intake. I can only assume all of the CX-5s (Possibly all Mazdas)will operate the same way. Be AWARE of this.

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  Mazda CX-5 Touring - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By scruffy6 - March 7 - 3:20 am

  In 2010 my wife and I bought a Mazda 10 (me)and a Mazda 3 and were impressed them. When the 2013 Mazda CX-5 came out I bought one for myself and two weeks later bought the identical CX-5 (different color) for my wife. The CX-5 comes in three trim levels and we bought the mid level Touring. The Touring level has all the important bells and whistles, yet is 2-3 thousand dollars less. All we did was add after market leather, which is very good quality. Gas milage is so far 28.1 cty/hwy and thats only with 1,500 miles on the car. looked to other similar cars and not impressed. Also relied heavily on Edmunds for reliable review of the vehicle which has always been right on.

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  Very disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kimberlyr1 - December 15 - 1:06 pm

  I bought my car in Oct 2013, and it was ok for about 5 months. I switched from a Toyota Highlander (which I absolutely LOVED) to save on gas. While I realized gas savings over the Highlander, I am not getting the gas mileage they promised. I average 26 mpg tops! On top of that, my vehicle had to be at the service center on 3 occasions, all for the same problem. My push button start would not work correctly. They still havent fully fixed the problem. The other problems are road noise and no interior storage, and not enough cup holders, which made for a very long trip with my kids. All in all, while it has saved some $ on gas, I dont think I would not buy another Mazda again.

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  Frustrating!!! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Ellen - December 14 - 1:40 am

  As the passenger, I handle the Navigation Sytem while my husband drives. Because you cant add new destination while car is moving, I have no access to that function. So we now use our portable Garmin 99% of the time!!! And as a passenger, you are blinded to all the driving instrument panels. Very inconvenient if you are trying to help a new driver!!!

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  Fun to drive - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By colorado80130 - November 20 - 2:38 pm

  Last year I bought my wife a Mazda 3 and she and I both love it. So, while gettting an oil change I saw the advertisement for the CX-5. I had a Nissan truck that I really liked but I was getting 14MPG. I traded the truck in and immediately took the CX-5 to San Antonio from Denver. I had 3 passengers and lots of luggage. It was the most comfortable ride of any car/suv that I have owned. I calculated that I got 31 MPG with the weight of my passengers and baggage. The vehicle handles very well. I find that it has, what feels like low torque on the low end but, I drive by gas pumps all day long.

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  Still Trying To Decide - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Joe N. - November 16 - 1:42 pm

  I test drove the CX-5 Grand Touring along with others in this class and price point. Ive narrowed my choices down to the CX-5 Grand Touring and the Hyundai Tuscon Limited. Love the sleek look of the CX-5 inside and out. Some features missing that Hyundai offers are panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and Apple Car Play (though Mazda says Apple Car Play is coming). I love the look and the driving feel of the CX-5 over the Tuscon but I love those added comfort and convenience features that the Tuscon offers over the CX-5. Still waiting to see which car maker if either can fill in the gap between the two first. Will wait to see what comes from both in 2018 and 2019.

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  Drives awesome; poor audio system - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jerzeydave - November 4 - 7:18 am

  I bought this car because I was looking for a balance of performance and efficiency, as well as decent cargo space. I feel Mazda has delivered for me. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old--theyre both in full size car seats that fit fine. Cargo space appears sufficient after three months of use. The car is really fun to drive, and handled this bad NJ snowy winter very, very well. That said, I also love a good audio system, and this one in the CX-5 is a colossal disappointment.

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  Responsive and Agile - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By christian_v - August 28 - 2:15 am

  Looks great, easily the best looking CUV in the market right now. I test drove a GT AWD, Touring AWD, Sport FWD and AWD. The Sport models felt more agile and responsive. Consequently, I chose a Sport AWD that sat in the parking lot unnoticed (2 miles on the odometer). The lack of power really only becomes apparent on the highway. The engine needs to be revved a bit more to squeeze all the available power. But it does it so smoothly, downshifts quickly, puts a smile on my face each time I hit the gas pedal!

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  Road Noise, Radio - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By charlesc32 - August 12 - 1:31 am

  Nice car. Love the back-up camera and blind spot warning system. However, the road noise is excessive. It came with Yokohama Geoearth tires. Very noisy. At the behest of my tire dealer I changed to Michelin Defenders. Touted as the quietest tires available. Dont believe it. The road noise reduction was not noticeable. I just wasted lots of money. Told him so. He was not inclined to change his advice. Didnt expect him to do so. It would seem the Japanese engineers could address this road noise problem as the GM engineers have. I think, in retrospect, I should have bought an Encore. So far, CX-5 Touring is reliable.