Best Mazda CX-5 Model Years (Ranked)

The Mazda CX-5 has been the brand's best-selling vehicle since it launched for 2013, and across two full generations it has built a reputation as the compact SUV that actually drives well. With more than a decade of model years now on the used market, buyers face a real choice between the lighter, cheaper first generation and the more refined, more powerful second generation, plus the turbocharged variants that turned a sensible crossover into a genuinely quick one.

This ranking covers every important CX-5 model year, with real SkyActiv engine specs, real fuel-economy figures, and honest 2027 used-value ranges so you can match the right year to your budget and needs.

Direct Answer

The best overall Mazda CX-5 is the 2021-2024 second-generation Turbo, which combines the 2.5-liter turbocharged SkyActiv-G engine making up to 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with a refined interior, standard all-wheel drive, and the platform's strongest reliability record, making it the most complete compact SUV Mazda has built.

The best value is the 2019-2020 second-generation 2.5 naturally aspirated, which delivers the same upscale cabin and chassis with a dependable 187-horsepower engine for thousands less; clean examples trade around $18,000 to $24,000. Below, the model years are ranked from best buy to least, with the reasoning, specs, and pricing for each.

1. 2021-2024 CX-5 Turbo 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The late second-generation Turbo cars are the high-water mark of the CX-5 line. The 2.5-liter turbocharged SkyActiv-G produces 256 horsepower on 93-octane (227 on regular) and a thick 320 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm, giving effortless real-world acceleration that no rival in the class matches for the money.

The 2021 model year brought a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, improved sound deadening, and standard i-Activsense safety, while every Turbo gets standard i-Activ all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic. The cabin materials embarrass many luxury-badged crossovers. Expect to pay $26,000-$34,000 for a clean used Turbo, and it is worth it because you get near-premium refinement and genuine pace in one package.

This is the CX-5 to buy if budget allows.

2. 2019-2020 CX-5 2.5 (NA) 💎 BEST VALUE

The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter second-generation cars are the smart-money pick. The engine makes 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft, adds cylinder deactivation for better economy (around 25 city / 31 highway mpg in front-drive form), and pairs with the same beautifully damped chassis and upscale interior as the Turbo.

The 2019 model year added the optional turbo engine to the lineup and refined the cabin, while 2020 carried the improvements forward. You give up the Turbo's punch but keep everything else that makes the CX-5 special. Clean examples run $18,000-$24,000, which undercuts the Turbo by several thousand dollars for a car that is 90 percent as satisfying.

That price-to-quality ratio makes it the clear best value in the range.

3. 2017-2018 CX-5 (second-gen launch)

The first cars of the second generation reset the CX-5 with sharper Kodo styling, a quieter cabin, and the 2.5-liter 187-horsepower SkyActiv-G as the main engine. These launch years introduced G-Vectoring Control, which subtly trims engine torque during cornering to settle the chassis, and they remain excellent to drive.

Equipment is a half-step behind the 2019-plus cars (smaller screens, fewer standard safety features on base trims), but the fundamentals are identical. Used prices sit around $15,000-$20,000, making these the cheapest way into the modern, refined second-generation platform. They rank just below the 2019-2020 cars because of the slightly older infotainment and the absence of the turbo option, but they are a strong value buy.

4. 2025 CX-5 (final second-gen)

The 2025 model year is among the last of the current platform before the all-new third-generation redesign, and it benefits from years of refinement: the same 187-hp NA and 256-hp Turbo engine choices, the latest infotainment, and the strongest safety equipment list. It ranks lower here strictly on value, because as a near-new car it carries the highest price (commonly $30,000 and up for a Turbo) and the smallest depreciation cushion.

Buyers who want a factory warranty and the most modern interior should choose it; bargain hunters are better served letting it depreciate into 2021-2024 territory. A polished, dependable SUV that simply costs the most right now.

5. 2016 CX-5 (first-gen, final)

The last of the first generation is the best version of that car. By 2016 Mazda had upgraded the infotainment, added more standard equipment, and refined the 2.5-liter 184-horsepower engine that powered Touring and Grand Touring trims (a 2.0-liter 155-hp unit served the base Sport).

At roughly 3,400-3,600 pounds the first-gen CX-5 is lighter and more eager than its successor, and it delivers strong fuel economy of around 26 city / 33 highway mpg. Values are low at $11,000-$15,000, making it a genuine budget rival to the second-gen launch cars. It ranks here because the interior and noise isolation lag well behind the newer platform, but mechanically it is sound and fun.

6. 2014-2015 CX-5 (first-gen, mid-cycle)

The mid-cycle first-generation cars added the larger 2.5-liter engine option in 2014, addressing the chief complaint about the original 2.0-liter's modest 155 horsepower. The 2.5 makes 184 horsepower and gives the light first-gen body genuinely quick responses, and these years also brought improved interior materials.

They keep the impressive fuel economy and nimble handling that made the original CX-5 a critical favorite. Clean cars trade for $9,000-$13,000, undercutting almost everything newer in the lineup. They rank below the 2016 car only because of fewer standard features and older tech, but as a cheap, reliable, fun-to-drive compact SUV they are hard to fault.

7. 2022-2024 CX-5 2.5 S (NA, refreshed)

The refreshed naturally aspirated cars from 2022 onward received updated styling, standard all-wheel drive across the lineup, and the latest infotainment, all paired with the dependable 187-horsepower 2.5-liter. These are excellent everyday SUVs that feel nearly as premium as the Turbo, and standard AWD adds genuine all-weather capability.

They rank here rather than higher because they cost more than the 2019-2020 NA cars while offering a similar driving experience, and they lack the Turbo's signature punch. Expect $24,000-$29,000. For buyers who want the newest naturally aspirated CX-5 with standard AWD and a warranty cushion, this is a sensible, low-risk choice.

