A used Mazda CX-5 can be a good investment if you’re looking for a spacious, stylish, family-friendly crossover SUV. The Mazda CX-5 is the Japanese automaker’s best-selling vehicle worldwide. Still, when purchasing a car, it’s best to look at your needs and budget rather than the model’s popularity.

With that in mind, this article explores what makes the Mazda CX-5 a worthy consideration, focusing on its key features, performance, and safety. Then, if you’re convinced it’s the car for you, use EchoPark Automotive to find your next vehicle. With rigorously-tested used cars, EchoPark offers a quick and easy way to buy your next vehicle.

About Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is a crossover SUV in the Mazda lineup. It was first released in 2013 and is currently in its second generation. In terms of class, it qualifies as a compact crossover SUV with four doors and two rows of seats.

It’s a model of many firsts — it was the first to feature SKYACTIV, Mazda’s fuel-efficiency-increasing technology, and it was the first to embrace the Kodo design language - Mazda’s Soul of Motion design approach. Known for its stylish look, the compact SUV has clean lines, a large grille, and a modern interior.

Although the CX-5 has many trims, they fall into two general categories: 2.5 S and 2.5 S Turbo. Since 2019, Mazda has produced a Turbo version of the vehicle, which delivers a higher horsepower than its standard counterpart.

Carbon Edition and Premium trims are available for both 2.5 S and 2.5 S Turbo. The price difference in these higher trims is mainly due to the interiors. You get features like heated front seats, red stitching on the leather, a moonroof, and auto-dimming rear-view mirrors. The Premium trims feature Bose speakers. An all-wheel drivetrain is now standard on all trims.

The CX-5 leans heavily toward comfort and convenience, especially with its cabin and technology. Mazda has also launched a slightly bigger crossover SUV, the CX-50, which is more outdoorsy than the CX-5.

Key features

A used Mazda CX-5 can offer many features, especially if it’s a second-generation model. Here are three key features that you’ll find across all packages:

1. Standard all-wheel drive (i-ACTIV)

The CX-5 offers an AWD drivetrain called i-ACTIV, which provides enhanced traction and control in various weather conditions. It makes the CX-5 a suitable choice for all seasons. AWD was an option in first-generation and early second-generation models. However, beginning with the 2022 model, Mazda made i-ACTIV a standard on all CX-5 trims in the North American market.

2. Spacious cargo

Even in the compact SUV segment, the CX-5 offers a generous cargo space that drivers can expand by folding down the 40/20/40 split rear seats. This feature is consistent across trims and provides plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. It’s a suitable car for families who can rely on the cargo space when traveling out of town.

3. Turbo engine

Appropriately named, the Turbo trims have a turbocharged gasoline engine packed with power, resulting in quicker acceleration. The performance difference is notable: While the standard engine gives 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft torque on 2022 models, the Turbo trims have 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft torque.

Mazda recommends using premium-grade gasoline (91 octane or higher) in its vehicles with turbocharged engines. Premium fuels can deliver slightly higher horsepower and torque, which results in quicker zero-to-60-mile acceleration.

The engine is complemented by a six-speed automatic transmission and precise steering. The electrically assisted steering system helps the car ace curves like a pro.

Performance

The CX-5 is known for its responsive handling — and for being fun to drive. While its base engine may not boast the power that some of the crossovers in its class do, it makes up for it with a dynamic driving profile. And that’s something Mazda vehicles are famous for. If you’re willing to spend a little more, it’s turbo engine competes better in its class.

With its AWD technology and smooth braking, the CX-5 does well on imperfect roads. Its fuel economy is decent, especially with its standard, non-Turbo engine. The 2023 model has an EPA-rated combined average of 24-26 miles per gallon. Of course, the Turbo trims have a slightly lower average.

Safety

The CX-5 comes standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane assistance, blind sport monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The safety features come with Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE technology, which is standard on all trims.

Its safety ratings are promising, with the latest 2024 model receiving a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The safety features make driving the CX-5 safe and convenient. Novice drivers may find driver assistance features helpful when in traffic or when getting on highways.

Alternatives

A Mazda CX-5 is a great option for anyone looking for a smooth ride with user-friendly technologies. But there are other options worth exploring, too:

Honda CR-V: If you prioritize practicality, the Honda CR-V is a great choice. It’s similar to CX-5 in price point. Considered a family vehicle, the CR-V offers a fuel-efficient ride. So, it’s better suited for stop-and-go driving. And it’s no secret that Honda vehicles are built to last, even if not maintained very well. The CR-V, like the Mazda CX-5, has high safety ratings.
Subaru Forester: If you’re looking for a crossover SUV with AWD that’s more adventure-friendly than the CX-5, the Subaru Forester is a great option. It has excellent handling and traction, regardless of the weather conditions. It can even do light off-roading. On more recent models, you’ll find comparable driver assistance features standard. Its fuel economy is also higher, with the 2023 base model giving an average of 29 miles per gallon (combined).
Volkswagen Tiguan: The Volkswagen Tiguan is an alternative to the CX-5 Turbo, as the former comes with a standard turbocharged engine. The Tiguan has three rows of seating, meaning it can fit more people than the CX-5, CR-V, or Forester. The IQ.DRIVE assistance features available on all trims in recent models make it a safe vehicle.

Buy a used Mazda CX-5

Buying a used vehicle without expert guidance can be challenging because you don’t really know if it’s in good condition. That’s where EchoPark Automotive comes in. All our listed used cars go through an exacting 190-point inspection and are road-tested. You can even view the results online and take your chosen vehicle for a spin when visiting one of our locations nationwide

Start your search for a used Mazda CX 5 at EchoPark!

¹ Vehicle must be in the same condition as described. If you sell to us within 48 hours of receiving our offer, we'll tack on an extra $250, and if not, our offer is still good for 7 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first.

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