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:

• 

  After one week - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By awolowa - December 21 - 4:21 am

  This car makes weird noises. The motor sounds like birds chirping and it makes me nervous. Is it supposed to sound like this? Sure wish I had a rear camera. The visibility is bad over the shoulder. Interior noise is fair. Car is bulky for its actual size. Handling is pretty amazing. Really holds the road. Very fun drive. However very little power, but probably enough for normal driving. Not a race car, but kinda handles like one. Boasts some good gas mileage, but havent experienced that yet. I hope its just because it needs to be "broken in".

• 

  Very impressed! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By MC - November 13 - 4:13 pm

  I 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.

• 

  initial report on new 2014 CX-5 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By tamoshanter55 - November 6 - 9:01 am

  ok...ill have to admit that im already a little biased with brand loyalty - have had a 1990 protege with 270k before selling it, and still have 2000 626 with 307k going strong. replaced my 2008 nissan rogue after its engine blew out and came back to mazda. bought it last week. so far, 600 miles, very satisfied. seats a little snug for me (am 511" and 260), but stil comfortable. adjusting to tom-tom after having garmin for 5 years - slower than my garmin; BOSE sound is very good - i like the ipod connection and pandora. acceleration a bit sensitive - downshifts quickly, but 10x better than rogues CVT. quiet and smooth. will give update later

• 

  Just got a GT ! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By supersnipe - November 4 - 7:57 am

  We 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.

• 

  Best in Class - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By mjh84 - October 14 - 8:44 pm

  Before 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.

• 

  So happy I went with this vehicle! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kewright - October 4 - 3:58 pm

  Overall, 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.

• 

  Nice Car - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By ikerry1 - September 14 - 6:48 pm

  I 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.

• 

  Forget the CRV - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By stlpilot - September 9 - 6:20 pm

  My 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.

• 

  Very Good w/ a few concerns - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By linwood_852 - September 9 - 11:04 am

  I just hit 5K miles and overall Im very pleased with this vehicle. It handles very well, gets good gas milage (25 mpg in mixed city driving on regular octane) and has a very versatile interior. It compares favorably to my wifes Subaru Outback (better handling, more versatile interior due to 40-20-40 2nd seat) and to my former Audi Q5 (which is more luxurious and heavier built but at the expense of mpg & $15K more in price). My only concerns are excessive road/engine noise, replacement part availability, and bluetooth/audio performance.

• 

  WORTH STATING AGAIN DO NOT BUY TECH PKG!! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By ktsb11 - August 26 - 4:23 am

  I did do some research and was aware the Infotainment system was a tad glitchy before I bought my car but its way beyond that. It is exactly as someone else said...ipod use has stopped completely even WITH the 3 minute time to start a song and the starting over each time you turn on the car. Bluetooth is beyond frustrating...it seems to think Im speaking a foreign language. And Ive had to reset the bluetooth twice. Ive had the car one month. I drive a lot and need my music. Im so disappointed Mazda has let this go on.