10 Fun Facts About One of America’s Favorite SUVs
Whether you’re looking into new vehicles or used cars, the Mazda CX-5 is an excellent option. Find out what drivers need to know about this impressive SUV before they buy.
The Mazda CX-5 is a fan favorite that has been a part of the automaker’s lineup for years. Originally designed as a concept car in 2010, the first CX-5 hit the market in 2013. Now, it’s one of Mazda’s most popular new and used cars.
If you’re like most people, you’ll love the CX-5, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Discover 10 fun facts about the CX-5 before you head to the local Mazda dealership to take one for a test drive and fall in love.
1. The Mazda CX-5 Has a Loyal Fan Base
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the brand’s top-performing vehicles in the United States and globally. Everyone has different reasons for loving this SUV, but most fans place driving dynamics near the top of their lists. The ride quality is firm, yet the sporty suspension tuning makes the car incredibly fun to drive.
2. You Can Choose From Two Generations of CX-5
If you’re looking into used cars, you’ll have two generations of CX-5 to choose from. The first generation was released in 2013 and stayed on the market until 2016. The second generation started in 2017 and has yet to undergo substantial changes. Both generations have the same driving characteristics, but the second generation is more powerful.
3. Even the Most Expensive CX-5 Costs Just $40,800
Mazda manufactures CX-5 models at various price points, with the entry-level vehicle starting at $29,900. Even the most expensive, line-topping 2.5 Turbo Signature trim still has a reasonable starting MSRP of just $40,800, and it’s very competitively equipped for its price point. Mazda CX-5s are also very affordable as used cars.
4. The CX-5 Gets Outcompeted in Cargo Space
For full disclosure, we should be clear that the CX-5 doesn’t beat the competition in every category. The same small stature that makes it fun and easy to drive also means it has a smaller cargo capacity than some rivals, with 36 cubic feet of storage.
5. Most CX-5s Don’t Have a Touchscreen
One of the things that draws in the CX-5’s cult following is the older models’ lack of touchscreen. Instead of an infotainment touchscreen, models from 2023 and before have a Command Knob with push buttons to navigate the infotainment display. This arrangement is easy to use, but if you prefer a touchscreen, go for a 2024 or 2025 CX-5.
6. The CX-5 Is a Reliable SUV
The Mazda brand, including the CX-5, is known for its reliability. RepairPal ranks it the most reliable SUV in its weight class, and JD Power gives it a good score. The second generation performs slightly better than the first in reliability tests.
7. 2018-2021 Are Years to Avoid
If you’re looking for a used CX-5, avoid model years 2018-2021. The naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cyl engine has cylinder deactivation, which can lead to head gasket issues. The turbo models from this period, on the other hand, are fine.
8. You Should Buy a Turbo Model If Possible
Speaking of the turbo models, if you can find a CX-5 with the turbocharged 2.5L rather than the naturally aspirated 2.5L, that’s preferable for any year. While it takes nine seconds for the CX-5 with the naturally aspirated engine to make it from 0-60, the turbo cuts that down to just 6.5 seconds.
9. Mazda Plans on Releasing a Hybrid CX-5
If you plan on buying a new CX-5 and want to maximize fuel efficiency, you might want to wait an extra year. Mazda plans to release the CX-5 with an optional hybrid powertrain for the 2027 model year.
10. The CX-5 Is an IIHS Top Safety Pick
If you’re looking for one last reason to invest in a Mazda CX-5, here’s a good one: it’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick for model years 2013-2015 and a Top Safety Pick+ for all model years since 2015.
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