2016 Mazda CX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Gs 4dr SUV FWD, Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD, 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
- 3,283–3,591 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 small SUV (24.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 3,437 lb (Gs 4dr SUV FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 18% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 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 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 511 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 CX-5 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 CX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 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 4dr SUV FWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,437 lb | 56/44 |
| Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,591 lb | 56/44 |
| Gx 4dr SUV AWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,430 lb | 56/44 |
| Gx 4dr SUV FWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,283 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 | +18% | $2,300 | 306 |
| CX-5 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +18% | $2,300 | 310 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 29 / 26 | +13% | $2,600 | 340 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mazda CX-5.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mazda CX-5 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Honda CR-V | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Subaru Forester | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Kia Sportage | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Feb 6, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V063000 · 36,761 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2016 CX-5 vehicles. The LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) may fail while driving.
- Risk
- If the DRL fails, the vehicle's visibility may be reduced to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the headlights, and replace the sealing gasket or headlight assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 20, 2020. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4320A.
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 2016 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Mazda CX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Exterior Lighting — 156 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 71 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 66 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,939 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 2016 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 |
| 2015 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 123 |
| 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 →