2018 Mazda CX-5: What's It Like to Live With?

What do you want to know about?

• Introduction
• Monthly Update for April 2018
• Monthly Update for May 2018
• Monthly Update for June 2018
• Monthly Update for July 2018
• Monthly Update for August 2018
• Monthly Update for September 2018
• Monthly Update for October 2018
• Monthly Update for November 2018
• Monthly Update for December 2018
• Monthly Update for January 2019
• Monthly Update for February 2019
• Monthly Update for March 2019
• Wrap-Up

Introduction

Small crossover SUVs are the runaway favorite segment for today's car buyers, displacing even the ubiquitous four-door family sedan as America's car of choice. There's just one problem with most of them: They really aren't that fun to drive.

Practical, yes. Sensible, sure. Comfortable, certainly. But fun? Engaging? Exciting? Not so much. Perhaps it's asking too much for these new-era family shuttles to convey us where we need to go in safety and spacious comfort yet also provide an occasional boost of adrenaline.

There are exceptions, though. Among today's mainstream compact SUVs, the 2018 Ford Escape and the 2018 Mazda CX-5 most notably infuse their workaday responsibilities with a measure of performance and spirit. If you value driving excitement but still require room for passengers and stuff, these two are among your best bets.

We just wrapped up a yearlong long-term test of an Escape. And this is our second time around with the CX-5. We were near unanimous in our praise for a first-generation 2014 model we tested. It came up a bit short in overall utility, but many of us felt the trade-off for the CX-5's more spirited handling and performance was worth it. It was a crossover that didn't resign itself to solely being a mule. Years later, we want to see how this new CX-5 has evolved.

What Did We Buy?
This second-generation CX-5 debuted for 2017. It isn't a wholesale overhaul from its predecessor, but it does feature significant improvements to chassis strength and suspension tuning. Mazda says these changes yield even sharper handling and provide a more absorbent ride quality.

Mazda also enhanced the CX-5's interior quality, adding more sound insulation to better keep road and wind noise at bay, as well as upgraded upholstery, controls and interior trim accent pieces. The overall effect is of a more grown-up, more refined SUV, befitting a class of car that has itself evolved with more sophisticated buyers.

Finally, today's CX-5 adds a host of driver safety and assistance technologies, many of them newly standard, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.  Available tech includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and turn-swiveling LED headlights.

We wanted to experience the full nuance of these updates, so we opted for a model very similar to our last long-term CX-5, a Grand Touring with all-wheel drive. Even the color, Soul Red Crystal Metallic, is nearly spot-on.

What Options Does It Have?
The CX-5 is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring and Grand Touring. The Grand Touring comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower, 186 pound-feet of torque), a six-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch wheels, swiveling LED headlights, a sunroof, a power liftgate, keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a navigation system, and a Bose premium 10-speaker audio system. Also standard is a full complement of driver assistance features, including low-speed automatic braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist. The base MSRP for a Grand Touring AWD is $30,945.

We did opt for the Grand Touring's lone option package, the Premium package. It bundles heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition. Our CX-5 also came with an optional cargo mat ($70), illuminated doorsill plates ($400) and a rear bumper guard ($125). These options plus a $595 charge for the paint and destination fees brought our CX-5's total MSRP to $34,505. But we didn't buy this specific CX-5. Mazda lent it to us for the duration of the test.

Why We Got It
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 should be enjoyable to drive, livening up both daily commutes and long road trips. But will that matter enough over a year? What about the new CX-5's utility or its performance and fuel economy? Will it be reliable? How crisply does Mazda's latest infotainment system work? For questions like these, we have a year to find out.

Follow its progress on our long-term road test for our latest impressions of this 2018 Mazda CX-5.

The manufacturer provided this vehicle for the purpose of evaluation.

Monthly Update for April 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
As we do with any other vehicle that joins the Edmunds long-term fleet, we covered the recommended break-in miles in our still fresh-smelling 2018 Mazda CX-5 and immediately went to the test track to lay down some baseline performance numbers and see how it stacks up to other compact SUVs.

We were more than a little surprised at the results.

One of the reasons we like the Mazda CX-5 is for the driving experience it provides. It feels sporty, offering snappy acceleration right off the line and a willingness to move and play around corners. It's more engaging than many of the other choices.

If you just looked at the numbers, you'd think it was the dog of the group. In a sprint race to 60 mph, our sharply dressed Soul Red CX-5 (9.2 seconds) would trail in the wake of a top-trim Honda CR-V (7.5 seconds) or Ford Escape (7.0 seconds). And it'd be rubbing wheels with the ostensibly less sporting Toyota RAV4 (9.3 seconds). That's a bit disappointing considering the seat-of-the-pants sensation we get from the driver's seat.

