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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Very impressed! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
By MC - November 13 - 4:13 pmI was debating between the 2017 Honda CRV and 2017 Mazda CX-5. I test drove both and the CX-5 was the clear winner. The CRV was nice and had great features, but just felt a bit boring. Also, it was very apparent when driving the CRV that it is much larger than my current Mazda 3 hatch. Out of curiosity I tried driving the Honda HRV. The exterior if the HRV is super cute, but it was missing many of the tech features I wanted and had a super whimpy engine. I then drove the CX-5. Despite being about the same size as the CRV, the CX-5 was much more car-like in its handling. With the sport mode on, it is very peppy and responsive. On paper, the CRV and CX-5 look very similar in terms of features, quality, and price. But getting behind the wheel made all the difference. While I dont think you could go wrong with either the CRV or CX-5, Id recommend the CX-5 for anyone who prefers a more sporty, car-like ride.
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Just got a GT ! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
By supersnipe - November 4 - 7:57 amWe were having issues finding CX-5s in South Florida but found a good assortment at Ocean Mazda in Doral, FL. First of all, let me start of by saying that ive been looking into buying a car for the past year 2 years but never pulled the trigger. Ive test driven the new RAV4, CR-V, and a few other used vehicles. They werent enough checks in the box for all of them meaning there was always some sort of compromise. Well, I bought a white Grand Touring with leather, bose audio system and moonroof for 27K on May 5th. This is the complete package. Great looks, great interior, great features, great driving feel, and great MPG. Power is average compared to my 4.0L Tacoma but no complaints.
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Best in Class - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By mjh84 - October 14 - 8:44 pmBefore buying, I researched and test-drove 3 cars in this class: CR-V, RAV4, and CX-5. To me, there was no competition in the test-drive that matched the CX-5. Not even close. After that drive, I knew a CX-5 would be my next car. It was the most responsive, had the most strength entering freeway, and had the best overall driving experience. A big complaint I have read with the CX-5 was the road noise/firmness of ride. After test driving all 3, I didnt really notice a significant difference in any of the ones. They were all relatively loud. I think the road noise is just a fault of cars in this class.
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So happy I went with this vehicle! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By kewright - October 4 - 3:58 pmOverall, I have to say that I am really pleased with the 2014 Mazda CX-5 GT with Tech package. I feel like it was a great value and upgrade from our previously owned Jeep Compass. The ride can be a little stiff on bumpy city road surfaces, but feels great at highways. The handling is fantastic and sport-like. It feels like it handles more like a sedan than an SUV. We broke in our CX-5 by taking up to the mountains right off the lot, and it handled great up the hills (plenty of power). Ive seen many comments about road noise, and this vehicle was far quieter than others in its class that I test drove. Its a little loud at start up, but that is the rapid engine heating system.
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Nice Car - 2013 Mazda CX-5
By ikerry1 - September 14 - 6:48 pmI like my Cx-5. It doesnt have the get up and go my old explorer had, but it has excellent room in the front and back seats and plenty of room in the back when you drop the seats. It has better gas mileage than the Explorer. I like everything about my Cx-5 except the Tom-Tom GPS. It is overpriced and looks like a cartoon. It works most of the time. I have owned my Cx-5 for 4 months now and am happy with my purchase, except the gps. It recently told me to update the maps because the information is 14 months old. I contacted my local dealer and now they want to charge me $280. for an update disk. The GPS cost $500 initially now they want more than half to update it. Good car, bad gps.
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Forget the CRV - 2017 Mazda CX-5
By stlpilot - September 9 - 6:20 pmMy wife and I test drove the 2017 CRV EXL, which has wonderful reviews, and the car felt "ok" to us. There was nothing really exciting about the CRV, except for the cargo space and remote starter. One week later, we test drove the 2017 CX-5 GT, and we were both very impressed. The interior is gorgeous, doors thump just like a German car, and the car feels substantial on the road. My wife made a comment how she felt tuned and "one" with the car while driving it. I was likely impressed with the quality of the car and felt the power was adequate although, this car could be made near perfect by adding a turbocharger or a slightly more powerful engine. So overall, this is a clear winner between the CRV and the CX-5. We decided to wait few months until Apple Carplay comes out on the CX-5 before we purchase this car. As a long-time Honda owner, my suggestion to all of you out there is go out there at least test drive this car. You will be pleasantly surprised with the driving dynamics and overall fit and finish of the cabin. However, if you are looking at more cargo and rear seat space, look at the CRV, which will be much better suited for this.
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Fun, But Missing Something - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By tlxxtl - August 2 - 2:27 amOk, I read all of the reviews on all of the RAV4, CRV, Rogue and Escape and I purchased a CX-5 Why? MY wife liked it best, I loved the Escape but it had to much stuff! 15000 commands and I could not program a command, Hmmm. Rav4 just felt old and did the CRV. The Rogue simply was the victim of its own delays and timing, Nissan kept delaying shipments to sell off remaining 2013s so We could not drive and compare a 2014 to the CX-5. Back to the CX-5, 2014 GT runs like it was stolen with the peppy 2.5L and CVT, inside the reviewers got it mostly correct. The NAV is the best once you get past its slow speed. P.S. Forester Boring yet capable if you stay awake.
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Great SUV! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
By lchoate - June 7 - 2:27 pmIve bought my 2013 CX-5 in 2012. So I have 13 months on the car now. I drive 5 days a week 60 miles round trip and average 30 mpg. I drive half city and half highway. I wanted a vehicle that saved me money on gas and had the height I needed to drive on the Houston roads when it rains and floods. It has made me feel very safe with the sensors in the side mirrors and I truly believe all car makers should make this feature a standard feature on all makes and models in the future. This has saved me on a daily basis from running infront of other cars when I could not see them and it also alerts me when another car is near by. I love the fact it has 6 airbags. Great car, easy handling.
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Good overall - 2016 Mazda CX-5
By susanchicago - April 3 - 1:38 pmI traded in my 2015 Mazda Touring with Technology package for this GT AWD and couldnt be happier. I am a college student in Illinois and AWD gives me better confidence in snow, but I really wish there could be a way I can manually turn on the AWD. This car is also good for student, I can turn the car into a bed if I fold down the rear seats. The biggest improvement is the infotainment system and it does make a big difference. The new wheels look great. In general, I found the look very attractive and the gas milage to be great. The 2016 model seems to be more solidly built, as the interior plastic is better assembled, whereas the plastic in my 2015 fall off within weeks.
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2014 CX5 2.5 Touring - 2015 Mazda CX-5
By pmacx5 - March 28 - 1:07 pmIts been 2 yrs/ 20K miles and it still deliveries the fun to drive with perfect Reliability. I service my cx5 at the dealer. first service @5k $40, second @10K free, third@15K $55, fourth@20K $60. Owning a Lexus, BMW, and Nissan, we seem to drive the CX5 everywhere. Avg., MPGs when new was at 23-24, mix driving - after we hit 4-5K we avg., 27mpg. On trips 300+ miles on cruise control holding 70mph we avg., 31mpg. I have a BMW 42K price tag and the Mazda matches the steering & Balance character of it. We have been very Happy with the Cx5. If I had any CONS: it would be the the bluetooth, its quirky & it needs a little sound deadening padding like Lexus. other than that, Its a great buy