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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Brake Problems/MPG decline - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By gryphon84 - July 12 - 5:12 amI loved this car but after 18 months the brake pads went bad. According to the dealer there was no reason and since the warranty on those expires at 12,000 miles or 12 months we were stuck with having to pay for all new rear brake pads and rotors. There is no reason they should have failed and Mazda Customer Service said "Too bad not under warranty". The MPG has also steadily declined after 6 months even with regular maintenance. I am disappointed since we bought it for its supposed fuel efficiency and safety. After this experience I do not expect this to be a reliable long lived car and will not buy a Mazda in the future.
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The Worst Stereo/Electronics Ive Ever Encountered - 2015 Mazda CX-5
By ec0516 - May 17 - 9:54 pmMy 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.
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MAZDA CX-5 GS 2014 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By irock - March 12 - 10:12 pm1st 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
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Tire warning light problem - 2013 Mazda CX-5
By mccreery - March 12 - 12:08 amOverall 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.
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Upgraded from the old GT model - 2017 Mazda CX-5
By Suziesilverado - January 10 - 10:27 amI upgraded from a 2015 CX5 Grand Touring to the 2017 model for the following features: auto rear cargo hatch, much lower noise in the cabin, and rear air conditioning vents (needed in Florida). The car still handles pretty much the same and is fun to drive, although I find the new model to be a bit more sluggish in shifting gears. They need a larger engine option. I still get the same mileage- about 24.5 city and 28.6 highway (75 mph). I dont like the new front grill, cup holder placement, higher front hood which means lower visibility for short people., lac k of arm rests and the navigation system is horrid. The city assist braking system only works in very specific situations, and is not that helpful. Also the side mirror alerts are overly sensitive, and go off even when a car is maybe 8 lengths away from you. That said, I still prefer the way this car handles and the upgraded interior when compared to similarly priced competition. The sound system is pretty good, and with lower cabin noise, is pleasant to use during long drive
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Feel a little cheated with this one.... - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By trx284 - April 10 - 11:38 pmThe 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.
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Very disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By kimberlyr1 - December 15 - 1:06 pmI 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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SkyActive Transmission is the fatal flaw, would not recommend or buy again - 2013 Mazda CX-5
By jeisensc - July 7 - 7:49 pmThe 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.
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Regretingmypurchase! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
By bx2pa - May 12 - 5:22 pmI, 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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Mixed Feelings - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By kenshin - October 12 - 10:52 pmPurchased : December 2013 Build quality may be an issue... Week 2 : the passenger seat trim vibrating noise, probably due to contact when exiting vehicle. Fixed by dealer. Week 3 : front windows vibrating noise when opened slightly. Not bothersome enough to take to dealer, but disappointing nonetheless. Week 4 : right sun visor vibration noise, goes away if opened then reclosed. Week 6 : upper right corner of center console screen intermittent rubbing noise. Since the beginning, theres also been a ceiling vibration noise if only the rear windows are open. Apparently, this kind of wind harmonics problem is common for many cars. Again, more disappointment.
