2018 Mazda CX-5 review

Q: What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim: Grand Touring: 25 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway Sport: 25 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway Touring: 25 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway It is important to remember factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as Eco mode can impact fuel efficiency.

Q: Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?

The Mazda CX-5 received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Mazda CX-5 as 3 out of 32 among Midsize SUV

Q: Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has received an average 4.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Mazda CX-5, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Mazda CX-5 Reviews .

Q: What is the towing capacity for the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.

Q: What's new for the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

Here is what's new for the 2018 Mazda CX-5: Heated Mirrors Memory Seat(s) Leatherette Seats Head Up Display Rear Air Conditioning

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

7 photos

Mazda CX-5 highlights

Customer rating

4.7 out of 5

4.5 out of 5

Pros

Great driving experience
Refined interior
Quiet at highway speeds

Cons

Lackluster engine
No Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™
Slow acceleration

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 30 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $20,998*

View our Mazda CX-5 inventory

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2018 Mazda CX-5 is a balanced SUV that’s fun to drive

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a small crossover SUV that delivers a comfortable ride, sporty handling and a refined interior. It isn't quite as powerful as some of its rivals, but it's fun to drive and, following a redesign for 2017, is well balanced.

The CX-5 may be the most driver-friendly crossover available thanks to its tight suspension and steering. The interior is also well-designed and good looking. While not as roomy as the CR-V, the Mazda offers comfortable seating for five and enough room for their cargo. USB ports are sprinkled throughout the cabin, and while Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are not offered they can be added with a retrofit kit from Mazda.

Its only drawback may be the four-cylinder engine. That's the only power option available on the CX-5, while rivals like the Kia Sportage and Chevrolet Equinox offer a turbocharged alternative.

All Mazda CX-5 years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Mazda CX-5 generation from 2013 to 2025

What is new for the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

The Grand Select trim has been discontinued for 2018.
CX-5 trims have been upgraded with Memory Seat(s) and Leatherette Seats as standard equipment this year.
Rear Air Conditioning, Remote Start, and Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
The Grand Touring trim now comes with Cruise Control as standard equipment.
The Sport trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
The Touring trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.

2018 Mazda CX-5 trims

Curious how Mazda CX-5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Sport:

187-hp, 186-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
Smart Key
Blind Spot Monitor
Rear View Camera
Overhead Airbags
Side Airbags
Traction Control
Power Mirrors
Cloth Seats
View our Mazda CX-5 Sport inventory

Touring:

Includes all features available on the Sport
Leatherette Seats
Lane Departure Warning
Front Seat Heaters
Leatherette & Cloth
Power Seats
View our Mazda CX-5 Touring inventory

Grand Touring:

Includes all features available on the Touring
Automated Cruise Control
Leather Seats
Memory Seats
Sunroofs
Power Hatch/Deck Lid
Navigation System
BOSE Sound System
Satellite Radio Ready
View our Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring inventory

Mazda CX-5 photos

What We Like

Utility: There is loads of small-item storage space throughout the cabin, a highlight of the CX-5. The rear seats fold in a 40-20-40 split, opening up an average amount of space in the back of the cabin for larger items.

Driving: Handling is superb in the CX-5, far better than any other crossover. Taking sharp turns feels comfortable and the SUV rarely feels out of control. The steering wheel is balanced and has a comfortable weight.

Comfort: The cabin is comfortable and quiet at highway speeds. The climate control system is excellent even in extreme temperatures. Front seats are comfortable and adults have enough legroom in the back row.

What Needs Improvement

Tech: The lack of Apple CarPlay^® or Android Auto^™ is disappointing for a vehicle that is otherwise relatively well equipped. Its front USB ports also seem to pull less power than rivals, which means slower charging for smartphones.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

32 customer reviews

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a car that is loved by many customers. They like the car's dependability, the car's comfort, and the car's style.

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

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

Trim & Body

Engine & Transmission

Curious how Mazda CX-5 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Grand Touring 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

ABS Brakes
Air Conditioning
Alloy Wheels
AM/FM Stereo
Automated Cruise Control
Automatic Transmission
Auxiliary Audio Input
Blind Spot Monitor
Bluetooth Technology
BOSE Sound System
Front Seat Heaters
Lane Departure Warning
Leather Seats
Memory Seat(s)
Navigation System
Overhead Airbags
Power Hatch/Deck Lid
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

Full Roof Rack
Head Up Display
Heated Steering Wheel
Navigation System
Parking Sensors
Rear Air Conditioning
Rear Seat Heaters
Remote Start
Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels	Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size	2.5L
Horsepower	187
Torque (ft-lbs)	186
Engine type	Gas
Fuel capacity	14.8
Wheelbase	106.3"
Overall length	179.1"
Width	72.5"
Height	65.3"
Leg room	F 41"/R 39.6"
Head room	F 39.3"/R 39"
Front tires	P225/55VR19
Rear tires	P225/55VR19
Seating capacity	5
Max towing capacity	200/2000 lbs.
Transmission	Automatic

2018 Mazda CX-5 FAQ

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Mazda CX-5 inventory

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2018 Mazda CX-5 Sport
$20,998*58k Miles
Wichita, Kansas

2016 Mazda CX-5 2016.5 Touring
$16,998*94k Miles
Wichita, Kansas

2019 Mazda CX-5 Sport
$21,998*19k Miles
Independence, Missouri

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.

2018 Mazda CX-5 review