My GarageIs the Mazda CX-5 a good used car?
Verdict rates it 4.5/5 overall, with reliability at 4.5/5 and running costs at 4.4/5. Shop 2017+ (2nd gen) first and treat 2013–2016 (1st gen) as a records-only purchase.
Buyer's Guide · Mazda CX-5 · Compact crossover
Used Mazda CX-5 Buyer's Guide
3 min read
Also worth reading: Mazda Reliability Guide, Best Used Mazda Models and Mazda Mazda3 Buying Guide.
The CX-5 is the best-driving compact crossover in the mainstream segment. SkyActiv 2.5L NA is the safest pick.
Comparing compact SUVs? The CX-5 is one of the picks in our guide to the best used SUVs.
Quick Verdict
- Overall verdict
- 4.5/5 · Excellent
- Reliability
- 4.5/5 · Excellent
- Best years
- 2017+ (2nd gen)
- Years to research
- 2013–2016 (1st gen)
- Maintenance cost
- 4.4/5 · Very good
- Parts availability
- 4.3/5 · Very good
- Ownership cost
- 4.4/5 · Very good
Bottom line: Yes. 2017+ is the safest pick.
Shopping a specific CX-5?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Quick Answer
The used Mazda CX-5 is a straightforward buy: the naturally aspirated SkyActiv 2.5L with the conventional six-speed automatic is the safest configuration, and the 2017-on second generation is the sweet spot.
- Best years2017+ second generation — more refined chassis, better interior, strong long-term outlook.
- Still fine2013–2016 first generation, with dated infotainment as the main compromise.
- CheckWater pump around 90k miles, AC compressor on some 2016–2017 cars, sunroof drains, and rear bushings past 100k.
Running costs sit alongside the RAV4 and CR-V, and any independent shop can service it.
Overall · All generations
★★★★★4.5/5
The 2017+ CX-5 is the sweet spot — refined chassis, premium interior, durable SkyActiv 2.5L.
Reliability· All generations
★★★★★4.5/5
Maintenance
★★★★★4.4/5
Parts availability
★★★★★4.3/5
Ownership cost
★★★★★4.4/5
Top Picks
Best Years to Buy
Generations with the strongest long-term reputation.
2017+ (2nd gen)
Refined and premium; excellent long-term outlook.
Side by side
Mazda CX-5 ratings at a glance
| Category | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | 4.5/5 | Excellent |
| Reliability | 4.5/5 | Excellent |
| Maintenance | 4.4/5 | Very good |
| Parts availability | 4.3/5 | Very good |
| Ownership cost | 4.4/5 | Very good |
Do your homework
Years to Research Carefully
Not deal-breakers — but they reward a careful buyer.
2013–2016 (1st gen)
Fine, but early-gen infotainment quirks.
Known issues
Common Problems
Bring this list to your pre-purchase inspection.
- ✓Water pump ~90k
- ✓AC compressor on some 2016–2017 examples
- ✓Sunroof drainage
- ✓Rear bushings at 100k+
Ownership
Maintenance Expectations
Ownership costs sit close to RAV4 and CR-V.
Parts widely available; independent shops handle it.
Before you buy
Inspection Checklist
What to verify on any candidate car.
Engine
Smooth idle; water-pump service.
AWD
Fluid service history if AWD.
Transmission
6AT smooth.
Rust
Rear subframe on Northeast cars.
Sunroof drains
Test with water.
Living with it
Ownership Experience
- • Best-driving compact crossover in the segment.
- • Real-world 26–30 mpg highway.
- • Premium interior for the price.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Mazda CX-5?
Yes. 2017+ is the safest pick.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the Mazda CX-5?
Verdict scores it 4.5/5 for reliability and 4.5/5 overall. Buy from 2017+ (2nd gen) and the known trouble spots largely drop away.
Which CX-5 years should I avoid?
2013–2016 (1st gen) deserve the most scrutiny — see the Years to Research section for the specific issues to check.
What are the best years for the Mazda CX-5?
2017+ (2nd gen). Those years combine the settled version of the powertrain with the fewest recurring complaints in our research.
How long does a Mazda CX-5 last?
A well-maintained CX-5 from the recommended years should comfortably reach 200,000 miles, with the strongest powertrains clearing 300,000+.
Is the CX-5 expensive to maintain?
Maintenance scores 4.4/5 and parts availability 4.3/5. Routine servicing is predictable; the cost risk is the model-specific work listed above.
What should I inspect before buying a used CX-5?
Focus on: Engine, AWD, Transmission, Rust. Details for each are in the Inspection Checklist section.
What are the most common CX-5 problems?
Water pump ~90k; AC compressor on some 2016–2017 examples; Sunroof drainage; Rear bushings at 100k+
Is 150,000 miles too much for a CX-5?
Not on its own. A 150k-mile CX-5 with documented service history is often a better buy than an 80k-mile example with no records — the CX-5's core mechanicals routinely run well past 200k.
Should I buy a used Mazda CX-5?
Yes, if you buy the right year and the right paperwork. Shop 2017+ (2nd gen) first, treat 2013–2016 (1st gen) as a records-only purchase, and make the sale conditional on an independent inspection.
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