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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  Avoid if you need tech pkg or visibility - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By AR - September 26 - 8:46 pm

  Bought a new 2013 Maxda CX 5 touring with navigation a couple of years ago. Cute car and comfortable but absolutely no power, navigation system never worked right, couldnt load my full address book (just over 1000 contacts) but you cant add new individually either so that was a complete waste. They blamed my iPhone. BS. I had the most current technology for both car and iPhone. Bose speakers only work if you are listening to CD. Otherwise all music comes mainly through center speaker in dashboard so everything sounds distorted. Again, they blamed the source (Sirius XM). I was able to survive unhappily with those features but the absolute zero visibility became impossible and too scary for me. Backup camera was great tho. Finally decided to cut my losses and get my sanity and happiness back and ditched the car for the 2016 Subaru Forester. The tech and backup camera in the redesign make the 2016 amazing. Love!!!! Best decision Ive made. Just wish it didnt have to be one of those bad life experiences where you lose thousands to learn your lesson. But avoid this car unless you are already a huge Mazda fan. At 52" I also couldnt clean the windshield because I was too short and there is a weird distortion in the window glass when sun hits it. Also, feel the edges of the steering wheel underneath. I sliced up my fingers on m a long road trip and Mazda had to file down the plastic. They checked and all of their steering wheels for the CX5 were like that. Huge flaw!!!!!!!

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  accident waiting to happen!! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Red - August 21 - 3:47 am

  all important decisions re: which mode to go to (music, nav, phone, modes in general), are tucked into the console of the car...so you have to look DOWN to search and implement those decisions. personally: i want my eyes ON THE ROAD at all times, and that aspect was nothing short of idiotic and UNSAFE. went in there with this car as #1 choice; left dealership running towards Ford for the much safer Escape, and VW for their brilliant new 2018 Tiguan.