2014 Mazda CX-5 Review
2014 Mazda CX-5 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Engaging driving experience
- fuel-efficient engines
- sharp styling.
Cons
- Mediocre electronics interface
- subpar stereo sound quality.
What’s new
The Mazda CX-5 gets a welcome infusion of power for 2014 as the Touring and Grand Touring models get a bigger engine. Thankfully, fuel economy is barely affected. Other additions include the availability of a collision warning and assist system (Smart City Brake Support), as well as HD and Pandora radio services.
Edmunds says
In many ways, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 is quite a conventional compact crossover. However, its sharp styling and engaging driving experience set it apart from the pack.
Notably, we picked the Mazda CX-5 as one of Edmunds' Best Used SUVs for 2014.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2014 Mazda CX-5 Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.80 per gallon for regular unleaded in Pennsylvania.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Pennsylvania
$158/mo for CX-5 Sport
CX-5 Sport
vs
$216/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
The CX-5 has been a big success for Mazda, a company that so often struggles to get the attention of buyers more inclined to shop other brands. The CX-5's blend of good looks, generous feature content, ample space and carlike driving dynamics has apparently resonated with folks looking for a compact crossover SUV. If there was one area of possible improvement, it was under the hood.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 addresses that issue. Last year's 2.0-liter "Skyactiv" four-cylinder that was strong in fuel economy but weak in power now lives on only in the base Sport model. The Touring and Grand Touring trims now come with a bigger version of that engine, which displaces 2.5 liters and puts out 184 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Not only is that 29 and 35, respectively, more than the 2.0-liter, it's also one of the more potent non-turbo four-cylinder engines in the segment. Best of all, fuel economy takes only a tiny dip.
Beyond that, the CX-5's virtues go unchanged for 2014. It remains one of the most enjoyable little SUVs to drive, as Mazda once again proves that sensible doesn't need to equal boring. The CX-5's cabin isn't the most visually dynamic around, but it can be equipped with most of the bells and whistles we've come to expect from compact crossovers. Some of them are controlled by a touchscreen that's hardly a class-leading interface, but we think most will find the CX-5's controls to be simple and intuitive.
Of course, there are an awful lot of worthy competitors to consider. The Ford Escape offers available turbo power and a more appealing interior, the Honda CR-V is a more utilitarian choice, and the 2014 Subaru Forester boasts stronger credentials for off-road use. However, the 2014 Mazda CX-5 should be strongly considered. It may be quite conventional in concept, but it's certainly unique in its execution.
Notably, we picked the 2014 Mazda CX-5 as one of Edmunds' Best Used Cars.
Performance & mpg
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 Sport comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Buyers are offered the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a six-speed automatic as an option.
In Edmunds performance testing, an all-wheel-drive CX-5 with this engine went from zero to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds, which is average for a small crossover. The EPA's estimated fuel economy is 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city/32 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive and the automatic and 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city/35 mpg highway) with the manual. With all-wheel drive and the automatic transmission, estimates drop to 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city/31 mpg highway).
The CX-5 Touring and Grand Touring models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 184 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard. In Edmunds testing, a CX-5 with the 2.5-liter engine and all-wheel drive went from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which is a fairly quick time for the class. Fuel economy ratings are 27 mpg combined (25 mpg city/32 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined (24 mpg city/30 mpg highway) with AWD.
Safety
Every 2014 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. An automatic crash notification feature is optional on the Sport and standard on the Touring and Grand Touring, which also get a blind-spot warning system.
The optional Smart City Brake Support system uses a laser sensor to detect stationary objects such as stopped cars or pedestrians in front of the vehicle at speeds up to 19 mph. If the driver fails to respond to a warning, the car can automatically apply the brakes.
In Edmunds brake testing, a CX-5 Grand Touring came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet, which is a bit better than average for the class.
In government crash testing, the CX-5 received a perfect five stars for overall crash safety, along with five stars for both front- and side-impact crash protection. In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the CX-5 earned the highest possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, small-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. Its seat/head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
The way the 2014 Mazda CX-5 drives is a dynamic departure from the compact SUV segment's otherwise typical low standards. The brakes, suspension and steering are uncommonly capable, and in general the CX-5 is downright fun and confidence-inspiring on a curving road. On the open highway, the CX-5 isn't the quietest choice available, but it still rides comfortably.
The base engine offers competitive acceleration on paper, but in practice it always makes the CX-5 Sport feel a step behind its competitors. There is certainly a suitable amount of power, but we think the available 2.5-liter four-cylinder is a much better choice given its superior power and minuscule fuel economy penalty. Regardless of engine, the six-speed automatic shifts quickly and smoothly. We're also happy that Mazda offers a manual transmission on the Sport for those who enjoy having greater control of the driving experience (and better fuel economy to boot).
Interior
The cockpit of the CX-5, regardless of trim level, is attractive, modern and functional. It's a mature (some might say demure) design, but at least it isn't swathed in poorly rendered fake wood or highly reflective chrome trim. Soft-touch surfaces are set off with the limited use of satin-finish metallic details, and the black gauges with white lettering are highly legible. The optional TomTom-sourced navigation system is satisfactory, but many competitor units are quicker, more intuitive and have better graphics. The audio system's touchscreen interface is similarly just OK.
