“I love my Mazda cx-5. There's really not much to complain about here, other than sometimes I wish it downshifted when accelerating a bit faster. Overall, extremely satisfied with it and love driving it.”
2018 Mazda CX-5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is cylinder deactivation for its 2.5-liter engine, which can shut down two cylinders under light loads to save fuel. This is a meaningful equipment update rather than a redesign, with more safety and comfort features becoming standard.
About the 2018 Mazda CX-5
2nd generation (2017-2021), second model year after the full redesign.
Mazda positions the CX-5 as a compact SUV for drivers who want everyday family usefulness without giving up style or a more connected feel from behind the wheel. Mazda’s own material emphasizes a quiet cabin, driver-focused controls, and upscale design touches, while major reviewers repeatedly call out its premium-looking interior and more engaging road manners. In practical terms, it is the small SUV choice for shoppers who want comfort, safety, and a richer cabin than many mainstream rivals.
The 2018 CX-5 ranges from the straightforward Sport to the comfort-focused Touring and upscale Grand Touring. Sport has LED headlights and a 7-inch touchscreen, Touring adds heated front seats and a fuller set of driver aids, and Grand Touring brings leather seats, Bose audio, a moonroof, and a power liftgate.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine adds cylinder deactivation across the lineup. Output remains 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on every trim. Touring also makes the full driver-assist suite standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and forward automatic braking.
Styling and comfort
A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob become standard across the lineup. Touring adds 19-inch alloy wheels, while Grand Touring gains driver-seat memory and a power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Trim lineup
The Grand Select trim is dropped, leaving Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.
2018 Mazda CX-5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L | 4-Cyl, SKYACTIV-G, 2.5L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Manual Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 187 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft | 186 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 59.6 cu-ft | 59.6 cu-ft | 59.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.6 in | 39.6 in | 39.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | |||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Heated Windshield | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Rear Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Mazda CX-5 redesigned?
No. The 2018 CX-5 keeps the second-generation design introduced for 2017 and receives engine, safety, and trim-equipment updates instead of a full redesign.
What changed with the 2018 CX-5 engine?
The 2018 CX-5’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder adds cylinder deactivation across the lineup. It can shut down two cylinders under light loads, while output stays at 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
What safety equipment became standard on the 2018 CX-5?
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on every 2018 CX-5. Touring also gains a standard driver-assist suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and forward automatic braking.
How do the 2018 CX-5 trims differ?
Sport covers the essentials with LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, and expanded standard safety equipment. Touring adds heated front seats, upgraded seating material, dual-zone climate control, rear vents, and more driver aids, while Grand Touring adds leather seats, Bose audio, a moonroof, a power liftgate, and upgraded lighting.
Is the 2018 CX-5 a major change from the 2017 model?
No, but it is more than a simple carryover. The 2018 model keeps the same basic design while adding cylinder deactivation, broader standard safety equipment, and several trim-specific comfort upgrades.
2018 Mazda CX-5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
4.2
2018 Mazda CX-5
(436 reviews)
“I love this car. It's cute looking and holds all the stuff I need to carry between home and college. It has been reliable and gets good gas mileage.”
“Mazda is my absolute favorite brand! The design, the interior, the functionality, the driving everything in my experience after owning 3 Mazdas. You can't go wrong.”