Used Mazda CX-5 for sale

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover manufactured by Mazda. It is also the first vehicle providing the company's full Skyactiv Technology suite, including a rigid, lightweight platform, combined with a new series of efficient engines and transmissions resulting in reduced emissions and fuel consumption. The Skyactiv Engine and Transmission Technologies were first released in the 2012 Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback.

2018 Mazda CX-5 - Manufacturer image

A Brief History of the Mazda CX-5 

Generally the Mazda CX-5 is an SUV for those who find the Nissan Qashqai a bit too small and a BMW X3 too expensive. However, this car is actually far better than such a description implies. Unsurprisingly since it's cheaper to buy than premium-badged SUVs of the same size, the CX-5 doesn't feel quite as plush inside. The dashboard design, for example, majors on clear, easy-to-operate controls, which looks far from too flashy. It's pretty painless to live with, and the fact that the infotainment screen can be operated via a rotary controller down by the gearlever makes it very easy to use on the ride.

The CX-5 diferentiates itself from its rivals in that it’s only available with a 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel engine, rather than a raft of downsized turbocharged petrol units, smaller diesels or hybrid engines. The former has 163bhp and is available with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, whilst the latter can be had with 148bhp or 173bhp and the option of four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. There's more room in the CX-5 than you thought you need. The cargo space, for example, will easily hold enough luggage for a family camping holiday, while the rear seats are just wide enough for three people to sit abreast. Head and leg room for all occupants is well done.

The story of Mazda's best-selling SUV, CX-5, began in 2012, and since then, the evolution of the Mazda CX-5 has brought us three generations full of technology and refinement. 

All CX-5 models are based on the Minagi concept, which features the "Kodo" design language along with a range of technologies called Skyactiv. It is also the first vehicle providing the company's full Skyactiv Technology suite, including a rigid, lightweight platform, combined with a new series of efficient engines and transmissions, resulting in reduced emissions and fuel consumption.

How has the CX-5 developed through its generations? Let’s look at the brief history below:

First generation (2013-2016)

Mazda launched the first CX-5 model in 2012, which shared the same platform used by the third-generation Mazda3 and Mazda6. The design of the CX-5 in this generation was inspired by the silhouette of a cheetah pouncing on its prey, giving the Mazda CX-5 an elegant and sporty look. These models were equipped with a 2.0 L Skyactiv-G PE-VPS I4 gasoline engine, and also offer a diesel engine option: the 2.2 L Skyactiv-D SH-VPTS I4. Upon its introduction in 2012, the Mazda CX-5 won the Car of the Year Japan award.

Second generation (2017-2025)

Mazda revealed the second generation of the CX-5 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The changes bring an evolution of the design language, officially called KODO, especially in the front area. The Mazda CX-5 was available with 2.0 Skyactiv-G petrol, 2.5 Skyactiv-G petrol, and 2.2 Skyactiv-D diesel engines.

Third generation (2025-present) 

The third-generation CX-5 was revealed on 10 July 2025 and will arrive in showrooms in Europe at the end of 2025 and in other markets during 2026. In this generation, the CX-5 will be provided solely with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder eng

Mazda CX-5: Practical Compact SUV For Practical Use, And With Style

Since 2014, the CX-5 has consistently been Mazda's best-selling model globally. It achieved record sales in 2019 with 444262 units sold worldwide. And, one of the most highly appreciated models by car enthusiasts is the second generation from 2017 to 2025. If you're wondering which CX-5 model you should buy, you can refer to one of the models in this generation. Here's the detailed review of this generation:

1. Specifications

2. Design 

The redesigned CX-5 in this generation made it one of the best compact crossovers around. Highlights include restyled bumpers and tailgate with new headlights and taillights, larger tailpipes, a new Mi-Drive drive selector control, updated seats, and wireless charging. The optical blocks are much thinner and sit at the ends of a huge grill, emphasized by a chrome element. 

Source: The Wheel Network / Youtube

The interior comes with major changes compared to the previous generation. The dashboard is more minimalist, and the central console has been raised for more comfortable access to the gear shifter. The central display has a diagonal of 7 inches and is doubled by a 4.6 TFD screen in the dashboard area.  

All models are well equipped as standard, with Bluetooth, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, and an infotainment screen. This is controlled by a dial mounted near the handbrake – those familiar with BMW’s iDrive system will recognise it, and it’s fairly easy to use when on the go.

3. Mechanical excellence

Initially, petrol versions of the CX-5 were fitted with a 2.0-litre engine delivering 114kW of power. But after about a year, Mazda offered some variants with a bigger petrol alternative at 2.5 litres for 138kW to be a better match for a vehicle that was designed to be often loaded up with people and luggage.

The turbo-diesel variant, meanwhile, was a 2.2-litre unit, offering 129kW and loads of torque, and was, instantly, the pick of the bunch, even if you had no option but to take all-wheel-drive.

4. Relentless performance

An all-wheel drive 2.0-litre petrol automatic, putting out 113 kW at 6000 rpm and 198 Nm at 4000 revs, would be tentative off the mark and soon run out of breath on all but the shallowest incline on mountainous surfaces. The solution was to flick the shift lever into manual mode, keep the revs up, and change gear by hand – no chore under the circumstances, but we are not sure whether any typical owners will be willing to do this. Fuel consumption under these hilly conditions turned out at 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Mazda claimed the combined urban/highway figure of 6.9 litres per 100 km. So the extra revs required to keep the pace up were raising the consumption significantly.

There is a new suspension system, with front strut suspension and rear multi-link layout, which is light yet stiffer. There is a new steering system that adjusts feedback according to speed and conditions. Even with all-wheel drive, the vehicle lapsed into understeer when it hustled on fast bends. This is no sporting SUV after all. Then again, most owners are simply seeking a practical station wagon with a fair bit of style, and it will certainly suit these people. Particularly, we found the new Mazda CX-5 to have a fuss-free, pleasant ride even on corrugated dirt roads.

5. Mazda CX-5 price 

For a brand new Mazda CX-5, you can generally expect to see sticker prices in this range, depending on the trim and options. 

• Starting Price (Base Models): Around $30,000
• Top-End Price (Turbo Models): Around $42,000

If you have a limited budget, you can consider buying a used Mazda CX-5 for sale to save money. The price of a used Mazda CX-5 will range from $2,391 to $31,964, depending on the model year.

Should We Buy A Mazda CX-5 For Sale?

The following is our summary of what you should consider before you buy the Mazda CX-5 used car:

Pros:

• Agile, car-like handling
• Good specification
• Competitive mpg, emissions

Cons:

• Dull cabin compared with the exterior
• Polarising looks
• Overly firm ride

We, Car From Japan, are always ready to deliver the best of the best pre-owned Mazda CX-5 to you, with reasonable prices and reasonable quality.