“Couldn't be happier with this car. Premium Plus trim offers a great balance of luxury and economy. Has all of the features I was looking for and then some. Extremely comfortable vehicle. Hopefully it lasts me many good years!”
Mazda CX-5: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact five-seat SUV known for blending everyday practicality with a polished cabin and a more engaging driving feel than many mainstream rivals. All-wheel drive has been standard across the lineup since 2022.
Since its 2013 launch, the CX-5 has paired family-friendly space and sensible fuel economy with a stronger focus on driving feel than the typical compact SUV. Over time, Mazda has made the cabin quieter and more upscale while adding broader safety technology. The larger 2026 redesign adds passenger and cargo room, but the basic idea remains the same: everyday usefulness without a generic feel.
Strengths
- The CX-5 feels more engaging on the road than many everyday compact SUVs without giving up family usefulness.
- Its cabin has grown quieter and more polished across generations, giving it a more upscale feel than its mainstream positioning suggests.
- Recent models provide useful space for five, and the larger 2026 version has nearly 40 inches of rear legroom.
- Safety equipment has steadily expanded, with a full driver-assistance suite standard across the lineup since 2020.
- All-wheel drive has been standard on every U.S. trim since 2022.
- The 2026 gas model is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Who it's for
The CX-5 fits a shopper who needs an easy-to-manage, two-row family SUV but still cares about how the cabin feels and how the vehicle responds on the road. It makes particular sense for small families, couples, and commuters who want seating for five and the added confidence of all-wheel drive in recent model years.
Mazda CX-5 lineup
Across the used market, Sport and 2.5 S models serve as the straightforward entry points, while Touring, Select, and Preferred trims occupy the practical middle of their respective lineups. Carbon Edition models, introduced for 2021, are the style-focused picks, and the Carbon Turbo added stronger turbo power to that look for 2024. On second-generation models, Turbo and Grand Touring Reserve trims prioritize stronger performance, while Signature sits at the more upscale end. For 2026, the range runs from 2.5 S through Select, Preferred, Premium, and Premium Plus, forming a simple step-up ladder rather than offering separate turbo or Carbon versions.
Mazda CX-5 generations
From 2013 to 2026, the CX-5 spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2026, following the 2nd Generation (2017-2025).
3rd Generation (2026-Present)
The third-generation CX-5 has a longer body and wheelbase, giving it more rear-seat and cargo room. It also moves to a touchscreen-based cabin and adds a broader standard safety suite.
1 In Stock
2026New generation
Full redesign with a larger body, roomier interior, new touchscreen-based cabin, and broader standard safety suite.
2nd Generation (2017-2025)
The second-generation CX-5 introduced sharper styling, a quieter cabin, and a more upscale interior. A major 2022 refresh revised the styling and ride while making AWD standard across the lineup.
535 In Stock
2025Trim changes
The base 2.5 S trim returns, while the non-turbo 2.5 S Premium leaves the lineup. Front USB-C ports become standard.
2024Trim changes
The Carbon Turbo trim joins the lineup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto gain touchscreen operation on the 10.25-inch display.
2023
Carryover year with the same core trim range, engines, standard AWD, and driver-assistance features as 2022.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, redesigned seats, revised ride tuning, and standard AWD across the lineup.
2021Trim changes
Carbon Edition and Carbon Edition Turbo trims join the lineup. A 10.25-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto become standard.
2020Trim changes
The full driver-assistance suite becomes standard, and cabin quietness improves. Turbo AWD models gain off-road traction assistance.
2019Trim changes
Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims join with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. A Signature Diesel arrives later in the model year.
2018Trim changes
The 2.5-liter engine gains cylinder deactivation, and more safety features become standard across the lineup.
2017New generation
Full redesign with sharper styling, a quieter and more upscale cabin, standard LED headlights, and a 2.5-liter engine with a six-speed automatic.
