Mazda CX-5 | Brutally Honest Long Term OWNER Review

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We've owned our 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD for 2.5 years. In this detailed long term review I break our experience down into these areas:

Why we chose this car
Competitors
Exterior
Interior
Practicality
Driving Experience
Would We Buy Again?

The Mazda CX-5 is often at the top of ranking for compact crossover SUV's in the USA. It compares to the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Hyunday Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, Kia Sportage, GMC Terrain, Volkswagen Tiguan, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, and more.

So how does it stack up against the competitors, and why do the magazines keep ranking it #1? In this video I tell you why WE chose this car over the others and if it lives up to the hype.

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[Highmiles]

I realize that this is an older review, but it is still just as relevant. I will be getting a new car for my wife around Memorial Day. This review is part of why I am leaning heavily to a 2024 CX 5. I doubt you still check on this post any more, but on the off chance that you do, thank you very much for taking the time and putting in the effort to post this.

[charleswhitehead]

not being a pro, you did a very nice job, both in clarity of content and production values!

[genely]

This is better than most “professional” car review channels, right to the point with advice useful for an actual consumer. Super helpful thank you!

[donaldames]

We just purchased a 2023 CS-5 Signature Edition....the one with all the bells and whistles, including ventilated seats and a 360 degree cameral. These are both features we truly love. Even though it's brand new, I am beating the EPA estimated mileage figures. We find your review to be "spot on" with respect to interior quality, exterior styling, and value. We also respect and generally agree with your comments regarding things that could be improved. Ours has the 2.5 turbo, and we find the power to be more than adequate, and the handling characteristics are outstanding. I am a committed car guy. I am currently 80 years old, and since a sophomore in college, I've owned over 150 different vehicles. I would definitely place the CX-5 in my top three. I thought your review was objective, truthful and very well done.

[DoseSpina]

I'm a Mazda technician and would just like to say that you did a great job with this video, but regarding the infotainment system, your local Mazda dealer can update the MZD software for you, as well as every other computer system in the vehicle. Mazda's software has come a long way since 2017, they have ironed out a lot of bugs and made many improvements, including the slow and unresponsive concern you have. In terms of safety, the FSC (forward sensing camera) and radar systems as well as blind spot monitoring systems can all be updated. Every even service has an MMDS update on the job card, normally dealerships only update the PCM and TCM (powertrain control module and transmission control module) unless there is concern otherwise, but you can request that you want all computer systems updated just to be sure they are all checked. Updates such as the PCM and TCM have the ability to improve efficiency, so there you go :)

[JBM]

Almost all reviews are for new cars. I like seeing long-term owner reviews such as this. Anything will look or seem nice fresh from the showroom, but how it holds up after two or three years truly tells the story.

[danieljarvis]

In my opinion you just beat each and every car reviewer. You're an actual owner of the CX5 and therefore you got to know it very well after several years of living with it. You covered everything and are eloquent and your presentation is clear, concise and easy to understand and remember. I read a lot of reviews of different vehicles and yours to me is the best I've come accross. If i were to go to a Mazda showrrom I'd keep everythijng you said about the CX5 without the need for note taking prior to actually looking at it.

[PitterPatter]

Great review. We retired at 70 in 2015 and we decided on the Mazda CX5 SUV as our 'retirement' car. 7 years on and we still love it. A smaller car would have been harder to get in and out of as we age. It's easy and comfortable driving and we love the screen for reversing. It's made backing so much simpler for us. It also tows our little 11ft caravan easily. We have the mid blue colour. We live in Australia and cars have doubled in price recently, otherwise we would definitely purchase a 2022 model, however we take good care of it and in 7 years have travelled many KMs without any mechanical issues and it still looks fabulous. Thanks for the great review.

[katherinegoodloe]

Wow, I loved this video. I bought a 2020 Mazda cx-5 yesterday, so when I read the title, I was scared. But everything you said gave me a great sense of relief. I'm loving this car. But I particularly liked how you reviewed it. You're an excellent speaker; no ums or uhs. You get right to the point and keep personal information interesting and limited. Few people are able to do this. Your review was organized and planned out. It sounds like I'm reviewing your review, but I'm a retired English teacher, so I felt strongly that I should tell you what a good job you did. Thank you!

[garlandlabat]

I've owned Mazda SUV since 2002. Last year I bought a new 2019 CX-5 Touring. For the price, I wouldn't change a thing. I would buy another on in a heart beat!

[robertjones]

Refreshing to have someone that is not a sales person explaining features and benefits of this vehicle. Really appreciate the review and real experiences. Great job!

[nealpatterson]

I bought a 2021 Mazda CX-5 two months ago and my impressions of the car are spot on with your long-term review. This video gave me peace of mind to know that my initial reaction is in line with what I can expect in the future.

[jo_elvis]

My 2018 CX-5 has given me zero problems in 40, 000 miles. Amazing SUV! I really enjoyed driving it recently from S.F. to Palm Springs. Quick enough .... really quiet interior... plus beautiful design. Zoom Zoom Zoom!! 🚘

[bipolarlife]

I do uber driving in my CX9 and a lot of people comment that its a very nice car, a lot think its a AUDI i am not going to lie, its probably the best car i have ever owned...If you are thinking about buying a Mazda ..just do it

[txdbstx]

I own two Mazda CX-5’s. A 2015 and 2016. Both cars have been flawless and 100% reliable. 120k on my 2015 and 158k on my 2016. They both still run, shift and handle like new. The only maintenance items done for both cars include tires, oil changes, air filters and brake pads. Nothing else whatsoever. Mazda cars are built in Japan and they have excellent quality and engineering compared to other cars. They can easily last several hundred thousand miles with proper care and maintenance. The automatic transmission in these cars is excellent and has superior longevity hand down. Mazda engineers designed it with reliability and drivability in mind and it shows. No regrets here.

[AccordionJoe]

No car is perfect, no matter how much it costs. But if you want an SUV that is fun to drive, totally dependable, and easy on gas, the CX-5 fits the bill.

[derekdwhite]

Thanks so much for this review! There's a huge difference between the pros that test a car for a week and the actual owners who have been driving it for years. Yours was exactly the kind of video I wanted to see.

[mariannaryan]

I bought my first Mazda in 1990. It was my first of 4. I typically hold onto them for 8-10 years. My current Mazda is the 2016 CX5 Touring. I also have the 2 toned parchment leather. I love it. All my Mazdas have been super reliable and worry free.

[tavonrivera]

Just got this vehicle last week. The drive feel is ELITE. I agree how complicated the entertainment system is but the sound is really good and it does feel like a luxury car inside.

[wraydo]

I just bought the 23 CX50 after having owned 7 consecutive Hondas. I bought it for many of the same reasons that you cited for buying your CX5.
I've only had it a week, but have driven about 800 miles, most of that on the steep, winding roads in the Adirondacks near lake placid, and some highway driving as well.
I am not disappointed in the least.
The car I traded in was a 2011 Accord with the 3.5 liter V6 which was made for driving. This CX50 actually comes about as close as an SUV possibly could. With the advantage of the versatility the SUV offers. I really miss the horsepower and torque of the big Honda engine, but the naturally aspirated Mazda with the 6 speed transmission doesn't feel like a dog, and still loads of fun to drive. I'm sure I'll have this vehicle for a long time