DecodedCars2013 Mazda CX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV Gs/GT AWD, 4dr SUV Gs/GT FWD, 4dr SUV Gx AWD, 4dr SUV Gx FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 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
- 3,267–3,536 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2013 small SUV (23 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine 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 (4dr SUV Gs/GT AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 26% better than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 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 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV Gs/GT AWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,536 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV Gs/GT FWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,424 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV Gx AWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,380 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV Gx FWD | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,267 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 | +26% | $2,300 | 306 |
| CX-5 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +22% | $2,400 | 311 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +26% | $2,500 | 324 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Mazda CX-5.
Similar 2013 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Mazda CX-5 (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2013 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Subaru Forester | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2013 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Mazda CX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 52 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 30 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 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 2013 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 |
| 2015 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 123 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →