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2016 Mazda CX-5 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mazda CX-5 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Engaging drive
  • Lots of room
  • Plenty of features

Cons

  • Poor rearward visibility
  • Subpar audio
  • Slow with base engine

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 30 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year
Mileage

Engaging compact SUV

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 carries on with Mazda’s “zoom-zoom” personality, meaning it manages to combine a sporty and engaging drive with the usefulness of a compact SUV. The 2016 Mada CX-5 effortlessly delivers pinpoint handling, precise steering, and all the driver feedback you’d ever want from a small crossover. Add to this the available 184-hp 2.5L engine, and the 2016 CX-5 will make your daily commute a joy. But the CX-5’s main function as a compact crossover isn’t lost, as it also boasts plenty of room for the whole family and a spacey cargo area. On top of all this, the 2016 CX-5 with its 2.5L engine has an estimated 2,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.

All Mazda CX-5 years

What is new for the 2016 Mazda CX-5?

  • The CX-5 is available in a variety of new trims, including the 2016.5 Grand Touring, 2016.5 Sport, and 2016.5 Touring.
  • CX-5 trims have been upgraded with Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
  • Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Sport trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Mazda CX-5

1. Loads of fun to drive 

The CX-5 is a different type of compact crossover. Instead of focusing solely on functionality, the CX-5 also includes a healthy dose of sporting action with a firm suspension system and precision steering. The 2016 CX-5 will surely please your inner performance enthusiast, whether carving up a curvy back road or just on your daily commute to the office. 

2. Powerful optional engine 

The 2015 Mazda CX-5 gives you two engine options. If frugal performance is your goal, the base 155-hp 2.0L four-cylinder is a good option, thanks to an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

The real fun comes when you upgrade to the optional 184-hp 2.5L engine in the Touring and Grand Touring trims. This engine delivers a quicker zero-to-60 time of eight seconds, complementing its agility nicely. Plus, it also gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
 

3. Standard manual transmission 

Manual transmissions are getting scarce, especially in crossovers. the 2016 CX-5 maintains tradition with its standard six-speed manual transmission mated to the base 2.0L engine. This allows you to better connect with the vehicle and puts you more firmly in control of how the car acts on the road.  

4. Great-looking body 

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 will surely check all your boxes regarding styling. Mazda did a great job giving the CX-5 a striking and sporty body that’s not too over the top, so it’ll also age well. This will give you an SUV you’ll be happy to look at day in and day out. 

5. Spacious and comfortable cabin 

The 2016 Mazda CX-5 may have a compact footprint, but it’s hiding a spacious interior under that small body. Up front, the CX-5’s seats are very comfortable, offering ample support and grip combined with a great seating position for optimal visibility. They also have 41 inches of legroom, accommodating just about anyone. The rear seats are very comfortable and offer a great seating position, too. Plus, they offer 39.3 inches of legroom, making them suitable for kids and adults.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

Based on customer reviews, the 2016 Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that is spacious but still compact enough to easily park. The 4WD is helpful in all types of weather conditions and the sunroof is a favorite feature.
4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Mazda CX-5 an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Mazda CX-5 4th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 features and specs

Grand Touring 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

184

Torque (ft-lbs)

185

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

14.8

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

178.7"

Width

72.4"

Height

65.7"

Leg room

F 41"/R 39.3"

Head room

F 39"/R 39"

Front tires

P225/55VR19

Rear tires

P225/55VR19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Mazda CX-5 FAQ

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