Buckle up, automobile enthusiasts! We’re diving into the Mazda CX-5’s history, spotlighting the finest and worst years.
I’ve analyzed data from NHTSA, J.D. Power, and actual owners to bring you a straightforward guide. We’ll cover powertrains, safety features, reliability issues, and recall histories.
By the end, you’ll know which CX-5 years to snag and which to dodge.
Ready to boost your CX-5 knowledge?
Let’s go!
Table of ContentsShow
Mazda CX-5 Generations
The Mazda CX-5 burst onto the scene in 2013, ushering in a new era for Mazda. This compact crossover wasn’t just another attractive face – it introduced the eye-catching “KODO: Soul of Motion” design philosophy and packed in the full suite of SKYACTIV technology.
What was Mazda’s game plan? Simple: create a ride that’s fuel-efficient, enjoyable to drive, and flexible enough to tackle your daily grind or weekend adventures.
Let’s break down the CX-5’s gradual evolution:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (KE) | 2013-2016 |
| 2nd generation (KF) | 2017-Present |
Why should you care about these generational shifts? Each new iteration brings a slew of upgrades – we’re talking improved tech, peppier performance, enhanced safety, and plusher comfort. For savvy buyers and CX-5 fans, understanding these changes is key to scoring the best bang for your buck.
Mazda CX-5 Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
How do we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to CX-5 model years? We leave no stone unturned. Our comprehensive rankings factor in:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because your life is priceless)
- Consumer Reports reliability scores (the gold standard)
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores (happy drivers tell no lies)
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word)
- Edmunds owner ratings (real-world experiences)
- JD Power owner ratings (industry heavyweights weigh in)
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings (trusted by buyers and sellers alike)
- VehicleHistory owner ratings (digging deep into the past)
- Cars.com owner ratings (from tire-kickers to die-hard fans)
Want to see how it all accumulates? Check out this graph:
Now, let’s cut to the chase with a swift-reference table:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (KE) | 2013 2015 | N/A | 2014 2016 |
| 2nd generation (KF) | 2017 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 | N/A | 2018 2019 |
Remember, more NHTSA recalls and complaints typically indicate trouble. It’s a cautionary sign for potential reliability issues down the road.
Ready to delve into the fine points of each generation?
Let’s go!
Best & Worst Years for Mazda CX-5 1st Generation (2013-2016)
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 hit the scene with a bang, turning heads with its stylish KODO design and economical SKYACTIV tech. But not all years are created equal in this first-gen lineup.
Here’s the scoop: 2013 and 2015 take the crown as the finest years, while 2014 and 2016 are the troublesome children you’ll want to avoid.
The Best Years: 2013, 2015
Why do 2013 and 2015 come out on top? Simple – they’ve got fewer NHTSA recalls and complaints under their belts. Let’s break it down:
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 came equipped:
- A Skyactiv-G PE-VPS 2.0-liter engine
- Your choice of a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive manual (standard on Sport trim) or a six-speed Skyactiv-MT automatic
- A respectable 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque
- Impressive fuel economy: 26 city / 35 highway mpg (front-wheel-drive)
Even the basic Sport trim didn’t skimp on features:
- Keyless entry
- Push-button start
- 4-speaker sound system
Step up to higher trims, and you’d score:
- 5.8-inch touchscreen
- Nine-speaker Bose audio system
- Advanced safety tech like blind-spot monitoring
Fast forward to 2015, and Mazda raised the ante:
- A beefier 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G PY-VPS engine for Touring and Grand Touring trims
- Pumped-up performance: 184 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque
- Still fuel-efficient: 25 city / 32 highway mpg (FWD)
- Standard advanced safety features across all trims (hello, automatic emergency braking!)
- Upgraded infotainment with Mazda Connect and a larger 7-inch touchscreen
The Worst Years: 2014, 2016
Now for the years you’ll want to steer clear of. The 2014 and 2016 models earned the dubious honor of worst-in-class, thanks to rock-bottom Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores and a hefty dose of NHTSA recalls and complaints.
The 2014 Mazda CX-5’s largest headaches:
- Electrical gremlins galore, including the infamous “zombie car” syndrome (vehicle staying on after you’ve killed the ignition)
- Battery drain issues
- Structural concerns, like unexpectedly shattering sunroofs and windshields (yikes!)
The 2016 model? Even more terrible:
- Glitchy infotainment system (nothing kills a road trip vibe faster)
- Defective LED daytime running lights (hello, recall!)
- Heating seat malfunctions (cold buns, anyone?)
- Transmission failures (major ouch for your wallet)
- Premature brake pad wear
- Persistent windshield cracking issues
Want the down-and-dirty?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and grievances for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Mazda CX-5 models.
Best & Worst Years for Mazda CX-5 2nd Generation (2017-Present)
In 2017, Mazda rolled out the second-gen CX-5, proving they weren’t resting on their laurels. This iteration brought significant upgrades in design, comfort, and tech – Mazda was clearly aiming to exceed expectations.
The verdict? 2017 and 2020-2024 are your prime tickets – the most dependable years of this generation. But watch out for 2018 and 2019 – they’re the bad apples in this bunch.
The Best Years: 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Looking for the crème de la crème of Mazda CX-5s? The 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and fresh-off-the-line 2024 models are your best bets. These years boast top-notch ratings from VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and J.D. Power.
The 2017 model arrived ready to amaze:
- Retained the robust 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G PY-VPS four-cylinder engine
- 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque
- Six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission
- Competitive fuel efficiency: 24 city / 31 highway mpg (FWD)
- Introduced G-Vectoring Control for smoother steering and stability
- Beefed-up safety with the i-ACTIVSENSE suite (adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, collision mitigation)
The 2020-2024 models kept the momentum going:
- Optional turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque)
- Larger 10.25-inch infotainment display (2020 and up)
- Off-road traction assist feature (for those weekend warriors)
- Updated i-Activsense safety suite with Smart City Brake Support Reverse and Driver Attention Alert
The Worst Years: 2018, 2019
Now for the years to avoid like the plague. The 2018 and 2019 models racked up a troubling number of owner complaints and recalls.
Major problems plaguing these years:
- “Ghost touch” electrical gremlins (infotainment screen with a mind of its own)
- Excessive oil consumption (thirsty engines are never good news)
- Premature brake wear (your wallet won’t thank you)
- Cracked cylinder heads leading to oil leaks (a mechanic’s nightmare)
- Recalls for wonky powertrain control modules (stalling, anyone?)
- Fuel pump failures posing fire risks (definitely not cool)
Want the entire scoop?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and grievances for 2018 and 2019 Mazda CX-5 models.
Mazda CX-5 Average Resale Values
Curious about how well the CX-5 holds its value? This chart breaks down average resale prices across different model years:
Conclusion
We’ve taken an exhilarating ride through the Mazda CX-5’s history, and the verdict is clear: the 2017 model and anything post-2020 are your best bets for a reliable, feature-packed CX-5. These years nail the trifecta of innovation, dependability, and owner satisfaction.
Now it’s your turn: what’s the crucial feature for you in a CX-5?
Is it the state-of-the-art safety tech, the fuel-efficient performance, or the sophisticated gadgets?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below – let’s keep this conversation rolling!
