DecodedCars2017 Mazda CX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Gs 4dr SUV FWD (2016.5), Gs/GT 4dr SUV AWD (2016.5), Gx 4dr SUV AWD (2016.5), Gx 4dr SUV FWD (2016.5)
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 187 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,283–3,658 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- 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 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 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 3,437 lb (Gs 4dr SUV FWD (2016.5)).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 11% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG down from 29 to 27
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 CX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 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 (2016.5) | 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 (2016.5) | 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 (2016.5) | 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 (2016.5) | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.7 in | 106.3 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,283 lb | 56/44 |
| 2.0l FWD 4dr SUV (2017) | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 106.3 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,318 lb | 59/41 |
| 2.5l AWD 4dr SUV (2017) | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 106.3 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,658 lb | 57/43 |
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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +11% | $2,500 | 328 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 26 | +14% | $2,600 | 352 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 (this car) | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2017 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Trailer Hitches · Nov 21, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V744000 · 1,076 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2017 CX-5 vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness. This harness may be routed such that there is insufficient clearance between the harness and the exhaust muffler, allowing the wiring harness to contact the muffler.
- Risk
- Contact with the muffler may damage the trailer wiring harness, potentially resulting in the trailer lighting being inoperative, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reroute the trailer hitch harness away from the muffler, replacing the harness if it is damaged, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 20, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1617K.
Not every 2017 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Mazda CX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 44 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 15 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,000 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 511 |
| 2015 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 123 |
| 2014 CX-5 | 29 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 306 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →