Before You Buy

Mazda CX-5: Buy Score, Reliability & Ownership Costs

Compact Crossover · SUV

MSRP Range$29,000–$39,000
A deep red 2026 Mazda CX-5 parked outside a small-town main street shop in soft afternoon light, shot candidly.
Engine2.5L 4-cylinder, turbo available
Horsepower187-256 hp depending on trim
Fuel Economy24-31 mpg combined
DrivetrainAWD standard on most trims

Our Verdict

Based on model-specific reliability data, ownership costs, and longevity signals.

Buy
86/100

Buy Score™

Pros

  • Most upscale-feeling interior in the mainstream compact SUV class
  • Strong RepairPal reliability score
  • Engaging handling for the segment

Cons

  • No hybrid option
  • Rear seat and cargo space are a bit tighter than class leaders
  • Turbo engine prefers premium fuel for full power

Can this car reach 300,000 miles?

Likely

Mazda doesn't have a specific iSeeCars 250k-mile callout in the source research, but the CX-5's strong 4.5 RepairPal score suggests it holds up well with normal maintenance.

First-Time Buyer Friendly

80/100

Simple controls, predictable running costs, and forgiving handling make this an easy first car.

Reliability Timeline

What tends to need attention, and when — based on model-specific reliability data.

RoutineModerateMajor

30,000 miles

Oil changes, tire rotations

60,000 miles

Brake pads
Battery

100,000 miles

Spark plugs
Turbo engine components on turbocharged trims

150,000 miles

Suspension bushings and shocks

200,000+ miles

Generally holds up well with consistent maintenance, per its strong RepairPal score

What It Actually Costs to Own

Slightly pricier to maintain than the CR-V/RAV4, but the CX-5's upscale cabin and driving feel are a real differentiator for the price.

Estimated Annual Fuel Cost$1,250
Estimated Annual Insurance$1,450
Estimated Annual Maintenance$470
Estimated Annual Repairs$447
Estimated Annual Registration$210
5-Year Depreciation~44% of purchase price

Full Specifications

Engine2.5L 4-cylinder, turbo available
Horsepower187-256 hp depending on trim
Fuel Economy24-31 mpg combined
DrivetrainAWD standard on most trims
Cargo Volume31.0 cu ft behind rear seats

Check for open recalls before you buy

We don't yet have a live recall feed wired up for the Mazda CX-5, so we won't guess at a number here. Before you buy any specific CX-5, run its VIN throughNHTSA's free recall lookup tool— it takes about 30 seconds and confirms whether that exact vehicle has any open, unrepaired safety recalls.

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Sources: RepairPal model score (4.5) and annual repair cost ($447): deep-research-report-car-buying-guide.md.