1st Generation — KE (2013-2016)
The first CX-5 launched as a compact SUV with a lighter structure, a 2.0-liter engine, and six-speed transmissions. Later years brought a stronger 2.5-liter engine, followed by a 2016 refresh with updated styling and a redesigned cabin.
73 In Stock
2016Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, redesigned dash and center console, revised seats and suspension, and improved cabin quietness.
2015
Mostly unchanged. Touring and Grand Touring gain standard keyless entry and ignition, while some AWD Sport models move to the 2.5-liter engine.
2014
Touring and Grand Touring gain a stronger 2.5-liter engine. Low-speed automatic braking and updated touchscreen functions also arrive.
2013New generation
The CX-5 launches in the U.S. with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, six-speed transmissions, and a lightweight structure.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mazda CX-5.
Frequently asked questions
How many people does the Mazda CX-5 seat?
The Mazda CX-5 seats five people in two rows. It is a compact four-door SUV, so it is designed for everyday passenger use rather than three-row family duty.
What is the Mazda CX-5 known for compared with other compact SUVs?
The Mazda CX-5 is known for combining useful passenger and cargo space with a calm, upscale-feeling cabin and more engaging road manners than a typical compact crossover.
Is the Mazda CX-5 roomy enough for a family?
Yes, the Mazda CX-5 suits many small families. It has two rows, seating for five, and flexible cargo space. The third generation is larger than before, with added rear-seat and cargo room.
How many generations of the Mazda CX-5 are there?
There are three CX-5 generations in this history. The first covers 2013–2016, the second 2017–2025, and the larger third generation begins with the 2026 redesign.
Does the Mazda CX-5 come as a hybrid?
No hybrid is identified in the CX-5 lineup covered here. Most used CX-5s have a gasoline four-cylinder engine, while a niche Signature Diesel was offered for 2019.
Does every Mazda CX-5 have all-wheel drive?
No. All-wheel drive became standard across the U.S. CX-5 lineup for 2022. Earlier used examples included front-wheel drive, so check the drivetrain on the individual vehicle.
Mazda CX-5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mazda CX-5.
4.2
Mazda CX-5
(4,155 reviews)
“I love the turning radius. It has great features and serves its purpose well. The trunk space is a little more narrow than it was on the 2015 model but still very functional. My biggest complaint is that the trunk door does not go high enough. I have hit my head many times and I am not that tall.”
“Interior and exterior styling is fresh and sexy. Fun to drive. The command center tech meets my needs.”
“I switched from a Nissan to a Mazda and have not looked back! My Nissan had constant issues and I would get nervous driving it. My Mazda is safe with so many safety features and reliable!”
“Fuel economy totally sucks and acceleration is sluggish for a mid-trim model. Disappointing.”
“I highly recommend the Mazda CX-5 for its reliability and performance. However, the stereo has a feature missing which is quite frustrating. My previous CX-5 had a rocker switch on the steering wheel which allowed me to scroll through saved favorite SiriusXM channels. The new CX-5 does not have the same feature which requires several steps and is distracting while driving.”
Sources
- news.mazdausa.com — 2025 07 10 Mazda Reveals All New 2026 CX 5
- news.mazdausa.com — 2026 01 13 Mazda Announces Pricing and Packaging for All New 2026 Mazda CX 5
- news.mazdausa.com — 2025 12 02 Mazda Expands on New In Vehicle Technologies in 2026 CX 5
- news.mazdausa.com — Safety Feature Chart
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2025 Cx 5
- mazdausa.com — Vehicles / 2025 Cx 5
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2024 Cx 5
- news.mazdausa.com — 2022 07 26 2023 Mazda CX 5 Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2021 11 30 2022 Mazda CX 5 Pricing and Packaging
- news.mazdausa.com — 2023 01 19 2023 Mazda CX 5 Named Best Compact SUV for the Money by U S News World Report
- mazdausa.com — 2022 / Cx 5 / 2022 Mazda Cx 5 Crossover Suv
- news.mazdausa.com — Vehicles 2021 Cx 5