8. 2018 CX-5 Diesel (SkyActiv-D, rare)

The short-lived SkyActiv-D 2.2-liter diesel, offered briefly in the US for 2019 (and earlier abroad), is a curiosity worth knowing about. It made around 168 horsepower but a strong 290 lb-ft of torque with excellent highway economy. It is rare, the certification was delayed and limited, and parts and service support are thin, so it ranks low on practicality.

Values vary widely, roughly $18,000-$24,000 when they appear. It earns a spot for completeness and for torque-loving buyers who want something unusual, but most shoppers should skip it in favor of the proven gasoline engines because of the limited dealer expertise and small supply.

9. 2013 CX-5 (first model year)

The original 2013 CX-5 launched the nameplate and the SkyActiv era for Mazda's SUVs. It came only with the 2.0-liter SkyActiv-G making 155 horsepower, which is adequate but the weakest engine in the family, paired with class-leading fuel economy of up to 35 highway mpg in front-drive manual form.

The chassis is light and engaging, and reliability has proven strong. Used prices are the lowest in the range at $8,000-$12,000. It ranks near the bottom only because of the modest power and dated interior, not because of any flaw; for a buyer who wants the cheapest reliable Mazda SUV and does not need quick acceleration, the first-year car is a legitimate bargain.

10. 2014 CX-5 2.0 Sport (base)

The base 2.0-liter Sport trim from the early first generation rounds out the list as the most affordable CX-5 you can buy. With 155 horsepower, available manual transmission on early front-drive cars, and the best fuel economy in the lineup, it is a no-frills, dependable commuter.

Values bottom out around $8,000-$11,000. It ranks last because the 2.0-liter engine feels underpowered when loaded, the equipment is sparse, and the cabin shows its age. But for a high-mileage daily driver where running cost matters most, the base Sport delivers Mazda reliability and economy for the price of a much less appealing rival.

Buy on condition and service history alone.

What to Watch For When Buying

The CX-5 is among the more reliable compact SUVs, but a few items deserve attention. On second-generation Turbo cars, confirm the engine has had regular oil changes with the correct full-synthetic and that there is no carbon-related rough idle; turbocharged direct-injection engines benefit from disciplined maintenance.

Across all years, check the infotainment system for the known Mazda Connect lag or freezing, especially on older first-generation units, and verify any software updates have been applied. Inspect the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system for noises during low-speed turns and confirm the rear differential fluid has been serviced on higher-mileage examples.

First-generation cars can develop rear hatch and tailgate-area rust in salt-belt regions, so check the lower tailgate and wheel arches. Finally, listen for water-pump and front-suspension noises on early cars, and verify the brakes, because the CX-5's firm pedal can mask uneven pad wear if previous owners neglected service.

How to Choose

Decide first how much power you want. If you crave strong acceleration and the most premium-feeling cabin, the 2021-2024 Turbo is the clear choice and worth its price premium. If you want the same refinement without the turbo cost, the 2019-2020 naturally aspirated 2.5 is the value sweet spot.

Buyers on a tighter budget who still want the modern, quiet second-generation platform should look at the 2017-2018 launch cars, while those who simply need a cheap, reliable, fun-to-drive SUV should consider a 2014-2016 first-generation 2.5, avoiding the underpowered 2.0-liter unless economy is the only priority.

If you need genuine all-weather capability, prioritize i-Activ all-wheel drive, which is standard on Turbo and refreshed NA trims. In every case, buy on documented maintenance history first and trim level second, because a well-serviced base car beats a neglected loaded one.

FAQ

Which Mazda CX-5 year is the most reliable? The 2019-2024 second-generation cars have the strongest reliability records, with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter being especially trouble-free; the first-generation cars are also dependable, with infotainment lag being the most common complaint rather than mechanical failure.

Is the CX-5 Turbo worth it over the regular engine? Yes if you value effortless acceleration and towing margin; the 256-horsepower, 320-lb-ft Turbo transforms the driving experience, but the 187-hp naturally aspirated engine is more than adequate for daily use and costs thousands less to buy.

How many miles will a Mazda CX-5 last? With regular maintenance a CX-5 commonly reaches 200,000 miles or more; the SkyActiv engines are robust, and the most important factors are consistent oil changes and, on Turbo cars, disciplined synthetic-oil service.

Should I get all-wheel drive on a CX-5? All-wheel drive is worth it in snowy or wet climates and is standard on Turbo and refreshed naturally aspirated trims; in dry regions, front-wheel drive saves money and improves fuel economy slightly without much downside.

Bottom Line

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most consistently satisfying compact SUVs on the used market, and almost every model year is a defensible buy. The 2021-2024 Turbo is the best overall, blending 256 horsepower, near-luxury refinement, and strong reliability into one package. The 2019-2020 naturally aspirated 2.5 is the best value, delivering the same upscale experience for several thousand dollars less.

Budget shoppers can drop to the well-built first-generation 2.5 cars and still get Mazda's hallmark driving feel and dependability. Whatever year you target, prioritize documented maintenance, standard all-wheel drive if you need it, and the engine that matches how you actually drive, and the CX-5 will reward you for years.

Sources

• Mazda CX-5 — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_CX-5
• Mazda USA official CX-5 specifications: https://www.mazdausa.com/vehicles/cx-5
• Car and Driver Mazda CX-5 reviews and specs: https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/cx-5
• Edmunds Mazda CX-5 used pricing and reviews: https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/cx-5/
• Kelley Blue Book Mazda CX-5 used values: https://www.kbb.com/mazda/cx-5/
• Consumer Reports Mazda CX-5 reliability: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mazda/cx-5/
• MotorTrend Mazda CX-5 buyer's guide: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mazda/cx-5/