The driving position and front seat comfort are both quite good. The rear seats are spacious (especially in terms of legroom) for the category and, while a bit flat to sit on, feature an innovative folding mechanism on the Touring and Grand Touring that lowers the seat bottom before folding the seatback on top to provide a near-flat load floor. With all seats occupied, there are 34 cubic feet of luggage space that grows to a competitive 65 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
2014 Mazda CX-5 models
The 2014 Mazda CX-5 is a five-passenger compact crossover SUV available in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring trim levels.
The base Sport comes standard with 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The Bluetooth Audio package adds Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a touchscreen interface, HD radio, Pandora Internet radio, automatic crash notification, SMS text message reading and audio system voice controls. Foglights are a stand-alone option.
The Touring gets the Sport's optional equipment plus a more powerful engine, a rearview camera, a blind-spot warning system, a six-way power driver seat, a 40/20/40-split-folding rear seat, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system. The Moonroof and Bose Audio package adds a sunroof and a nine-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.
The Grand Touring includes all of the above, plus 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and leather upholstery.
The Technology package available on both Touring and Grand Touring models tacks on the Smart City Brake Support System (see Safety section), automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, an auto-dimming mirror, satellite radio and a TomTom-powered navigation system. The latter two items are available as stand-alone options. The Touring version of this package includes automatic wipers, while the Grand Touring version gets keyless ignition/entry.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4.5 out of 5 stars4.5/5Excellent
#4 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mazda CX-5 from 2008-2022.$402/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.72x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).8.1%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 Mazda CX-5.
5 star(57%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(3%)
129 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Overall good choice
badlands17, 02/01/2014
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Traded in a '11 Ford Escape Limited AWD for the '14 Mazda CX-5 GT in Sep, 2013 so this is after 4 mo of use. Overall, a good vehicle. Pickup is good, comparable to the V6in the Escape. Mileage is better, though not as good as some on here indicate. In town averaging 23-24 mpg. However, in winter cold, mileage has dropped to 20-21 mpg. Use of remote start in bitter cold for 10 minutes, … mileage drops to 18-19. Sound system is good, but not as good as the system in the '11 Escape. Some on here have complained about the Bluetooth connection. I have been using Pandora and the system works fine. Unlike satellite radio (ie Sirius), Pandora is coming through your cellphone first, then to the onboard
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Car
kannon8833, 04/27/2014
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Have own our 2014 AWD GT for 3000 miles.
Very happy with the car.
Wanted to write a review cause it was the many reviews on Edmunds that eventually helped me select
the CX-5 over the Forester.
CX-5 (in my opinion) just handles better.
Tracks real well, very stable.
Soaks up more bumps and noise better than the Forester.
Brakes well, handled very well in snow and rain.
Forester - can't … beat the wonderful and huge sunroof, visibility MUCH better - CX-5 needs more attention.
Better heated seats on the Forester.
Bottom line - Mazda offered better trade, finance, car better handling.
Couldn't pass up - just more bang for the buck.
Update 40k miles. Replaced stock tires in mid 30's k miles, otherwise no major maintenance besides oil change/filter/... Still very much enjoy the car. Like the auto braking on the new CX-5. The 2014 CX-5 monitors for collisions and moves brake pads closer if sees potential accident - should be more autonomous. gas mileage overall excellent but does suffer in the winter (around 24 mpg avg vs 28 mpg during summer). One note - AC cooling power is below other cars I have driven. Only front seat vents. AC takes lot longer to cool car; doesn't feel as cool inside as other family cars.
Update - up to 75K miles. Had to get rear break pads replaced but otherwise car is humming along, still enjoying the ride. The lack of Apple smartphone integration is disappointing and the GPS Nav system is now 6 yrs old and dated. My plan is to trade her in for a new CX-5, just don't know when. No reason to trade her.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great CUV for Money and Great Gas Mileage
ericdanzas, 06/16/2013
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I looked at most of the CUV in this catregory and test drove them all (and rented a few while on business) I even looked at a couple of hybrids (C-Max and Prius V). I have owned a lot of Hondas over the years and thought I would buy the CRV but I was disappointed Honda did not move to a 6 speed transmission in the last update and just stretched the 5 speed gears to get better gas … mileage. I decided on the Mazda and could not be happier. The ride is definitely on the sporty side (stiffer than most) but fun to drive. The MPG are truly outstanding and the Mazda looks more expensive then it actually is.
4 out of 5 stars
Very Good w/ a few concerns
linwood_852, 06/24/2013
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I just hit
5K miles and overall I'm very pleased with this vehicle.
It handles very well, gets good gas milage (25 mpg in mixed city driving on regular octane) and has a very versatile interior.
It compares favorably to my wife's Subaru Outback (better handling, more versatile interior due to 40-20-40 2nd seat) and to my former Audi Q5 (which is more luxurious and heavier built
but at … the expense of mpg & $15K more in price).
My only concerns are excessive road/engine noise, replacement part availability, and bluetooth/audio performance.
2014 CX-5 Highlights
Sport
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,395 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $158/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 34.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CX-5 include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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