If you’re asking yourself, “is the mazda cx 5 a good car,” you’re not alone. Drivers considering the Mazda CX-5 typically notice its interior craftsmanship and engaging driving dynamics. This compact SUV has been a top contender for years, and for good reason.
We’ll look at every angle to help you decide. From performance and fuel economy to safety and reliability, nothing will be left out.
Is The Mazda Cx 5 A Good Car
The short answer is a resounding yes. The Mazda CX-5 consistently ranks among the best compact SUVs for its blend of style, driving pleasure, and upscale feel. It stands out in a crowded field by prioritizing the driver’s experience without sacrificing practicality.
While no vehicle is perfect for everyone, the CX-5’s strengths align with what many buyers want. It offers a compelling alternative to more mainstream choices from Honda and Toyota.
Engaging Performance And Handling
One of the CX-5’s biggest advantages is how it drives. Mazda engineers focus on what they call “Jinba Ittai,” or the unity between horse and rider. In practice, this means the SUV feels connected and responsive.
The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for daily driving. For those seeking more, the available turbocharged engine delivers impressive acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and predictable, unlike some competitors that use jarring continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).
Key driving dynamics include:
- Precise and well-weighted steering
- A suspension tuned for comfort and control
- Confident braking feel
- Minimal body lean in corners
Upscale And Thoughtful Interior Design
Step inside, and the CX-5 feels a class above many rivals. Materials are high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces and thoughtful details. The design is clean, driver-focused, and built to last.
Seating is supportive for long journeys, and the cabin remains quiet at highway speeds. Every control is placed intuitively, emphasizing a connection between you and the vehicle.
Infotainment And Technology
Mazda’s infotainment system is controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. While it takes a short time to get used to, it becomes second nature and is safer to use while driving than a touchscreen. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are now included.
The available features list is comprehensive:
- A 10.25-inch wide-screen display
- A premium 10-speaker Bose sound system
- A fully digital gauge cluster
- A head-up display that projects key info onto the windshield
Strong Safety And Reliability Scores
Safety is a paramount concern for SUV buyers. The Mazda CX-5 excels here, earning top marks from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Every CX-5 comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features called i-Activsense. This includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These systems are calibrated to be helpful, not intrusive.
Regarding reliability, Mazda as a brand consistently ranks near the top of dependability studies. The CX-5 has proven to be a durable vehicle with relatively low ownership costs. Its powertrain is known for being robust with proper maintenance.
Fuel Economy And Practicality
The CX-5 offers competitive fuel efficiency for the class. With front-wheel drive, the standard engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbo engine and all-wheel drive will, understandably, lower these numbers slightly.
Practicality is solid for a compact SUV. The cargo area provides 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with them folded. That’s sufficient for grocery runs, luggage for a family trip, or home improvement supplies.
All-Wheel Drive Capability
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD system is standard on many trims and available on others. It’s a predictive system that monitors conditions like windshield wiper usage and outside temperature to anticipate slip before it happens. This makes it excellent for light snow and wet roads, though it’s not intended for serious off-roading.
Trim Levels And Value Proposition
The CX-5 is offered in several trim levels, each adding more features. The base model is well-equipped, but higher trims like the Carbon Edition, Turbo, and Signature offer luxuries you’d expect in more expensive vehicles.
Here’s a brief overview of the value across the lineup:
- Base S: Great value with all core safety tech and a good feature set.
- Preferred / Carbon Edition: Adds leatherette or leather seats, power liftgate, and larger wheels.
- Turbo / Turbo Signature: Delivers the powerful turbo engine, premium interior materials (like real leather and wood), and all advanced tech features.
The CX-5 often has competitive pricing and attractive financing offers, making it a strong value against competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
While the CX-5 is excellent, it’s not perfect for every single buyer. Being aware of its limitations ensures you make the right choice.
The rear seat space, while adequate, is slightly less generous than in some rivals like the Honda CR-V. Tall passengers might desire a bit more legroom on very long journeys.
The fuel economy, while good, is sometimes narrowly bested by hybrids or turbocharged competitors. Also, the infotainment system’s lack of a touchscreen can be a minor annoyance for some users until they adapt to the controller.
Ownership Costs And Resale Value
Owning a CX-5 is generally affordable. Maintenance schedules are straightforward, and repair costs tend to be reasonable. Mazda offers a standard 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Resale value for the CX-5 is strong. Its reputation for quality, design, and driving enjoyment helps it retain a higher percentage of its original value compared to many non-luxury SUVs. This is an important factor if you plan to sell or trade it in within a few years.
How It Compares To Key Rivals
To truly answer if the CX-5 is a good car, you need to see how it stacks up.
- vs. Honda CR-V: The CR-V offers more rear-seat and cargo space and often slightly better fuel economy. However, the CX-5 has a more premium interior and is significantly more engaging to drive.
- vs. Toyota RAV4: The RAV4 is rugged-looking and offers a hybrid option. The CX-5 provides a quieter, more refined cabin and a smoother, more car-like driving experience.
- vs. Ford Escape: The Escape might offer peppier turbo engines, but the CX-5 has superior interior materials and a more cohesive, upscale overall feel.
The CX-5’s niche is clear: it’s for the buyer who values driving dynamics and interior quality above maximum utility.
Final Verdict: Who Is The CX-5 Best For?
The Mazda CX-5 is an exceptional choice for a wide range of drivers. It’s ideal for individuals, couples, or small families who appreciate a vehicle that makes daily driving enjoyable. If you prioritize a well-built interior, sharp handling, and safety features, it should be at the top of your list.
It might not be the absolute best pick if your primary needs are maximizing passenger space for large teenagers or seeking the very highest possible fuel economy from a hybrid. But for most people shopping in this segment, the CX-5’s blend of attributes is hard to beat.
Taking a thorough test drive is the best way to confirm if its unique character aligns with your preferences. Pay attention to the steering feel, cabin quietness, and the intuitiveness of the controls during your drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable?
Yes, the Mazda CX-5 has a strong reputation for reliability. It consistently receives high marks from J.D. Power and other dependability studies, and its powertrain is known for its longevity.
What are the common problems with the Mazda CX-5?
Reported issues are relatively minor. Some owners of earlier models noted infotainment system glitches or occasional brake rotor warping. Overall, it’s considered a very dependable vehicle with low repair frequency.
How does the Mazda CX-5 handle in snow?
With its available i-Activ AWD system and proper winter tires, the CX-5 handles very competently in snowy conditions. The AWD system is proactive and provides confidence on slippery roads.
Is the Mazda CX-5 expensive to maintain?
No, maintenance costs for the CX-5 are generally lower than average for the compact SUV class. Scheduled service is affordable, and its reliable nature helps avoid unexpected major repairs.
Which year of the Mazda CX-5 is the best?
The 2017 and newer models are excellent, as they represent the second generation with refined styling, a quieter cabin, and improved technology. The 2021 model year and later received an updated infotainment screen and standard safety features.