DecodedCars2015 Mazda CX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD, Gs/GT 4dr SUV FWD, Gx 4dr SUV AWD, Gx 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,199–3,536 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2015 small SUV (24 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,536 lb (Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 21% better than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 CX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 CX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 CX-5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,536 lb | 56/44 |
| Gs/GT 4dr SUV FWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,424 lb | 56/44 |
| Gx 4dr SUV AWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,380 lb | 56/44 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,199 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-5 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +21% | $2,300 | 306 |
| CX-5 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +17% | $2,400 | 311 |
| CX-5 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 328 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +19% | $2,500 | 324 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +15% | $2,600 | 341 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Mazda CX-5.
Similar 2015 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Mazda CX-5 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Kia Sportage | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (3)
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Sep 6, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V644000 · 580,455 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 vehicles manufactured November 18, 2008, to June 8, 2013, 2012-2015 Mazda5 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2010, to June 22, 2015, 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 26, 2015, and 2013-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured December 15, 2011, to December 26, 2015. On the affected vehicles, the lift gate support struts may corrode, possibly causing the struts to break and/or the lift gate to drop unexpectedly.
- Risk
- If the lift gate falls unexpectedly, it may hit the user, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Mazda dealers will replace the both lift gate supports, free of charge, however parts are not currently available. The recall began April 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9916H.
Steering · Apr 11, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V203000 · 578 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2016 CX-3 vehicles manufactured June 1, 2015, to December 2, 2015, 2013-2014 Mazda2 vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to August 8, 2014, 2014-2016 CX-5 vehicles manufactured January 19, 2013, to December 2, 2015, and 2013-2015 CX-9 vehicles manufactured December 6, 2012, to July 31, 2015. The lower mounting nuts and bolts that attach the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle may loosen, allowing the steering knuckle to separate.
- Risk
- If the steering knuckle separates from the strut assembly, it can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lower mounting nuts and bolts that secure the front strut assembly to the steering knuckle. If the bolts are loose, they will be replaced and then correctly tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 9316D.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap · Feb 3, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V064000 · 268,799 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles manufactured June 27, 2013, to February 2, 2016. The affected vehicles have a fuel filler pipe that may rupture in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
- Risk
- A rupture of the fuel filler pipe may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will alter the attachment between the fuel filler pipe and the left rear side of the bracket of the fuel filler pipe, free of charge. The recall began on February 25, 2016. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 9216B.
Not every 2015 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Mazda CX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 22 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Power Train — 19 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 34,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Mazda CX-5. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-5 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 CX-5 | 26 | 184.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2025 CX-5 | 28 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 29 |
| 2024 CX-5 | 28 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 46 |
| 2023 CX-5 | 26 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 67 |
| 2022 CX-5 | 26 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 65 |
| 2021 CX-5 | 28 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 148 |
| 2020 CX-5 | 28 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 108 |
| 2019 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 272 |
| 2018 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 352 |
| 2017 CX-5 | 27 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 150 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 4 | 511 |
| 2014 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 306 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →