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Mazda CX-5
Car and Driver says Mazda boasts that the new CX-5 earns top scores in all IIHS crash tests, with a 4.5-inch increase in overall length putting the new CX-5 just 1.2 inches shy of the larger CX-50, while the 187-hp 2.5-liter engine with standard all-wheel drive carries over from before, though Mazda claims to have tweaked the powertrain logic; it also says the previous model's turbocharged 2.5-liter four will not return, with Mazda saying a hybrid is on the horizon for 2027. MotorTrend titled its first drive 'Better in Every Way (Except One),' saying Mazda finally addressed its longstanding small-back-seat and small-trunk complaint for the all-new, bigger 2026 CX-5, though the new interface turns its back on years of Mazda tradition, with the new iteration 4.5 inches longer, 0.6 inch wider, and just over an inch taller than the old CX-5, on a 4.8-inch-longer wheelbase.
Bigger, safer, but no more turbo
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Mazda boasts that the new CX-5 earns top scores in all IIHS crash tests, with a 4.5-inch increase in overall length putting the new CX-5 just 1.2 inches shy of the larger CX-50, while the 187-hp 2.5-liter engine with standard all-wheel drive carries over from before, though Mazda claims to have tweaked the powertrain logic.
The turbo engine is gone, a hybrid is coming
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the new CX-5 will launch with the carryover 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive, and that Mazda says a hybrid is on the horizon for 2027, but the previous model's turbocharged 2.5-liter four will not return.
Better in every way, except one
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) titled its first drive 'Better in Every Way (Except One),' saying Mazda finally addressed its longstanding small-back-seat and small-trunk complaint for the all-new, bigger 2026 CX-5, though the new interface turns its back on years of Mazda tradition, with the new iteration 4.5 inches longer, 0.6 inch wider, and just over an inch taller than the old CX-5, on a 4.8-inch-longer wheelbase.
Questions buyers ask
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 still offer a turbo engine?
No — Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says the previous turbocharged 2.5-liter four will not return.
How much bigger is the new Mazda CX-5?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says 4.5 inches longer, 0.6 inch wider, and just over an inch taller, on a 4.8-inch-longer wheelbase.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The launch powertrain produces 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 5 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2026 CX-5 seats 5 and is a Compact SUV.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA lists 14 owner complaints for the 2026 CX-5.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Mazda CX-5
The redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 launches with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic and Mazda i-ACTIV all-wheel drive are standard across the five-trim range.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Mazda CX-5 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Mazda CX-5.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV produced by Mazda since 2012, a successor to both the Tribute and the slightly larger CX-7. It is Mazda's first model to feature the "Kodo" design language and the first model to be fully developed with a range of technologies branded as Skyactiv, including a rigid, lightweight platform combined with a series of engines and transmissions to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
Source: Mazda CX-5 (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Mazda CX-5 at a glance
- Production
- 2012–present
- Model years
- 2013–present
- Class
- Compact crossover SUV
- Body style
- 5-door SUV
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
- Predecessor
- Mazda Tribute, Mazda CX-7
Mazda CX-5 generations
The Mazda CX-5 has been redesigned in 2016, gaps of 4 years, an average of 4.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation, KF) began in 2016.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | KE | 2012–2016 | The Mazda MINAGI concept car, unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, was the first Mazda vehicle to combine the company's Kodo design language and Skyactiv technologies. |
| Second generation | KF | 2016–present | The second-generation CX-5 was unveiled with an overhauled design and new technologies on 15 November 2016, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Mazda CX-5 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA for the 2026 Mazda CX-5, most often about unknown or other (6), electrical system (5), visibility/wiper (3).
Year by year
The Mazda CX-5 across 12 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 26 | $2,500 | 1 | 13 | 5 stars | |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 24–28 | $2,250–$2,600 | 3 | 27 | 5 stars | |
| 2024 Mazda CX-5 | 24–28 | $2,250–$2,600 | 3 | 42 | 5 stars | |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 24–26 | $2,400–$2,600 | 2 | 61 | 5 stars | |
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | 24–26 | $2,400–$2,600 | 2 | 63 | 5 stars | |
| 2021 Mazda CX-5 | 24–28 | $2,250–$2,600 | 4 | 143 | 5 stars | |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 24–28 | $2,250–$2,600 | 3 | 106 | 5 stars | |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | 24–29 | $2,250–$3,200 | 6 | 2 | 267 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 26–29 | $2,250–$3,200 | 4 | 3 | 117 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 26–27 | $2,300–$2,400 | 2 | 1 | 148 | 4 stars |
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 | 26–29 | $2,150–$2,400 | 3 | 5 | 510 | 4 stars |
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 | 26–29 | $2,150–$2,400 | 5 | 4 | 133 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Mazda CX-5, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | 3 to 1 | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; with cylinder deactivation | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl SIDI; with cylinder deactivation | |||
| 2023 to 2024 | 2 to 3 | 25.0 to 26.0 | ||
| 2021 to 2022 | 4 to 2 | 26.0 to 25.0 | Labels: CX-5 2WD; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 3 to 4 | |||
