Used 2018 Mazda CX-5 for sale 

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is available in three trims, namely Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The price of the crossover falls between $24,250 for the base Sport trim and goes up to $29,645 for the top-end Grand Touring trim. All the trims come fitted with a standard 2.5-liter inline-4 which is capable of putting to 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Mazda has spread across the three trims a variety of comfort and safety features like an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, imitation leather upholstery, 8-inch central display, backup camera, and more.

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While the base Sport trim is adequately equipped, it does not do justice to the overall premium feel of the CX-5. The Touring trim is $2K dearer than the CX-5 Sport but adds supple and expensive-looking leatherette upholstery, gorgeous 19-inch wheels that have minimal impact on ride quality, dual-zone climate control, and more and comes out to be a better value for money offering in the CX-5 lineup.

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 comes with a 2.5L naturally aspirated Inline-4 engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While this is the only available powertrain option, you can upgrade the crossover to AWD for better traction and performance. The CX-5's engine develops just 187 horsepower, but the SUV puts the power down in a very tractable and exciting manner. However, the engine does not do justice to the capable chassis offered with the CX-5. The crossover manages to produce 186 lb-ft of torque, which is the best figure in the competition. 

A more powerful engine option from Mazda is desirable to supplement the current efficiency-focused 2.5L Inline-4. That said, the 6-speed automatic is there to make the 2.5L feel more exciting. In comparison, all the crossovers are similarly priced at around $24,000+. When it comes to power output, all the rivals stay behind Mazda's 187 horsepower, followed by the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape with 184, 176, and 168 horsepower, respectively. The same remains the sequence in the torque figure too, with Mazda topping the segment and followed by the CR-V, the RAV4, and the Escape with 180, 172, and 170 lb-ft, respectively.

Acceleration

One cannot expect a lot from these small engine crossovers in the acceleration department as they are created more for practicality rather than track-based performance, however, CX-5 manages to perform decently in the segment. Linear acceleration is where the CX-5 disappoints, and sadly, it’s the most common metric to measure the performance of a vehicle. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 manages to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. The acceleration time of the CX-9 is nothing too impressive, we agree with you. 

Furthermore, the Mazda CX-5 covers the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds, which again is a little underwhelming for the rather capable SUV. The CX-5's undeserved lethargy can be owed to its underpowered engine. While the SUV is extremely fun to drive and to throw around corners, it just doesn't do well in terms of relevant competitive numbers. 

With a similarly powerful engine, the Honda CR-V is almost a second faster to 60 mph at 7.5 seconds, owing to its CVT transmission that always keeps the engine in its optimum powerband. The Toyota RAV4 manages to offer the same 0-60 mph and quarter-mile figures as the CX-5, whereas the Escape stays behind with most time for both 0-60 and quarter-mile at 9.1 and 16.7 seconds, respectively. When it comes to emissions, Ford Escape is the least environment friendly, whereas the Honda CR-V keeps it to the least in the competition.

Ride and Handling

While 0-60 numbers are the most talked about, few things can excite you as much as a car coaxing you into carrying scary speeds through corners. This where the CX-5 will plant a smile on your face and this is why all automotive critiques rate CX-5 as the best driver's car in this segment. Technologies like the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) adjust engine torque depending on the situation – like it can reduce engine torque imperceptibly while entering turns, and then direct torque to the wheel that requires it the most. This makes cornering easy for the vehicle, and well, extremely enjoyable for the driver. 

This shift in the weight on the front wheels and sharpened steering can genuinely be felt while taking on tricky corners. The CX-5 will undoubtedly surprise you in ways you'd least expect it to. However, if you fell for the CX-5 for its premium looks and were wondering whether it’s as luxurious and comfortable inside, it is. We especially applauded its superbly quiet cabin and pliant suspension, which further enhance your daily driving experience.

Braking

Braking remains an important aspect for measuring safety and Mazda fails to make a mark there. The Mazda CX-5 does not have a responsive braking system and stops the compact crossover much slower than you'd like it to. For the 2018 model year Mazda CX-5, going from 60 to 0 mph takes about 135 feet, which is not impressive enough.

The CX-5's brake pedal also lacks some initial bite. The Mazda is the heaviest of the lot, which can be seen as the reason behind its below-average braking performance. The competitors, however, post better times – the Escape stops in 126 feet. We strongly feel that better braking could have genuinely transformed the CX-5 into a highly engaging crossover with immense potential for taking on technical corners. 

In comparison, all the rivals manage to fare better in their braking performance. Even though Ford has the best performance with a braking distance of 126 feet, the other rivals are not far behind with Toyota and Honda taking 128 and 129 feet, respectively. When it comes to curb weight of the crossovers in the segment, Mazda is the heaviest at 3,563 lbs, followed by Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V at 3,542, and 3,455, and 3,307 lbs, respectively.

The biggest idea behind buying a crossover remains its balance between performance and frugality, and we see that in figures here. The compromise in engine power of CX-5 is balanced by the impressive fuel economy. The 2018 Mazda CX-5 returns 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The result is a combined mileage of 27 MPG, which is absolutely great. The figure, however, is slightly lower than the CR-V’s 28 MPG combined rating, but more than that of the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape. Choosing the Mazda CX-5 AWD costs a marginal mpg reduction in all efficiency figures.

In comparison, all except the Honda CR-V fall behind the CX-5, where the Toyota RAV4 and the Ford Escape manage to offer a combined mileage of 25 and 24 MPG combined. The Honda CR-V stays slightly ahead of the CX-5 by offering 26 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 28 MPG combined, which is one more than CX-5. When it comes to fuel tank capacity, all the crossovers except CR-V's 14 gallons come similarly packed with around 15 gallons of capacity.

While the fabric of the interior in base trim looks great too, it’s the Touring trims' leatherette draped interior that is properly exquisite with fine details - like the real French stitching on the dashboard. The driver is cushioned with a thick and well-placed armrest. Although the Honda CR-V is roomier, there is nothing to complain about the CX-5's plush cabin. The Mazda CX-5 can seat 5 passengers, but they won’t be equally comfortable. The front seats are roomy and offer great outside visibility. The armrests are well cushioned and are at equal height affording a comfortable driving position.

The CX-5 Touring gets a 6-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support. On the Grand Touring trim, you get ventilated seats with 8-way adjustable seats. Having the rear seats heated is also an option. That, along with the super compliant ride quality makes the 2018 Mazda CX-5 an incredibly capable touring machine. The rest of the interior features high-quality materials and great build quality. Ergonomics are fantastic, with everything you'd need within the driver's reach, and at all the right places. There's genuinely very little to complain about the CX-5's interior, and we're indeed very impressed. 

However, adults in the rear seats of the CX-5 will find the legroom to be a little tight when the front seats are moved to a full aft position. The CR-V in comparison offers a near-luxury car level of legroom in the rear seats. That said, all the occupants in CX-5 will find plenty of cubby holes for stowing small items. When comparing the passenger volume on offer in the compact SUVs in the competition, Honda CR-V offers the most at 105.9 cu-ft, whereas the Escape offers the least at 98.1 cubic feet. Major interior features available with the CX-5 include:

• Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
• Leather steering wheel
• Dual-zone front climate control
• Keyless ignition
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Infotainment System

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 gets great infotainment equipment, including a crisp and sharp-looking dash-mounted 7-inch touchscreen. Mazda considers using a touchscreen during driving as a hazard, and hence, you can only use the touchscreen when the car is stationary. While driving, the rotary controller feels intuitive, and the UI is simple and straightforward. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing, which is unfortunate. 

The base CX-5 Sport gets a 4 speaker audio system, while the CX-5 Touring gets a 6-speaker audio system. Keeping with the upscale aura of CX-5, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system is optional on CX-5 Touring and standard on CX-5 Grand Touring. The CX-5 Touring and CX-5 Grand Touring also get Mazda Navigation System. Some key infotainment features offered with the 2018 Mazda CX-5 include:

• 7-inch touchscreen
• 4-speaker audio system (Sport trim)
• 6-speaker audio system (Touring trim)
• 10-speaker Bose premium audio system (Grand Touring trim)
• Mazda Navigation System (Touring and Grand Touring trims)

Cargo Capacity

With all seats up, the 34.1 cubic feet cargo capacity offered with the Mazda CX-5 is average among the competition. Unsurprisingly, the CR-V is more practical here too with best in class 39.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity. When the second row is folded, CX-5’s 64.8 cubic feet cargo capacity is the least in the segment. The CR-V leads here too with 75.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

On a positive note, the load floor on the CX-5 is nearly flat, and hence, it’s very usable. Also, the low loading height and an available power liftgate with adjustable height make loading convenient. All the rivals offer better cargo capacity when the rear seats are down. After the best in the class figure of CR-V come Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape with a cargo capacity of 73.4 and 67.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The Mazda CX-5 is considered by many as the best-looking compact crossover. Its exterior will actually shame some cars over two times more expensive. Mazda says the design keyword was “refined toughness” and that it is “free of non-essential elements.” Anyone will agree that it looks “refined” and “tough”. Everyone will also agree that it’s devoid of any fussy element.

The proportions are athletic and curves reflect the natural light gorgeously. We highly recommend getting the $595 “soul red crystal metallic” paint as it accentuates the design even more glamorously. LED fog lamps can be added to CX-5 Sport and CX-5 Touring for $400, however, they are standard on CX-5 Grand Touring.

The CX-5 is 179.1 inches long – lengthier than the Ford Escape but shorter than the CR-V and the RAV4. Although the CX-5 has the longest wheelbase, its rear seat actually has less legroom than the CR-V. The CX-5 is low slung among others at 65.3 inches and that gives it a sporty stance but it has generous 7.6 inches of ground clearance. Honda CR-V stands tallest to the ground at 8.1 inches whereas the Toyota sits lowest at 6.1 inches. Major exterior highlights of the 2018 Mazda CX-5 include:

• 17-inch aluminum alloys (Sport trim)
• 19-inch aluminum alloys (Upper two trims)
• Roof Rails ($400 on all trims)
• Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers (available from Touring onwards)
• LED headlights (standard)
• LED daytime running lamps (in Grand Touring trim only)

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 gets a 4-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS – both are a little short of being perfect. You can have advanced active safety features and driver assistance systems from base CX-5 Sport onwards with an optional Sport I-ACTIVESENCE package. However, a glaring omission is the absence of a 360-degree camera view system. The CX-5 does offer a wide range of airbags, which adds points in the SUV's favor. All in all, don't get swayed by the Mazda's marginally imperfect ratings, and the 2018 model year CX-5 stands as safe as it is capable. Some other major safety features offered with the 2018 Mazda CX-5 include:

• Advanced front airbags with seat belt-use, passenger-weight sensors
• Front side-impact airbags and side-impact air curtains with rollover protection
• Anti-lock Brake System with Electronic Brake Force Distribution & Brake Assist
• Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control System
• Hill Launch Assist
• Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Engine-immobilizer antitheft system
• Back-Up Camera
• LATCH rear-seat child safety seat anchors & upper tether anchors

Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a do-it-all competitor in the segment. It is spacious, comfortable, feature-loaded, has great luggage capacity, drives and handles impressively, and delivers class-leading fuel economy figures as well. However, the CX-5 is more entertaining through corners, and it rides like a luxury car with impeccable silence. It also has a really upscale interior with those gorgeous exteriors. In the end, the choice between the age-old reliable and fresh exciting offering is to be made by you.

Mazda CX-5 vs Ford Escape

The Ford Escape costs more than a comparatively equipped CX-5. However, you can drive the price even higher and get luxury car-like amenities. You can also get segment beating performance with an optional 2.0 L Ecoboost engine that accelerates hard and offers 3,500 pounds of towing capacity as well. But be ready to pay fuel bills when doing the same. However, the CX-5 is definitely more entertaining to drive, look at, and be in. Still, we will go with the Ford Escape between the two.

Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 basically invented the compact crossover segment, and it is what every Toyota is – a safe bet. Although a little short of CR-V, the RAV4's cargo capacity is plenty and the interior is comfortable and roomy as well. Reliability is a given with a Toyota but entertaining driving characteristics are not – RAV4 is no different. Also, the CX-5 looks and feels far more upscale. Similar to the CR-V situation, the choice depends on what you want from your compact SUV.

The Mazda CX-5 differentiates itself from the crowded compact SUV segment by looking, feeling, and driving like a vehicle from a class above. Its exterior is downright gorgeous, and the interior looks like it was painstakingly crafted. It handles corners like a seasoned athlete and its ride quality and cabin quietness are out of reach of others in the segment. The interior is not as roomy as the CR-V, and the luggage capacity is also compromised against rivals. All considered, the Honda CR-V is the best compact SUV in a traditional sense and it has genuinely well-sorted dynamics as well. However, if you desire something that stands out among others and are willing to compromise a bit on practicality, get the CX-5.