Mazda's CX-5 SUV: Slightly Trouble-Free, Yet Not Considered a Budget-Friendly Option
Rewritten Article:
Rollin' with the CX-5: A Reliable Ride with a Steep Price Tag
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The Mazda CX-5 stands out in the crowd with its unique design, boasting a distinctiveness that's hard to miss. When it comes to its insides, it's a fairly trouble-free ride, as demonstrated by its TÜV (German vehicle inspection) records. However, you'll often find that used CX-5s aren't exactly a steal.
Mazda's compact class standout, the CX-5, is generally a dependable vehicle. The newer generations, in particular, are recommended purchases: the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2025" praises the model for eliminating faults. While some issues can be addressed with reasonable repair costs, the price tags on used CX-5s can be high.
Model Timeline
The CX-5 made its debut in 2012, receiving its first facelift in 2015, followed by another one in 2017. The 2017 update brought about a significantly refined body.
The CX-5's Evolution: From Rough Start to Strength The 2019 facelift brought modifications to the suspension and steering, and an improved driving dynamics control for optimized handling. Mazda rolled out another facelift for the 2021 model year.
Body and Variants
There aren't any fundamental body variants, but Mazda has been constantly refining the exterior design over the years. As an SUV, the CX-5 boasts a raised body, fit for the compact class.
Car Expert Insight: Tips Every Used Car Buyer Should Know The CX-5 was never fully electrified, but since 2023, the gasoline engines have been delivered as mild hybrids with an electric starter generator. To conserve fuel, the larger gasoline engine also comes with cylinder deactivation.
Dimensions (according to ADAC)
- 1st Generation: 4.56 meters x 1.84 meters x 1.67 meters (L x W x H); Trunk volume: 503 to 1620 liters
- 2nd Generation: 4.55 to 4.56 meters x 1.84 to 1.85 meters x 1.68 meters (L x W x H); Trunk volume: 506 to 1620 liters
Strengths
From the external components to the internal mechanics, and the function of the foot and parking brake - the most important brake components usually score flawlessly in the TÜV.
The blinkers and rear lighting have also held up well over the years. There's little to complain about regarding the suspension, driveshafts, steering, and springs and dampers. The CX-5 rarely leaks oil and almost never shows rust on the exhaust system.
Weaknesses
Starting from the third TÜV inspection at seven years old, the first generation's tie rods and axle suspension begin to falter, with significantly higher defect rates by the fourth check. The current CX-5 is plagued by prematurely worn brake discs, an issue also affecting its predecessor.
Both also struggle with the front lighting. The current CX-5 also has issues with the low beam - both relatively inexpensive fixes.
Breakdown Behavior
The ADAC (German automobile club) highly rates the Japanese SUV in terms of reliability when it comes to breakdown statistics. The only breakdown hotspot: Problems with oil pressure (2013 to 2016).
Engines
1. Generation: Gasoline (Four-cylinder, Front- and All-wheel drive): 118 kW/160 PS to 141 kW/192 PS; Diesel (Four-cylinder, Front- and All-wheel drive): 110 kW/149 PS and 129 kW/175 PS2. Generation: Gasoline (Four-cylinder, Front- and All-wheel drive): 118 kW/160 PS to 143 kW/194 PS; Diesel (Four-cylinder, Front- and All-wheel drive): 110 kW/150 PS and 135 kW/184 PS
Used Car Market Value - Average Prices from DAT
- CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv-G 165 Advantage AWD (6/2021); 121 kW/165 PS (Four-cylinder); 57,000 kilometers; 23,520 Euro
- CX-5 2.2 Skyactiv-D Center-Line 2WD (6/2015); 110 kW/150 PS (Four-cylinder); 153,000 kilometers; 8,436 Euro
- CX-5 2.2 e-Skyactiv-G 194 M-Hybrid Homura AWD (6/2022); 143 kW/194 PS (Four-cylinder); 44,000 kilometers; 30,012 Euro
Trivia
Used Mazda CX-5 prices can widely vary based on factors such as condition, location, and mileage. Generally, prices range from around $3,750 to over $40,000, with the nationwide average being approximately $22,800[3][4][5].
Source: ntv.de, Stefan Weißenborn, dpa
Related Topics: Used Cars, Mazda Models, TÜV, ADAC, SUV
Insights:- Given its good reliability and lower maintenance costs, the Mazda CX-5 is often a good choice for those seeking a dependable used SUV without excessive ongoing expenses. Prices for used CX-5s can vary significantly based on factors such as condition, location, and mileage.- Common issues with the CX-5 might include minor problems with in-car electronics, but overall, it has lower maintenance and repair costs compared to many other SUVs.- While the Mazda CX-5 is generally reliable, some owners might consider extended warranties for added peace of mind. These warranties can cost between $1,600 and $4,000 for four-year coverage, but due to the CX-5's reliability, purchasing an extended warranty may not be necessary unless you're looking for extra security.
Other vehicles, not motorised, such as bicycles or scooters, are rarely an alternative to the Mazda CX-5, a dependable ride from 2025. Even though the Mazda CX-5 has been around since 2012, a well-maintained Mazda CX-5 from 2025 might not be a bargain, given its consistent exceptional performance and minimal wear and tear. It's worth noting that Mazda's earlier CX-5 models received fewer inspections relative to their performance.
