Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Mazda CX-5 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Mazda CX-5 Model Years (Ranked)
The Mazda CX-5 is the enthusiast's compact crossover — sharper to drive than a RAV4 or CR-V, with an upscale cabin that punches well above its price. Since 2013 it has spanned two generations, gaining a turbocharged engine, a near-luxury interior, and growing standard safety content.
But some years had early infotainment quirks, and the first 2.0L engines felt underpowered when loaded. This ranking sorts every CX-5 model year by reliability, driving feel, used value, and feature content, using real engine specs and current used pricing so you buy the right one.
If you want a small SUV that rewards the driver and still feels special years later, the CX-5 is the one to shop — provided you target the right year and engine.
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Mazda CX-5 is the 2021-2024 (refreshed 2nd generation), with the available 2.5L turbo four making 256 hp on premium fuel, standard all-wheel drive, a near-luxury cabin, and standard i-Activsense safety; clean examples run $22,000 to $34,000. The Best Value pick is the 2017-2018 (early 2nd generation), a refined 2.5L (187 hp) crossover available for $15,000 to $22,000.
Avoid the 2014 model, which carried over the weakest infotainment and a recall-prone early run. This guide is for buyers who want a premium-feeling compact SUV that is genuinely fun to drive.
How We Ranked These CX-5 Model Years
We weighted the CX-5 on the qualities that set it apart from the segment. Driving feel and refinement carried real weight, because sharp handling and a hushed cabin are the whole reason buyers choose a CX-5 over a more spacious rival. Reliability and used value came next, where Mazda's Skyactiv engines and conventional automatic have proven durable.
Engine choice mattered enormously — the strained base 2.0L versus the eager 2.5L versus the strong 2.5L turbo changes the car's character completely. Standard safety and cabin quality rounded out the score. Specs and recall notes were cross-checked against Edmunds, Car and Driver, and NHTSA so every figure reflects reality.
1. 2021-2024 (Refreshed 2nd Gen) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The facelifted 2nd-generation CX-5 is the best version yet. The standard 2.5L four makes 187 hp, but the star is the available 2.5L turbo producing 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane (227 hp on regular). All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup since 2021, and the cabin rivals entry-luxury brands with available Nappa leather, real materials, and a 10.25-inch display.
Standard i-Activsense covers adaptive cruise, lane-keep, and automatic emergency braking. It seats five comfortably with a supportive driving position. Used value: $22,000 to $34,000.
Sharp handling, strong turbo power, and premium materials make this the clear top pick — it feels like a car costing far more.
2. 2017-2018 (Early 2nd Gen) 💎 BEST VALUE
The redesigned 2nd-generation CX-5 brought a hushed cabin, refined ride, and Mazda's upscale turn, all at used prices that now represent terrific value. The 2.5L four (187 hp) pairs with a smooth 6-speed automatic and available AWD, and 2018 added cylinder deactivation and the clever G-Vectoring Control handling tech that subtly improves cornering.
It seats five in a quiet, well-finished interior. Used value: $15,000 to $22,000. These cars drive better than nearly every rival and have proven reliable in service.
The value champion — near-luxury feel and Mazda's signature handling for ordinary compact-SUV money.
3. 2019-2020 (2nd Gen, Turbo Arrives)
These years added the 2.5L turbo (250 hp on premium) as an option and brought standard advanced safety, a bigger infotainment screen, and improved cabin materials. The base 2.5L (187 hp) continues, with available AWD and a 6-speed automatic. It seats five.
Used value: $19,000 to $28,000. This is the first chance to get real turbo power in a CX-5, and the cars are polished and reliable. A strong pick just below the refreshed model, especially in turbo Grand Touring or Signature trim where you get the punchy engine plus the nicer interior touches.
4. 2025 (2nd Gen, Latest)
The 2025 CX-5 carries the proven recipe forward: 2.5L (187 hp) or 2.5L turbo (256 hp on premium), standard AWD, updated infotainment, and full i-Activsense. It seats five with the same premium cabin and crisp dynamics. Used value (lightly used): $30,000 to $40,000.
Mechanically matching the top pick with the freshest tech and remaining warranty, it ranks here mainly because used discounts remain thin and the model is essentially a carryover. Excellent if you want the newest CX-5 and can pay near-new prices for it.
5. 2016 (1st Gen Final)
The final 1st-generation CX-5 is the best of the early cars. It offers the 2.5L four (187 hp) or a base 2.0L (155 hp), with available AWD and a 6-speed automatic, plus improved sound insulation and the updated MZD Connect infotainment with a rotary controller. It seats five.
Used value: $9,000 to $14,000. These drive sharply and have aged well mechanically with few chronic faults. A smart budget pick — get the 2.5L engine for adequate power, since the 2.0L feels strained when the car is loaded with passengers and gear.
6. 2015 (1st Gen Facelift)
The lightly refreshed 2015 CX-5 added more standard equipment, available adaptive cruise, and minor styling tweaks. Engines remained the 2.0L (155 hp) and 2.5L (184 hp) with available AWD and a 6-speed automatic, seating five. Used value: $7,500 to $12,000.
