2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring Review | Edmunds

Edmunds Associate Staff Writer Will Kaufman takes a close look at the 2018 Mazda CX-5, one of our favorite compact SUVs. In this video, we'll talk about what it's like to drive the CX-5, what technology features the CX-5 offers and what they're like to use, how comfortable the vehicle is, and how much space it has.

Q: Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 a good car?

A: We think so! The short answer is that we think the CX-5 is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy today. Watch the full video and read our full rating and review to find out more.

Q: What is the Mazda CX-5's Skyactiv engine?

A: The only engine currently available in the United States is a non-turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. In order to save fuel, it can deactivate two cylinders while the CX-5 is cruising on the highway to maximize efficiency.

Q: Does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have four-wheel drive?

A: All-wheel drive is available for the CX-5. Mazda's AWD system constantly sends at least 2 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels so that when the system senses a loss of traction it can transfer more power to the rear almost instantly. It's not the same as a full-time 4WD system, but it's closer than some SUVs that switch entirely to front-wheel drive in certain conditions.

Q: Which 2018 Mazda CX-5 should I buy?

A: That all comes down to what equipment you want. Every trim level uses the same engine and transmission, and most are available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. You can read our full review for a comprehensive breakdown of the different trim levels.

[karacole]

Buying this used in in 2021. I don't regret it. It's gorgeous. Get the Parchment interior! So pretty. 😍😍😍

[gjd]

Bought a 2018 in Sept with 32k miles. Fun to drive, great handling, impressive mileage.

[Kingthin]

Just got our 2018 CX5 I am in love! But I am also a 6 time Mazda owner since 2001, I am totally loyal to Mazda. I would never buy any other car brand.

[spidergirl]

I’ve been buying porsches since i got my license on 2013.. I’ve always complained about it not being smooth during driving and i paid alot of money for the problems I’ve faced during those years.. however last week i wanted to buy a normal suv as a daily drive car and i bought the cx5 2018 and What a difference.. I can’t believe i spent 10 years driving only porsches.. i can finally jump in the cx5 and drive quietly and smoothly with a very cool air conditioner

[Whatamidoinghere]

Here in 2024 I just purchased a 2018 Touring in Pearl White with 61k miles on it. My first Mazda after owning nothing but Hondas since 1993 and it does not disappoint.

[xjkbbls]

Just bought one with 37000 miles. Gorgeous!

[buddy]

Got this 5 days ago from Carmax, Grand Touring flavor with only 18, 000 miles. So much more drivable than the 2017 Cherokee Latitude I traded in. Unfortunately no HUD in mine.. Anyway no regrets so far with this one. Love it.

[alanjm]

On our CX5, one of the USB outlets in the centre console does work for charging, the other one is a data only port. It's actually marked.

[hoderharris]

You guys have really upped your game, great review. Edmunds is fast becoming the best car hub on YouTube.

[nMindSpinning]

Just Bought a 2018 CX-5 Grand Touring and I love it!!!

[MrMazda-ihcw]

One of the top picks in the segment and we're seeing a ton of positive feedback from customers. Long may it continue!

[EODHammer]

I have this vehicle. I like it a lot. The only things that could use improvement IMO are the lack of Android auto and ACP (Which are coming). The MMI boots up slower than I would like and while it's not a turtle it would be nice to have the turbo engine from the Cx9. Very solid vehicle and I'm glad I purchased it. This video is very accurate.

[JohnSmith-xlsx]

Drove this car for 2 weeks and loved it! Want to trade my Subaru in for one if they update the Apple CarPlay (it was horrendous in this model unfortunately). Also I hear 2019 will turbo it!

[raidonbay]

Well. May 2023 here
(My 3rd MAZDA)

I looking to purchase this same 2018 model, different color, tomorrow.
AND you are another one that has convinced me.

[CELLGAMING]

Thanks for showing this car, can't wait to see you're takeaways from it. And please do take it OFF ROAD!!!

[RedwoodAggie]

It definitely looks like an entry level luxury vehicle and not just a regular vehicle. Thanks for talking about the power of the charging ports. That is important now a days, as I often need to charge my phone while running Waze and such. The accessibility of the LATCH system is another I was glad to see mentioned. Accessibility definitely varies with cars, and that can make getting a car seat in and out more time consuming. Keep it up!

[hnnotyy]

@Edmunds no you do not have to go to the back seat to charge the phone there is another socket for a charge in the armrest unit. It does put out enough for fast charge.

[TheMEiN]

Its not the voltage that needed to charge your phone, its the output amp that is needed to charge your phone faster or slower. All USB ports have standard 5Volt rating on them but different amps level. In this case Mazda has its USB at a lower amps

[mstox]

For the charging problem - buy a 2.1v car charger off Amazon and plug into the port under the AC controls. I bought a dual fast charger and it pulls enough to fast charge both my phones at once. It is cruddy that the usbs alone don't do this though.

[branislavivaska]

Does not seem so compact to me...But I guess in USA, even its not close to a school bus in size, it must be compact