2018 Mazda CX 5 Review: Price, Specs, and More

Pros
  • Excellent steering and handling
  • Quiet cabin
  • Adaptive cruise control that works to a stop
  • Interior materials
  • USB charging ports in the backseat
  • The gas pedal and transmission responsiveness
Cons
  • Touchscreen locks when SUV is moving
  • Less cargo room than competitors
  • Backseat legroom
  • Multimedia control knob tricky to use

2018 Mazda CX 5 Review – Since its launch in 2012, the CX-5 compact SUV has been a huge success for Mazda, accounting for a quarter of the company’s worldwide sales.

Last year’s complete redesign gave the CX-5 an above-average driving experience. It is grouped with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape.

The Mazda CX-5 has a cool design and engaging driving dynamics that set it apart from the competition. Every other compact crossover in the market lacks Mazda’s precise steering and refined ride.

A four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic gearbox, and front-wheel drive are standard features; an all-wheel drive is an option.

On the inside and out, this Mazda seems to be more expensive than it is. It has an elegant interior that is a cut above the rest, as well as advanced driver-assistance technologies.

What’s New for the 2018 Mazda CX-5?

2018 Mazda CX 5
2018 Mazda CX 5

As part of Mazda’s four-cylinder engine overhaul for the 2018 model year, the CX-5 gained cylinder deactivation.

To conserve gas, two cylinders are stopped while driving. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearbox, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic warning are all standards on the CX-5.

The base model comes equipped with active safety functions like automatic cruise control and lane keeping. The Touring trim, which has 19-inch wheels, includes the complete set of driver assists.

The top-tier Grand Touring package includes memory settings for the driver’s seat and six power adjustments for the passenger. The Grand Select is no longer available.

Read also: Mazda CX Models Comparison

Pricing

How Much Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5? For a used 2018 CX-5, you should expect to pay between $20,500 and $28,600.

These statistics are for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 automobiles listed on our website. A $24,400 average price is typical.

Depending on the specifics of the automobile, mileage, features, and location, prices may change.

Mazda CX 5 2018: Price based on trim levels:

2018 Mazda CX-5 Trim LevelsMSRP
Sport:$25,145
Touring:$27,210
Grand Touring:$30,640

Engine Performance

2018 Mazda CX 5 Engine
2018 Mazda CX 5 Engine

Despite the fact that the CX-5 has a non-turbocharged four-cylinder. Mazda added cylinder deactivation to the 2.5-liter inline-four to boost fuel economy.

Despite the fact that the engine still produces 187 horsepower, torque has grown by one pound-foot to 186.

We prefer the six-speed automatic gearbox used by many rivals over the monotonous and droning continuously variable automated gearboxes (CVTs) that are employed by others.

The CX-5 still offers front- and all-wheel drive configurations. On twisty roads, the Mazda CX-5 comes to life, but it doesn’t need hard acceleration to appreciate its characteristics.

There is little road noise and the damping is neither stiff nor floaty. This ute absorbs rough roads with ease and has the ride comfort of crossovers that cost twice as much.

Fuel Economy

In the city, the Mazda CX-5 gets 24 MPG, and on the highway, it gets 30 MPG. It gets a combined 27 miles per gallon.

In the city, the RAV4 gets 27 miles per gallon, but on the highway, it gets 35 miles per gallon. That comes to 31 miles per gallon.

Interior, and Comfort

2018 Mazda CX 5 Interior
2018 Mazda CX 5 Interior

The CX-5’s redesign was clearly designed with care by the vehicle’s interior designers. The high-quality materials make it seem more expensive.

The base Sport variant offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector for example, for a touch of elegance.

The floor-mounted accelerator pedal is really nice, and the steering is positioned immediately in front of the driver.

The seats in the leather-clad models are really comfortable, so Mazda should provide ventilation.

The upgraded CX-5’s cabin gained more smartphone nooks and crannies, but it lost some cargo capacity.

A movable shelf is housed in a large tray in front of the center console, which is very useful. Also, the back seats drop down to make a flat load area for Costco runs and dog excursions.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every CX-5 comes equipped with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen that floats above the dash like a floating tablet. It’s console-mounted with rotary control and has a simple interface.

The Mazda Connect system seems out of place in a BMW or Audi, since it lacks desirable features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

2018 Mazda CX 5 Infotainment System
2018 Mazda CX 5 Infotainment System

The base Sport trim comes standard with four speakers, an HD radio, and two USB ports. Touring models include two more speakers and two more USB ports in the back of the center console.

Navigation and a 10-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system are standard on the Preferred Equipment package, as well as on the top trim.

Safety Features

The Mazda CX-5 received a five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It is a Top Safety Pick+. The automobile comes standard with a full set of driver-assistance features.

Standard advanced safety features:

  • rearview camera
  • blind spot monitoring
  • rear cross-traffic alert
  • low-speed forward collision warning with brake assist

Available advanced safety features:

  • full-speed forward collision warning
  • adaptive cruise control
  • automatic high-beam headlights
  • adaptive pivoting headlights
  • lane departure warning
  • lane keep assist
  • traffic sign recognition
  • rear parking sensors

Warranty

The Mazda CX-5 has the same warranty coverage as its competitors, with the exception of the Kia Sportage and Chevrolet Equinox.

  • The limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  • No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Mazda CX-5 a reliable car?

2018 Mazda CX-5 reliability, the CX-5 is an excellent value and dependable vehicle. The 2018 model was named the Best Affordable Compact SUV by U.S. News.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 midsize SUV receives a 4.5 out of 5.0 rating, putting it first among 26 SUVs. It has excellent ownership costs since the average annual repair cost is $447. Second and third place were the Hyundai Tuscon and Ford Escape.

In categories such as Affordable Compact SUVs, Affordable Crossover SUVs, and affordable SUVs with 2 Rows, the CX-5 was number one.

What is the difference between Mazda CX-5 2017 and 2018?

With a stylish new interior, a better ride, and sound dynamics, the Mazda CX-5 was drastically improved for 2017. Mazda, on the other hand, has already announced a few changes for 2018 and a modest starting cost increase. Despite this, it retains a small SUV with an upscale aesthetic.

How many miles will a 2018 Mazda CX-5 last?

When driven cautiously and regularly, a Mazda CX-5 may go between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. Mazda CX-5 owners can anticipate 13 to 17 years of service based on driving 15,000 miles each year. The Mazda CX-5 is regarded to be a dependable, sturdy car.

What kind of engine does a 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes equipped with a SKYACTIV-G 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder Engine with Cylinder Deactivation. The 6,500 rpm redline on the 186- horsepower direct injection engine produces up to 186 pound-feet of torque.

Mazda CX-5 Other Years :

Final Verdict

Mazda CX 5 2018 models come in three trim levels, each of which is suitable for a range of consumers.

The practical mix of value and features, including 19-inch wheels (new this year) and a complete suite of safety equipment, appeals to us the midlevel Touring model.

All-wheel drive is optional for an extra charge, and the Touring Preferred package includes such extras as navigation and a better sound system.

Because it decreases your fuel economy, we only suggest an all-wheel drive if you live in a snowy area.