It handles like a Mazda should and is mechanically durable, with the 2.5L being the engine to have. The main caution is the older, slower infotainment that feels dated next to newer rivals. A good-value used crossover for buyers who prioritize driving feel over the latest screens.
7. 2022-2024 Turbo Signature (Top Trim)
The top Signature trim of the refreshed generation earns its own callout for buyers who want near-luxury. It pairs the 256-hp turbo and standard AWD with quilted Nappa leather, real wood trim, a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and a head-up display. It seats five.
Used value: $28,000 to $36,000. It genuinely competes with entry-luxury crossovers costing thousands more. Worth the premium over lower trims if you want the most refined CX-5 — otherwise a Grand Touring turbo saves real money while keeping the same strong engine.
8. 2013 (1st Gen, First Year)
The original 2013 CX-5 launched Mazda's Skyactiv era with class-leading fuel economy and the brand's "Kodo" design. Early cars used only the 2.0L four (155 hp), with a 2.5L (184 hp) added partway through, plus available AWD and a 6-speed manual or automatic. It seats five.
Used value: $5,500 to $9,000. It drives well and gets great mileage, but the 2.0L is noticeably underpowered, and first-year cars had some infotainment and minor recall items. A cheap, fun-to-drive entry point if you accept modest power and verify the recalls were handled.
9. 2020 Diesel (Skyactiv-D)
The short-lived CX-5 Skyactiv-D diesel earns a niche callout. Its 2.2L turbodiesel made 168 hp and 290 lb-ft with standard AWD, offered briefly in Signature trim before being discontinued in the U.S. It seats five.
Used value: $24,000 to $30,000 (rare). The diesel returns strong highway mileage and effortless torque, but parts, specialized service, and resale are uncertain given the tiny U.S. Production run.
A curiosity for diesel fans who tow light loads — most buyers are better served by the turbo gas engine, which is quicker and easier to maintain.
10. 2014 (1st Gen Early)
The 2014 CX-5 added the 2.5L engine (184 hp) to the lineup alongside the 2.0L (155 hp), with available AWD and a 6-speed automatic, seating five. Used value: $5,000 to $8,500. It drives nicely and is mechanically sound, but it carried the oldest, slowest infotainment and had a few early recalls worth verifying.
With the 2.5L engine and clean history it is a usable budget crossover, but the later 2016 model is a better-rounded buy for not much more money — more refinement, better tech, and the same sweet chassis.
How to Choose
Decide whether you want the turbo. If you crave strong power and the newest cabin, the 2021-2024 refresh is the answer and the turbo transforms the car. If you want near-luxury feel for less, the 2017-2018 models deliver Mazda's handling magic at a real discount.
On any 1st-generation (2013-2016) car, choose the 2.5L engine over the strained 2.0L, which struggles when loaded. Confirm AWD if you face winter, check that recalls were completed on NHTSA, and get a pre-purchase inspection on higher-mileage examples before committing.
FAQ
What is the best Mazda CX-5 year to buy? The 2021-2024 refreshed model is the best overall, with standard AWD and the available 256-hp turbo. For value, the 2017-2018 early 2nd-gen cars deliver a premium cabin and sharp handling at noticeably lower used prices.
Which Mazda CX-5 years should I avoid? Be wary of the 2014 model with its dated infotainment and early recalls, and avoid the base 2.0L engine in any early car if you regularly carry passengers or cargo, since it feels underpowered and works hard on hills.
Is the Mazda CX-5 reliable? Yes — the CX-5 has a strong reliability record across both generations. Its Skyactiv engines and conventional automatic transmission are durable, and common issues are minor. Regular maintenance keeps it running well past 150,000 miles.
Is the CX-5 turbo worth it? For many buyers, yes. The 2.5L turbo (256 hp on premium) transforms the CX-5's character, adding strong passing power and better towing while keeping the refined ride. It commands a modest used premium over the base engine that most owners find well spent.
Bottom Line
The Mazda CX-5 is the driver's compact crossover, and the 2021-2024 refreshed 2nd generation is the Best Overall pick — available 256-hp turbo, standard AWD, and a near-luxury cabin for $22,000 to $34,000. Value shoppers should target the 2017-2018 early 2nd-gen, our Best Value, for $15,000 to $22,000.
Avoid the dated 2014 infotainment and the underpowered base 2.0L. Choose between turbo punch and smooth refinement, confirm AWD and completed recalls, and a used CX-5 will reward you with handling and cabin quality no rival in the class matches.
Sources
- Edmunds — Mazda CX-5 reviews and used pricing
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB) — CX-5 values
- Car and Driver — Mazda CX-5 reviews
- NHTSA — Mazda CX-5 recalls and complaints
- Consumer Reports — CX-5 reliability
- MotorTrend — Mazda CX-5 buyer's guide
- EPA — CX-5 fuel economy ratings
*Mazda CX-5 review — Mazda CX-5 reviews, rating, best Mazda CX-5 year 2027, and a review of the best CX-5 model years to buy used.*