DecodedCars2020 Mazda CX-5
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- AWD 4dr SUV, FWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 187 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,437–3,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) 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 3,594 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 31 highway), 9% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2020
- No diesel version any more
- Engine dropped: 2.2L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 CX-5 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hiroshima, Japan · Hofu, Yamaguchi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWD 4dr SUV | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 106.3 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,594 lb | 57/43 |
| FWD 4dr SUV | 179.1 in | 72.4 in | 66.1 in | 106.3 in | 63 / 63 in | 3,437 lb | 59/41 |
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 | 25 / 31 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 322 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | +11% | $2,600 | 335 |
| CX-5 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +2% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Kia Sportage | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Mazda CX-5.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Mazda CX-5 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Mazda CX-5 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 14 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,200 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 2020 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 |
| 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 | ★★★★★ | 1 | 150 |
| 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 →