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Makes›Mazda›CX-5›2018

2018 Mazda CX-5

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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
2.0l FWD 4dr SUV, 2.5l AWD 4dr SUV, 2.5l FWD 4dr SUV
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl
Horsepower
187 hp
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
29 combined · 28 city / 31 hwy
Length
179.1 in
Curb weight
3,318–3,658 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2018 small SUV (24.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
  • Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.2L 4-cyl turbo 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 3,318 lb (2.0l FWD 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (28 city / 31 highway), 16% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 352 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2018

  • New diesel version
  • Engine added: 2.2L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 27 to 29
  • NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 CX-5 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine187 hp2.5L 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats

Trims

TouringGrand Touring

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Hiroshima, Japan · Hofu, Yamaguchi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 CX-5 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.0l FWD 4dr SUV179.1 in72.4 in66.1 in106.3 in63 / 63 in3,318 lb59/41
2.5l AWD 4dr SUV179.1 in72.4 in66.1 in106.3 in63 / 63 in3,658 lb57/43
2.5l FWD 4dr SUV179.1 in72.4 in66.1 in106.3 in63 / 63 in3,532 lb59/41

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 2WD Diesel2.2L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 31 / 29+16%$3,300348
CX-5 2WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 31 / 28+12%$2,400321
CX-5 4WD Diesel2.2L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive27 / 30 / 28+21%$3,400365
CX-5 4WD2.5L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 26+12%$2,600335
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release
Frontal crash test — 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release
Side crash test — 2018 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Mazda CX-5 (this car)29 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan24 MPG★★★★★14
2018 Kia Sportage26 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V875000 · 121,038 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda3, Mazda6, 2019 CX-3, 2018-2019 MX-5, CX-5, CX-9, and 2019-2020 Mazda2 vehicles. The impeller inside the low-pressure fuel pump may crack and deform, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the fuel pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2022. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5321K.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Jun 27, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V497000 · 262,220 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018-2019 CX-5, Mazda6, and 2019 Mazda3 vehicles. A software error in the powertrain control module (PCM) may cause the engine to stall.
Risk
An unexpected stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the PCM software, free of charge. The recall began August 20, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 3719F.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jun 25, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V426000 · 682 vehicles

Problem
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 vehicles. In the event of a side impact or rollover crash, the side curtain air bags may not properly unfold during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk
If the air bags do not deploy properly in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

352Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
14,700 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine180
Unknown Or Other58
Power Train42
Service Brakes32
Electrical System29
Fuel/Propulsion System20
Fuel System, Gasoline18
Structure › Body12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 624/12: 625/01: 1225/02: 1025/03: 625/04: 625/05: 325/06: 525/07: 125/08: 125/09: 425/10: 325/11: 225/12: 226/01: 226/02: 326/03: 626/04: 1126/05: 926/06: 426/07: 526/08: 126/09: 226/10: 224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 12

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Mazda CX-5 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 180 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 42 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Service Brakes — 32 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,700 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 2018 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
2017 CX-527179.1 in★★★★★1150
2016 CX-529179.1 in★★★★★4511
2015 CX-529179.1 in★★★★★3123
2014 CX-529179.1 in★★★★★3306

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