Makes›Mazda›CX-5›2016

2016 Mazda CX-5

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

Mazda CX-5
Pictured: 2024 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select in Platinum Quartz Metallic, front right. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

Engine–2.5L 4-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Grand Touring/GTTouring/GSSport/GX

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Gs 4dr SUV FWD179.1 in72.4 in65.7 in106.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,437 lb56/44
Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD179.1 in72.4 in65.7 in106.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,591 lb56/44
Gx 4dr SUV AWD179.1 in72.4 in65.7 in106.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,430 lb56/44
Gx 4dr SUV FWD179.1 in72.4 in65.7 in106.3 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,283 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
CX-5 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+18%$2,300306
CX-5 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 33 / 29+18%$2,300310
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+13%$2,600340
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Mazda CX-5 (this car)29 MPGNot rated4
2016 Toyota RAV432 MPGNot rated3
2016 Honda CR-V29 MPGNot rated3
2016 Hyundai Tucson28 MPGNot rated5
2016 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated3
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan23 MPGNot rated2
2016 Kia Sportage23 MPGNot rated2

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

511Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
31Involved a crash
10Involved a fire
13Injuries reported
30,939 miTypical mileage at failure
Exterior Lighting156
Electrical System71
Service Brakes66
Unknown Or Other57
Power Train50
Visibility/Wiper42
Engine39
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/09: 224/10: 424/11: 125/01: 125/02: 225/03: 125/04: 225/05: 325/06: 125/07: 225/08: 325/09: 125/10: 325/11: 125/12: 226/01: 126/02: 226/03: 326/04: 426/05: 426/06: 326/07: 126/08: 226/10: 124/0925/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Mazda CX-5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Exterior Lighting — 156 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  3. Electrical System — 71 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Service Brakes — 66 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 30,939 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 CX-526184.6 inNot rated017
2025 CX-528179.9 in★★★★★029
2024 CX-528179.9 in★★★★★046
2023 CX-526179.9 in★★★★★067
2022 CX-526179.1 in★★★★★065
2021 CX-528179.1 in★★★★★0148
2020 CX-528179.1 in★★★★★0108
2019 CX-529179.1 in★★★★★2272
2018 CX-529179.1 in★★★★★3352
2017 CX-527179.1 inNot rated1150
2015 CX-529179.1 inNot rated3123
2014 CX-529179.1 inNot rated3306

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →