Faults:

Slight oil consumption if the correct lubricant is not used.

The touchscreen may experience a "ghost touch" issue, where it activates on its own without being touched by the user.

On occasion, the engine shut down suddenly due to software faults in the control module.

Disconnections in the infotainment system.

General Comments:

For me, the car's main features are its relative affordability, sporty style, handling that matches its appearance, solid build quality, and spacious interior.

It is very economical and features a functional cabin, so you won't find unnecessary chrome details inside. Instead, it offers a clean, straightforward interior with easy-to-use controls. Furthermore, the 2.0 Maxx engine delivers a responsive performance that makes up for its lack of raw power; it handles short trips with ease but also feels comfortable when accelerating hard on winding roads.

The CX-5 is a highly practical choice, ideal for an individual or a small family of five. It features a medium-sized glovebox and center console, six cupholders, and a handy overhead sunglasses holder. It offers three child seat anchor points, though realistically only two would likely be used, as the third would be a tight fit. Rear-seat passengers benefit from two map pockets and ample headroom and legroom, along with good visibility thanks to the bucket-style rear seats and the low beltline/large windows.

Even without adjustable lumbar support, long trips in the CX-5 aren't uncomfortable. The front seats feature three-way manual adjustments: fore-aft movement, a lever for seatback recline, and a height-adjustment knob. The rear seatback also offers two reclining positions, adjusted via a lever at the top of the seatback. Ideally, the rear seat accommodates no more than two adults comfortably, and the lack of rear air vents means it can get stuffy, though angling the front vents upward and cranking the A/C to full power helps mitigate this.

The engine isn't extremely powerful, but it gets the job done and is quite economical. Under load, such as when climbing a steep hill or overtaking, flooring the accelerator makes the engine quite noisy and causes it to rev high. However, on smooth, relatively flat roads, it drives smoothly and has no trouble reaching 110 km/h.

Whether it is enjoyable will depend on personal preference and driving style. The steering (balanced, light, and responsive) makes maneuvering easy without excessive body roll. The CX-5 Maxx’s suspension generally feels good and delivers a smooth ride; long, undulating bumps are absorbed gently, though sharper impacts are felt through the finely tuned dampers. And while there is a Sport mode, it doesn't feel right for normal driving, as it simply raises engine revs unnecessarily. However, it is worth using when you need to accelerate away from traffic lights or require extra power under load.

It is easy to use for daily driving and offers all the comfort and safety expected of a new car. While it may not be the most driver-focused or inspiring car, it is perfectly capable of getting the job done. Those who do not prioritize performance or features will likely appreciate this model's solid build.

Faults:

The clutch slave cylinder failed at 60000 miles and again at 120000 miles, and that is it.

General Comments:

I rated this car on this site in 2015, after 2 years and 21000 miles, now, after 10 years and 120000 miles, I am rating it again. In these days of ever higher fuel costs, I refer to my CX5 as my “little econo box”. The thing gets a solid 35 MPG. Besides it needing a clutch slave replacement at 21000 and 120000 miles, this car has needed only routine maintenance.

The car was originally purchased for my wife as a daily driver for her commute back and forth to work. 10 years and 120000 miles later, now both retired, she has moved to a “grandchild transporter” and I have inherited the CX5. After 10 years and all those miles, it is still under powered; 2013 was the first year that this model was introduced, and in 2014, Mazda went to a 2.5L engine to rectify that issue with a notable decrease in mpg.

The biggest and only complaint about this faithful little CUV is that the “road noise” is very noticeable. Only my passengers notice this which I seldom have. I would very much like to find a later model CX5 with the manual transmission when this one finally “fails”.