Since its debut in 2013, the Mazda CX-5 has become a popular compact crossover noted for its reliability and thoroughly enjoyable performance. Which model year is best for a used Mazda CX-5?
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 has received mostly positive marks across the board from owners and critics alike, much in part to its sporty styling, premium interior, and spirited handling.
Yet, with a starting price of just over $25,000 (reaching past $37,500 for the top-tier trim), not everyone can or wants to afford a new model. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the fun.
Here we’ll cover the best and worst years for the Mazda CX-5 since its 2013 debut, analyzing each across categories like fuel efficiency, safety, reliability, and more.
Mazda CX-5 and Skyactiv Technology
In 2013, the first Mazda CX-5 rolled off the line as a compact crossover that could seat five. As an inaugural model, Mazda cut no corners. The CX-5 had the curves, contours, and spirit of a racy, major machine.
Of course, the brand-new model featured a new engine, transmission, body, and more. It was underpinned by the same–and also new–platform as the Mazda3 and Mazda6.
Skyactiv technology, which is Mazda’s series of technologies developed to increase fuel efficiency and engine output, was an important impetus behind the major changes to the Mazda CX-5.
The CX-5’s first-generation ran from the 2013 to 2016 model years. There were not many changes of importance during this era. Three engine options included the 2.0-liter I4, the 2.5-liter I4, and a 2.2-liter SkyActiveD diesel engine.
But the second generation kicked off in 2017, and the CX-5 underwent its first major redesign. The new 2017 model featured a complete redesign: upgrades and updates include the interior, cabin sound reduction, refreshed technology, and addition of safety features.
Also, the infotainment system got bigger and more capable, and a rearview camera was added. On the downside, there was less cargo space and Mazda removed the manual transmission option.
In 2018 standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were added, in addition to many other driver assistance features. The following year the Mazda CX-5 gained a turbocharged engine and diesel engine options; Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims debuted.
Connectivity was improved with the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Parking sensors and a surround-view parking camera system are also added.
Adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights were added to standard features in 2020. And the turbocharged engine growled with extra torque.
The current 2021 model boasts smartphone integration as standard, more driver assistance features, and a larger infotainment screen. While the turbodiesel engine option was discontinued, a new Carbon Edition trim debuted.
Mazda CX-5: Powertrain Options
At launch the CX-5 was offered with just a single engine option, a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder delivering 155 horsepower.
A year later in 2014, Mazda would add a 2.5-liter inline-four engine to Touring and Grand Touring models. By the model’s 2017 redesign, the 2.0-liter would disappear, replaced by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter as the standard engine.
By 2019, the base 2.5-liter would remain, but a 227 horsepower 2.5-liter Turbo option would enter the fray on the Signature trim.
2019 also marked the first year of the 2.2-liter diesel engine option, which Motor Trend mentions as, “A little less slow than the numbers suggest, thanks to that wave of low-end torque you get right off the line. But from a 55-mph roll to pass slower traffic, it feels glacial.”
Regardless, after 948 miles they were able to boast a 28.5 mpg average. Sadly, the diesel engine option left the U.S. market after the 2019 model year.
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 retains the same 2.5-liter as standard, offering the 2.5-liter Turbo on higher trims. The latter pushes out 227 hp on regular unleaded gasoline and 250 while running on premium.
Mazda CX-5: Fuel Efficiency Ratings
Every aspect of the vehicle was engineered to maximize driving dynamics and efficiency: from body construction and engine technology to the chassis and transmission. And this translates to impressive EPA-estimated MPG ratings.
In 2013, the CX-5 boasted the highest highway fuel economy of any SUV sold in North America — including hybrids — at 34 mpg. Its combined fuel economy of 29 mpg (FWD) and 27 mpg (AWD) also is the head of the crossover class.
While the 2.2-liter diesel engine only lasted for the 2019 model year, it was pretty efficient, boasting a combined city/highway mpg rating of 28 on AWD models, and 29 on FWD.
Today the 2021 CX-5 base model is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg while at highway speeds. The 2021 Turbo option gets 22 mpg city, 27 mpg highway.
Mazda CX-5: Safety Ratings
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 came straight out of the gate with a solid four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the 2013 model year nearly received five stars, its rollover rating and four-star front-passenger crash ratings held it back.
It wasn’t until the 2019 model year that the CX-5 would land (and hold up to present) the coveted five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover rating remained at four.
As for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), they gave the CX-5 their highest rating of G for “Good,” further labeling it a Top Safety Pick+ for its class.
Mazda CX-5: Problems & Reliability
So, how has the CX-5 fared in terms of problems and reliability? Well, pretty good early on, according to the NHTSA. In its 2013 debut year, just one recall was issued regarding corroded struts on the rear liftgate that may cause it to fall, possibly injuring anyone standing underneath.
As for complaints, 173 came in, with the bulk of them mentioning electrical system issues like stalling or not shutting off.
The final year of the first generation, 2016, had five issued recalls, including the previous liftgate issue. The other four include daytime running lights that may fail, steering loss due to a lack of bolt torque, a ruptured fuel filler pipe, and a windshield bracket that may detach.
In terms of complaints, the 2016 model had 383, with electrical systems, exterior lighting, andpowertrain being the most common.
The first year of the second generation came in with just a single recall, and only 57 complaints. The recall was issued due to a trailer hitching wiring harness that may short circuit.
The 2019 model year CX-5 received a similar report, with just one recall being issued involving a software error that may cause the engine to stall. As for 2020, zero recalls have been sent out and only 21 complaints have been reported. Data for the 2021 model is not yet available.
What is the Best Year for the Mazda CX-5?
While the pre-2017 Mazda CX-5 is a very good car, the technology onboard is light and pales in comparison to the more recent models. In terms of getting the most tech and the best performance, we recommend the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 models. In particular, a well-equipped 2020 model.
We chose the 2020 model mostly because of its new assortment of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
What is the Worst Year for the Mazda CX-5?
Generally speaking, it is a good idea to avoid the first year of a refresh. However, in this case, 2016 is the worst year for the Mazda CX-5 due to its five recalls and 383 complaints.
Mazda CX-5: The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it is hard to go wrong with the Mazda CX-5.
With outstanding reviews from auto journalists and owners alike, the small SUV is secure, affordable, has a luxe and comfortable interior, and handles beautifully. It is rare to find a vehicle that looks exciting but offers few surprises in terms of maintenance and reliability.
Mazda took a risk in the CX-5, and it was worth it. Not only did the CX-5 establish that a crossover can offer a more satisfying ride than a sedan or typical SUV, but that you could own one without breaking the bank.
Photos: Mazda
