The 2020 Mazda CX-5 lasts over 250,000 miles with relatively minor stereo and paint issues reported. At $20,175 to $32,590, it’s a great value for a comfortable SUV loaded with a lot of the latest safety technology.
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Mazda CX-5 since it has a lot of technology and an upscale interior. Owner reviews praise the responsive steering, sporty suspension, as well as the low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are high-quality for a small SUV, the seats are very supportive, cargo space is similar to other compact SUVs as well.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no serious issues on the 2020 Mazda CX-5, stay away from models from 2014 and 2016 since they have engine issues. Models from 2017–2021 are all dependable choices.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the base engine, while the turbo model is reasonably quick for a small SUV.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 CX-5 is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, lane keep assist, along with automatic emergency braking. A head-up display as well as parking sensors are optional.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 428 miles of range from the 15.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $42 cheaper than average at $166 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is cheaper than many other SUVs while also offering a lot of advanced features for the money.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mazda CX-5?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Mazda CX-5 offers more fun than many of the other small SUVs on the market with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the CX-5 at 4.5/5, praising the responsive handling, but doesn’t like the firm suspension compared to the competition.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2020 CX-5 a 4.4/5, enjoying the standard technology, but owners don’t like the smaller backseats than other compact SUVs.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Mazda CX-5 include the stereo system freezing, paint chipping easily on the front bumper, along with the automatic liftgate opening on its own. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other small SUVs from the same year.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint from 2020 CX-5 owners in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the system which improve its reliability. Most dealers install software updates for free, while some charge around $50. There have also been some rare cases where the stereo system has had to be replaced, although it happens very early in the ownership experience and is covered by the warranty.
Paint chipping easily on the front bumper is another issue mentioned by CX-5 owners at around 10,000 miles. In areas where there’s a lot of rocks on the road, the bumper is prone to chips. The only way to fix the bumper is by repainting the affected areas for a cost of around $1,000 per panel. Some owners also wrap the front bumper in paint protection film for about $500.
The automatic liftgate opening on its own also shows up on some CX-5 models in the first 10,000 miles. Usually the problem is simply caused by a dirty sensor located under the rear bumper. Cleaning off the sensor fixes it. If the sensor has failed, then replacing it costs around $200.
There are no recalls on the 2020 Mazda CX-5, which is better than most other small SUVs. Having no recalls simply means the CX-5 hasn’t had any widespread mechanical or safety issues.
How Long Will the 2020 Mazda CX-5 Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Mazda CX-5 can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than other small SUVs at $390 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
As a used 2020 Mazda CX-5 reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the fuel evaporative canister for $425, hood latch costing $275, along with the window regulator motor which costs $170.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system. Optional upgrades include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a more powerful stereo system, along with a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety technology is excellent for a small SUV offering:
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Lane keep assist
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Adaptive headlights
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Head-up display
Is the 2020 Mazda CX-5 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a good value since it’s a little less expensive than some other small SUVs while still having good reliability ratings. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,175 to $32,590, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $25,190 to $37,155. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mazda CX-5?
There are five models of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered, from the base Sport all the way up to the more luxurious Signature. The CX-5 is also offered with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Seats
- 40/20/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- LED Headlights
- Push-Button Ignition
- 7-inch Touchscreen
- Four-Speaker Sound System
Touring is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Entry
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Simulated-Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-Speaker Sound System
Grand Touring adds features such as:
- Leather Upholstery
- Sunroof
- Power Liftgate
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Upgraded Driver Information Display
- 10-Speaker Bose Sound System
Grand Touring Reserve has upgrades including:
- More Powerful Engine
- Head-Up Display
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Seats
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
Signature is the flagship model which has:
- Premium Leather Upholstery
- Unique Wheels
- Surround-View Camera
- Parking Sensors
What Engines Come In the Mazda CX-5?
- The base engine in the 2020 Mazda CX-5 is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 187 horsepower at up to 28 MPG. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 227 horsepower while getting up to 24 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Mazda CX-5 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mazda CX-5?
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has a reputation for being a comfortable and enjoyable small SUV to drive. Mazda puts a lot of emphasis on driver and passenger comfort, and the CX-5 is no exception.
The CX-5 features a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat with ample adjustments, including lumbar support. The rear seats are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for most passengers. The seats are upholstered in quality materials, and higher trim levels offer leather upholstery.
Mazda has also paid attention to reducing noise and vibration in the CX-5, resulting in a quiet and smooth ride. Additionally, the CX-5’s suspension system provides a balance of sporty handling and a comfortable ride.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mazda CX-5 Have?
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offers a decent amount of storage space for a small SUV. In terms of cargo space, the CX-5 has 30.9 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats up and 59.6 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down.
Additionally, the CX-5 offers a variety of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console with storage bin, front and rear door pockets, and a rear seat armrest with cupholders. The exact amount of storage space in these compartments may vary depending on the trim level and configuration of the CX-5.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Mazda CX-5 was launched for the 2017 model year.
2015: Keyless entry and ignition are now standard on the Touring and Grand Touring models.
2016: Small exterior styling changes, more safety technology available, updated stereo system.
2017: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new technology, interior, and exterior styling.
2018: Blind spot monitoring standard across all models, more efficient engine choices available.
2019: More powerful engine in Grand Touring & Signature models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered, 360-degree camera available.
2020: Diesel engine discontinued, more high-tech safety features, quieter cabin than previous years.
2021: Larger touchscreen stereo, more smartphone app connectivity options, carbon edition trim added.
How Does the Mazda CX-5 Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent small SUV since it offers a ton of standard safety technology paired with good long-term reliability ratings as it ages.
The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which costs around $2,500 more. Ownership costs are slightly lower on the Toyota RAV4, while the Mazda CX-5 has a more luxurious interior for the money. We recommend the Mazda CX-5 for the 2020 model year, although they are very close and it’s worth test driving both to see which you prefer.
The Honda CR-V is a competitor available in the same price range. Passenger room is a little better in the Honda CR-V, while the Mazda CX-5 offers more standard safety technology. We recommend the Mazda CX-5, yet both are worth test driving to see which fits your life better.
