2018 Mazda CX-5 Review
Used CX-5 for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
byPeter Gareffa
Staff Writer
Peter digs deep to help provide shoppers with the information they need to make wise car-buying decisions and keep informed about the auto industry. Pros
- Keen handling and steering make the CX-5 enjoyable to drive
- Attractive and upscale cabin for a premium ownership experience
- Stays quiet at highway speeds
Cons
- Not as powerful as some rivals
What's new
- Blind-spot monitoring now standard on all CX-5s
- Slight increase in fuel efficiency
- Part of the second CX-5 generation introduced for 2017
Mazda redesigned its CX-5 crossover SUV just last year. Notable improvements include a more comfortable ride quality, a nicer cabin, and new safety and technology features. Factoring in the traditionally taut steering and suspension, we think the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best small SUVs available.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) 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 $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$160/mo
CX-5 Touring
vs
$211/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
A quiet cabin and refined interior don't detract from this SUV's reputation as a driver's vehicle either. About the only thing that diminishes its appeal is a lack of an engine upgrade. Although performance is on par with the base engines on competing models, there's nothing more powerful available. Rival compact crossovers such as the Chevrolet Equinox and the Kia Sportage offer strong turbocharged engines if you're after something with more oomph, and competitors such as the Honda CR-V have a bit more interior room and better fuel economy.
But overall we like the 2018 Mazda CX-5 for its excellent balance of sportiness, comfort and practicality. The exterior design is sleek and modern, and while not overly generous inside, the interior offers a competitive amount of room for people and cargo. The upscale interior materials, along with a host of standard tech and convenience features, convey the sense of a vehicle that should cost quite a bit more than it does. It's a top pick for a small crossover in 2018.
Notably, we picked the 2018 Mazda CX-5 as one of Edmunds' Best Family SUVs and Best Small SUVs for 2018.
What's it like to live with?
Want to know even more about the Mazda CX-5? Learn about day-to-day ownership from our editorial experts' long-term test of a 2018 CX-5 Grand Touring. How much did they like the CX-5's quiet and upscale interior? Was the cargo room sufficient for everyday use? And was this CX-5 reliable? Learn this and more from the test.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
8.1 / 10The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best small crossovers available. It has a refined and upscale nature, plenty of technology and safety features, and excellent utility. Shoppers in the market for an affordable compact SUV that provides good value and is fun to drive should check out the Mazda CX-5.
Scorecard
| Overall | 8.1 / 10 |
| Driving | 8.0 |
| Comfort | 8.0 |
| Interior | 8.0 |
| Utility | 8.5 |
| Technology | 8.0 |
Driving
8.0Mazda's penchant for handling prowess is alive and well. If your commute involves many twists or turns, you might not consider any other crossover. Just don't expect to get anywhere fast; the engine's thrust is ultimately meek when you really push it. Otherwise, it's an easy vehicle to live with.
Comfort
8.0Most people will find the comfortable cabin to be quite pleasant. Noise levels are low, and the climate control system excels. A few minor annoyances — a ride that's firm and a rear bench with little thigh support — keep it from being the ultimate passenger-friendly vehicle.
Interior
8.0The cabin is very much driver-oriented, with excellent visibility and a superb driving position. The short center console and wide gap between the brake and dead pedals are a boon for tall drivers. It's slightly less friendly to backseat passengers since there's less room than in some rivals.
Utility
8.5The cargo area is a little small for the class, but you still get the capacity expected from a crossover. The rear seats fold nearly flat at a pull of the remote release latches. The cargo cover is cleverly attached to the hatch, so you don't have to bend over and shove items in. Seats fold 40/20/40.
Technology
8.0The CX-5 is a heavy hitter on the tech front, with USB ports sprinkled throughout the cabin, multiple advanced safety systems, and a standard 7-inch touchscreen with an intuitive user interface. The driver aids are fairly sensitive, particularly the blind-spot monitor.
Which CX-5 does Edmunds recommend?
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is available in three trim levels to suit the tastes and needs of a variety of buyers. We like the midlevel Touring model for its practical combination of value and features, including 19-inch wheels (new this year) and a full suite of safety equipment. The optional Touring Preferred package adds such items as navigation and an upgraded sound system, and all-wheel drive is available for an extra cost for those who need it. We only recommend all-wheel drive if you live in a snowy climate since it hurts your fuel economy.
2018 Mazda CX-5 models
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 crossover is offered in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. All models have front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available as an option. The sole engine choice is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (187 hp, 186 lb-ft of torque), which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.