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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  CX-5 keeps getting better! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Tcasto - July 28 - 1:35 am

  I traded in my 2014 cx-5 for this 2017 model. Also Extensively researched this model and it came out with highest marks compared to hond CRV and Toyota RAV4. Looks sharp and little road noise.

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  Research paid off - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By bobbarnett - July 21 - 10:34 pm

  I read everything I could about this car for months. When everyone praised the AWD model, I began getting dealers to match prices and discounts through Costco pricing. Out the door w every extra, including LoJack, white paint, and plastic coating, I paid $35,000 w Ca tax and license. I love this car. Its fun and simple to drive, mid range torque rocks, and the 9 speaker Bose system is fabulous w CDs, Sirius Or Bluetooth high level Pandora. Lots of power ports, even in the rear storage area. W 1000 miles now, were going on a trek up the Ca and Or coasts in May, and then to Crater Lake. W the 70 LB Golden Doodle. Will report again then.

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  Great car, Great value 2.5 GT AWD - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By zoom_dan_zoom - July 20 - 4:33 am

  I did my research for a new SUV/CUV purchase, compared all the manufactures out there. Price was important, but so was power and features of the cars. My choice was clear after I test drove the CX-5, had the power I needed for every day traffic, comfort, handling (This thing handles like its on rails) and the tech included. Bose sound is fabulous, I wouldn’t go without if considering this car. Gas mileage was best in class for an AWD CUV with the HP offered. Sure, the 260 HP Turbo offerings from other manufactures sure sounded nice, but the MPG suffered drastically and so did the sticker price. In my opinion, you can’t get a better car in this class for the price,not with all the CX-5 offers

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  SkyActive Transmission is the fatal flaw, would not recommend or buy again - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jeisensc - July 7 - 7:49 pm

  The SkyActive Automatic Transmission is, in my opinion, never in the correct gear. I ordered my CX-5 AWD GT when I returned my 2010 Mazda3 lease in April, it arrived May-end, almost killed me twice within a week. I opened a case with Mazda customer service in June when it was less than a week old. Im still having issues 4500 miles in, and refuse to drive it out of town. Mazda is still working with me, but slowly. I am scheduled to bring it in (again) to download the onboard computers data, then they will order and attach a data capture device, I will note when the issue occurs, then they can analyze the data. I feel like Im beta testing their 32k SUV.

• 

  So Far, Exceeds Expectations - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By annika2 - June 25 - 2:51 pm

  I traded in my sweet little 2010 Mazda 3 for this guy, and Im in love. I would have kept the 3 (I was this close to paying it off), but I needed more room for the family. Namely my 64" husband. The CX-5 is beyond roomy, and its really comfortable. But driving it, I dont feel like I lost much of the quick response and easy handling that I had with my 3. The only thing Im not sure about is the audio/phone computer thing. Its clunky and ugly and cheap and feels like an afterthought. An unwise afterthought. BUT...its been working for me when it eventually gets all connected and set up with my phone. No problems so far streaming Pandora, or playing the music from my iPhone or calling out.

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  Sweet ! Almost perfect - 2018 Mazda CX-5
  By TgR - June 18 - 7:03 pm

  Grand touring with premium package. Love love the heads up display and all its functions. It really is awesome. Shockingly quiet on the road. Had owned 3 Mazda’s before. They all had road noise. Not this one. This one is a quiet as my wife’s RX350 Lexus. Bose audio is not as good as I hoped. My old 2008 CX9 Bose system was wicked. This one is just okay. I wish they did a better job with the high end audio. Rides great. Fuel economy great. Interior is very nice. Really, for the money, it is awesome.

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  Very Impressed - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By CJW - June 17 - 11:47 pm

  We leased this for our 17 year old son. He looked at the Ford Escape and Jeep Compass. It came down to the CX-5 and Jeep. He was leaning towards the Jeep until he drove the CX-5. We got it in the machine gray with the parchment interior and the premium package. Weve had many high end European cars, the fit and finish of the CX-5 is very impressive. The handling and look of SUV is what sold it to him. It comes with a ton of safety features. Although the graphics on the navigation system are a bit dated, it works very well. Voice recognition is better then most of the cars we have and the sound system is very good as well. I liked the new design so we waited until its release to make a decision. Glad we waited.

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  Regretingmypurchase! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By bx2pa - May 12 - 5:22 pm

  I, too, have experienced the car self accelerating on its own. When breaking didnt stop the car, I had to put it into neutral and then park as the engine was screaming and car was shaking, all the while trying my hardest pushing the brake pedal. After 2 episodes, I am very skittish driving this SUV, just waiting for this to happen again. Dealer checked the car out and found nothing amiss. The car does these self accelerating moments intermittently. I also find that the brake and gas pedals are too closely positioned. Sometimes I clip the brake pedal as I move my foot to the gas pedal, causing the car to buck. What to do with a brand new SUV (and loan) that Im afraid to drive!

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  Buzzing with acceleration; ? electrical issue? - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By pgkuma - May 4 - 1:29 am

  Just bought a silver Sport manual 1 month ago. One COLD night, the car wouldnt start (1 week old!). AAA noted battery had lost a minimal amount of charge (windows and lights worked fine). Then all the warning lights came on at once when tried to start. He reprogrammed something by using the key in the door. Started right after that, but seemed to run a bit more sluggishly. Next day, the dealer looked it over. Erased and reprogrammed the computer and replaced the battery. No problems since then. Wife noted a REALLY subtel buzzing ("cricket-like") from driver dash area, when pushing the gas. Have to turn radio off to hear it.

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  First 3,000 miles, all is good - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Don - March 21 - 4:25 am

  I compared this SUV verses the Honda CRV top two rated vehicles. Both are great SUVs I choose the CX5 for its styling, particular the front nose, and the great handling (feel behind the wheel). The interior of the CX5 compares with that of far more expensive vehicles. I have the Gt model with heads-up display, all the adaptive safety features and forward display perform exceptionally well. Safety and ease of vehicle entry is the emphasis for us seniors. I have received many compliments on the CX5 candy apple red color.