“Overall satisfied with vehicle and pleasantly surprised at ecomomy. Negatives are cheap "B" rated tires, poor sound system and clunky display which has been fixed for 2016.”
2015 Mazda CX-5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is a light-update year, led by standard keyless entry and ignition on Touring and Grand Touring. AWD Sport models also switch from the 2.0-liter engine to the stronger 2.5-liter engine partway through production.
About the 2015 Mazda CX-5
1st generation (2013-2016), third model year and last year before the 2016 refresh.
Mazda pitched the CX-5 as a small SUV for people who wanted family usefulness without giving up driving enjoyment. The 2015 press materials lean on strong fuel economy, sharp styling, safety, and a roomy flexible cabin, while major reviews praised its handling and steering as more engaging than most rivals. In plain terms, the CX-5’s core identity is everyday practicality with better road manners and design than the typical CR-V, RAV4, Rogue, or Escape alternative.
The Sport is the simple entry trim, with push-button start, cruise control, and a flexible split-folding rear seat. Touring adds the 2.5-liter engine, a touchscreen, rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and a power driver’s seat, while Grand Touring brings leather, heated front seats, a moonroof, Bose audio, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
AWD Sport models built from May 2014 use the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine; earlier AWD Sport models use the 2.0-liter engine. Touring and Grand Touring already had the 2.5-liter engine.
Tech
Keyless entry and ignition become standard on Touring and Grand Touring rather than being bundled into an option package.
2015 Mazda CX-5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.0L / 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/MM | Auto, 6-Spd w/MM | Auto, 6-Spd w/MM |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25–26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 155–184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 150–185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft | 185 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 64.8 cu-ft | 65.4 cu-ft | 65.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.3 in | 39.3 in | 39.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2015 Mazda CX-5 compared with the 2014 model?
The main change is standard keyless entry and ignition on Touring and Grand Touring. AWD Sport production also switches from the 2.0-liter engine to the stronger 2.5-liter engine, while styling, safety equipment, and the vehicle’s basic structure carry over.
Was the 2015 Mazda CX-5 redesigned?
No, the 2015 CX-5 was not redesigned. It remained part of the first generation and received only limited equipment and engine updates; the broader styling, cabin, and infotainment refresh arrived for 2016.
Which 2015 Mazda CX-5 trims have standard keyless entry and ignition?
Touring and Grand Touring have standard advanced keyless entry and push-button ignition for 2015. Sport has push-button start but not the same advanced keyless-entry feature.
Do all 2015 Mazda CX-5 Sport AWD models have the same engine?
No. AWD Sport models built from May 2014 use the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while earlier AWD Sport models use the 2.0-liter engine. Checking the build date and engine details is important when comparing used examples.
Is the 2015 Mazda CX-5 a major upgrade over the 2014 model?
No, the 2015 CX-5 is not a major upgrade over the 2014 model. Its meaningful differences are standard keyless entry on Touring and Grand Touring and the production-year engine switch for AWD Sport; most of the vehicle carries over.
2015 Mazda CX-5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Mazda CX-5.
4.2
2015 Mazda CX-5
(197 reviews)
“Every day I am excited to get in my car and drive it. The sense of pride I feel when I take my vehicle places is unlike anything I have ever experienced as a driver.”
“Mazda CX-5 sound system/HD radio isn't that great. Otherwise I am loving this car so far.”