Mazda CX-5

Name: 2025 Mazda CX-5
Brand: Mazda

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

With the second generation CX-5, Mazda retained most of the sporty handling that made the first-generation enjoyable, and yet this SUV is much more mature now with vastly improved ride comfort, noise isolation, and interior quality. It's one of the more desirable models in the compact SUV class. Unlike purely rational choices like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, there’s a bit of joie de vivre with the CX-5.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Mazda CX-5

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envision

Chevrolet Equinox

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Mazda vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Compact SUVs Ratings

2025 Mazda CX-5

$29,050 - $41,080

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Buick Envision

$41,000 - $50,700

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

$28,800 - $35,600

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Dodge Hornet

$29,995 - $41,645

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Dodge Hornet Plug-in Hybrid

$41,645 - $46,990

32 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Escape

$30,350 - $37,210

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Escape Hybrid

$30,350 - $37,210

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

$35,400

37 miles

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 GMC Terrain

$30,200 - $41,900

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda CR-V

$30,920 - $50,000

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

$35,630 - $50,000

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Tucson

$29,450 - $40,925

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

$32,450 - $42,075

CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid

$40,325 - $48,550

33 miles

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Jeep Compass

$28,995 - $33,395

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Road test

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2026 Kia Sportage

$28,690 - $39,590

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Road test

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2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid

$30,290 - $40,390

CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid

$40,490 - $47,190

34 miles

Road test

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CR's
Take

2026 Mazda CX-5

$28,770 - $40,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mazda CX-50

$29,900 - $42,900

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid

$34,750 - $40,450

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

$29,995 - $44,845

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid

$40,445 - $50,445

38 miles

Road test

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2026 Nissan Rogue

$29,090 - $38,990

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid

$40,000 - $50,000

38 miles

26 mpg

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Subaru Forester

$29,995 - $41,595

CR MPG

Road test

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Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid

$36,595 - $43,295

CR MPG

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CR's
Take

2026 Toyota RAV4

$31,900 - $43,300

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4

$29,800 - $41,155

CR MPG

Road test

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2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

$29,800 - $41,155

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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CR's
Take

2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

$44,265 - $48,135

52 miles

41 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

$44,815 - $48,685

42 miles

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan

$30,805 - $43,085

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

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See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD

2.5-liter 4 turbo (227 hp)
2.5-liter 4 turbo (256 hp)
2.5-liter 4 (187 hp)

6-speed automatic

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 3 years/36,000 miles
Drivetrain 5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion 5 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 3 years/36,000 miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2026

2026 Redesign Year

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 looks to be an evolutionary redesign of the compact SUV. Power comes from the same 187-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission found in the outgoing CX-5. All-wheel drive will remain standard. Mazda says the three-inch longer wheelbase translates into more interior room, particularly for rear-seat passengers. Most controls, including ones for the climate system, have been integrated into an all-new touchscreen display. We expect all key active safety systems, including AEB, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW, will remain as standard equipment. A new hybrid version will debut in 2027.

2017-Present

Current Generation

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 may look like the outgoing model, but the changes go deep and are, indeed, substantial. Mazda kept the strengths of the previous version, including its responsive and economical 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and spry, nimble handling. But they also addressed many weaknesses, making the ride more supple and absorbent and significantly reducing cabin noise. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission; a diesel engine comes later. The cabin is versatile and very nicely trimmed, especially in Touring and Grand Touring trims. Low-speed automatic emergency braking is standard on all trims; a more capable full-speed system with forward collision warning is optional. Figuring out the infotainment system, which is controlled by a console-located knob, takes some time. Upscale options, including driver seat memory and a heads-up display, are optional. Updates for 2019 included a new top-shelf Signature model, which adds special leather trim, and a 227-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine is also standard on the Grand Touring Reserve. Adaptive cruise control and auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection are standard for 2020. Updates for 2021 include a new infotainment system. The system, however, isn't a touch screen; users must adjust audio and infotainment features using steering wheel controls or the rotary controller and buttons mounted between the front seats. For 2022 all CX-5’s will come standard with all-wheel drive. The freshened CX-5 gets a mild facelift, redesigned seats, and updates to the transmission and suspension. The 2025 model year introduced a new base 2.5 S trim which slots below the 2.5 S Select.

2013-2016

2013 Redesign Year

The CX-5 provides a competitive and more entertaining small SUV alternative. Handling is taut and agile, with quick, well weighted steering that makes the Mazda fun to drive. However, we found the ride to be choppy and road noise pronounced, making it a loud car. Early versions were powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that returned a good 25 mpg overall in our tests, but it was underpowered. Look for a later model with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which is much more responsive and returns the same fuel economy. The smaller engine was eventually phased out. Happily, the cabin is roomy and versatile. Touring and higher trims have standard blind spot monitoring, a welcome feature. If budget permits, we suggest focusing your used-car search on a 2014 or newer model as these did better in the IIHS small overlap crash test. 2016 brought a light freshening that made the car marginally quieter, spiffed up the interior, and brought the Mazda Connect infotainment system, which is frustrating to use. Automatic emergency braking became available on Touring and Grand Touring models, with forward-collision warning an exclusive option on the top trim.