2018 Mazda CX-5 review
Mazda CX-5 highlights
Customer rating
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
(no current 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
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
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
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Mazda CX-5
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
30 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 22 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 7 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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-5Mazda CX-5 features and specs
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
- 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
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
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
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.
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.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Mazda CX-5:
- Memory Seat(s)
- Leatherette Seats
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Remote Start
- Tow Hitch
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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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