| 2019 to 2020 | 6 to 3 | 26.5 to 26.0 | Engines: 2.2L 4-cyl; Fuels: Diesel | |
| 2018 to 2019 | 4 to 6 | 27.5 to 26.5 | ||
| 2017 to 2018 | 2 to 4 | 26.5 to 27.5 | Engines: 2.2L 4-cyl; Fuels: Diesel | |
| 2016 to 2017 | 3 to 2 | 27.5 to 26.5 | Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Transmissions: Manual 6-spd | |
| 2015 to 2016 | 5 to 3 |
Buying used
What the Mazda CX-5 recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | engine; fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2018 | 3 | air bags (side/window); engine; fuel system, gasoline (delivery) | None |
| 2017 | 1 | trailer hitches | None |
| 2016 | 5 | visibility (windshield); fuel system, gasoline (storage); steering; 2 more | None |
| 2015 | 4 | visibility (windshield); fuel system, gasoline (storage); steering; 1 more | None |
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 424 | 26% | 2019 (131) |
| unknown or other | 250 | 15% | 2016 (57) |
| electrical system | 238 | 15% | 2016 (71) |
| exterior lighting | 197 | 12% | 2016 (161) |
| power train | 163 | 10% | 2016 (51) |
| service brakes | 156 | 10% | 2016 (69) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Mazda CX-5 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 S | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 186 | 3,856 | 1,500 | 26 | $31,485 |
| 2.5 S Select | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 186 | 3,856 | 1,500 | 26 | $33,485 |
| 2.5 S Preferred | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 186 | 3,856 | 1,500 | 26 | $35,745 |
| 2.5 S Premium | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 186 | 3,856 | 1,500 | 26 | $38,395 |
| 2.5 S Premium Plus | AWD | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 186 | 3,856 | 1,500 | 26 | $40,485 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Mazda CX-5 model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) | 187 | 3,856 | 1,500 | 15.3 |
| 2025 | 8 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,679–3,871 | 2,000 | 15.3 |
| 2024 | 8 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,783–3,867 | 2,000 | 15.3 |
| 2023 | 8 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,728–3,867 | 2,000 | 15.3 |
| 2022 | 8 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,541–3,825 | 2,000 | 15.3 |
| 2021 | 7 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,541–3,825 | 2,000 | 14.8–15.3 |
| 2020 | 5 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 187–227 | 3,541–3,825 | 2,000 | 14.8–15.3 |
| 2019 | 6 | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G) / 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-D, Twin Turbo, Diesel) / 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (SKYACTIV-G, Turbo) | 168–227 | 3,541–3,940 | 2,000–3,500 | 14.8–15.3 |
| 2018 | 3 | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 187 | 3,563 | 2,000 | 14.8 |
| 2017 | 4 | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 187 | 3,527–3,655 | 2,000 | 14.8–15.3 |
| 2016 | 3 | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 184 | 3,433 | 2,000 | 14.8 |
| 2015 | 3 | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 155–184 | 3,291–3,404 | 2,000 | 14.8 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Mazda CX-5.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4.8 qt | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2025 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2024 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2023 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2022 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2021 | – | – | – | – | CR2032 |
| 2020 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Mazda CX-5: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
Fewer recalls than this model’s own average
- 2017 Mazda CX-5 : 1 recall on file (average across published years is 3.0).
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2016 Mazda CX-5 : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting structure and steering.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | ||
| 2025 | 27 | ||
| 2024 | 42 | ||
| 2023 | 61 | ||
| 2022 | 63 | ||
| 2021 | 143 | ||
| 2020 | 106 | ||
| 2019 | 2 | 267 | engine, fuel system |
| 2018 | 3 | 117 | airbags, engine, fuel system |
| 2017 | 1 | 148 | trailer hitch |
| 2016 | 5 | 510 | structure, steering, fuel system, visibility/wipers |
| 2015 | 4 | 133 | fuel system, structure, visibility/wipers, steering |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Mazda CX-5?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2017 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2016 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Mazda CX-5 model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2016 Mazda CX-5 has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting structure, steering, fuel system. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03Which Mazda CX-5 model years have the cleanest federal recall record?
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 has 1 recall on file: below this model's own average of 3.0. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.
Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Mazda CX-5 by model year?
2019: engine, fuel system. 2018: airbags, engine, fuel system. 2017: trailer hitch. 2016: structure, steering, fuel system, visibility/wipers. 2015: fuel system, structure, visibility/wipers, steering.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Engine and cooling, Buying, records and recalls, Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering.
2016 Mazda CX-5 owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering and Engine and cooling and Climate and electrical.
Compared with
Models this Mazda CX-5 is most often compared with.
Nearest Mazda models
Other Mazda models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 CX-5?
Yes. Mazda lists i-ACTIV all-wheel drive as standard across the 2026 CX-5 lineup.
Q02How many 2026 CX-5 trims are available?
Mazda lists five trims: 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium and 2.5 S Premium Plus.
Q03How much horsepower does the 2026 CX-5 have?
The launch powertrain produces 187 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.
Q04What transmission does the 2026 CX-5 use?
Mazda pairs the 2.5-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Q05Does the base CX-5 get the 12.9-inch display?
Yes. Mazda identifies a 12.9-inch center touchscreen as standard equipment on the 2.5 S.