A car is more than just its performance numbers, and the CX-5 still has nearly a full year to impress us with its many other redeeming qualities.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
A month of relatively short trips, photo shoots and testing did fuel economy no favors. Our best tank fill to date failed to match even the Mazda CX-5's combined EPA estimate of 26 mpg. It's still early, so we're not drawing any conclusions yet.

Average lifetime mpg: 19.9
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 24.6
Best range: 272.5 miles
Current odometer: 2,033 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights

Performance
"So far I really like the CX-5. Despite its disappointing acceleration performance at the test track, out in the real world, where I'm spending more time in the lower rpm range, I don't find it lacking nearly as much. Mind you, I haven't needed to ask it for passing power at flowing freeway speeds, but it feels great on surface streets." — Jonathan Elfalan, road test manager

Utility
"I don't particularly care for four-door vehicles. I don't carry passengers, so the extra doors are kind of a waste, and I tend to think coupes simply look better. But they do offer one major advantage for me and that's easy access to the back seats — more specifically, the rear floor. Two bags of groceries just dropped right in behind my seat. And, yes, I know there's a generous trunk on the CX-5, but I doubt it will hold two bags of food, cargo net or not, as well as the rear floor does." — Kurt Niebuhr, road test editor

Miscellaneous
"I always felt like the original CX-5 was a little overrated. Sure, it was an above-average athlete on twisty roads, but how many owners actually test the limits in that scenario? These things aren't sports cars; they're daily drivers or family haulers. And in those capacities, I felt the original CX-5 failed to distinguish itself.

"But this second-generation CX-5 is a big step up. It's quieter and more supple on the road, it's got a newfound premium vibe inside and out, and the old model's unpleasantly low (for me) back seat has been replaced with a higher-mounted unit that provides plenty of room and support for my 6-foot-1 frame. The one thing it's missing is a more powerful engine option to compete with something like the 2.0-liter turbocharged Ford Escape. Otherwise, I'd say the CX-5 now lives up to the media hype and may well be the best SUV in its class." — Josh Sadlier, senior manager, content strategy

Technology
"I'm glad Mazda finally came out with a full-speed range adaptive cruise control. Previous systems, as in our recently departed long-term CX-9, only worked down to a relatively useless 15 mph. The CX-5's system performs well, too, maintaining a reasonable gap to the vehicle ahead and not overreacting with huge amounts of braking should another vehicle slip into your lane. It definitely helps blunt the stress edge of the rush-hour commute." — Jonathan Elfalan

Monthly Update for May 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
Now that the honeymoon period is over, our 2018 Mazda CX-5 has settled nicely into the long-term fleet. In its second full month in service, the CX-5 amassed the most miles along with record range and fuel economy figures. It's still shy of EPA ratings, but it's inching closer to them.

We still like driving our CX-5 and keep finding new traits that make it feel more premium than your typical compact luxury SUV. But a bit of the luster has worn off, and editors are finding small annoyances with the engine response and some of the interior brightwork.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
During its second full month in the long-term fleet, our CX-5 amassed nearly 1,600 miles and averaged 23 mpg — its best month yet both in terms of distance traveled and fuel economy. Not stopping there, the CX-5 also set bests in both range and consumption on a single tank, 324 miles and 28 mpg, respectively. These figures give us hope that the CX-5 will get closer to its EPA fuel economy ratings as time goes on.

Average lifetime mpg: 21.4
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 28.1
Best range: 324.8 miles
Current odometer: 3,613 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights
Performance
"The 187 horsepower is more than adequate for normal cruising speeds, but if you push the CX-5 at all or try an aggressive lane change, the lack of power is very noticeable. The engine growls loudly, but the CX-5 does not move to match the sound. Also in terms of fuel economy, I was averaging just over 20 mpg, which falls short of the EPA ratings. Compared to the fuel economy you can get in the Honda CR-V, which feels larger and more powerful, the Mazda CX-5 doesn't compare." — Edmunds guest contributor

Comfort
"The seats are really comfortable. Good, firm support, yet the back has this air mattress-like softness. The cabin and seats are cleanly laid out and feel great compared to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4." — Rich Kuras, content strategist

Interior
"The chrome material on the wheel does a great job at creating a spotlight directly into my eyeballs. On a mid-morning drive heading northwest, the wheel would catch the sun and temporarily blind me (and I had sunglasses on, no less). The chrome was spread through other interior elements to create this nice cascade/prism of light." — Rich Kuras

"The CX-5's interior and exterior styling are simply stunning. The Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint has real depth and exudes a sense of luxury. In fact, I parked this next to a red Tesla and, while both are metallic, there simply was no comparison to the richness of the CX-5's red. Moreover, the fascia with the large open grille has simple lines, but also an air of masculinity.

"In terms of interior styling, the layout of the dash is clean, and the horizontal strip of wood adds a nice touch of luxury. The matted chrome accent around the vents gives the interior a high-end feel. Moreover, the execution of the seats in Parchment integrated with black accents is well-done. Other carmakers should pay attention, because this is the right way to execute this interior color combination." — Edmunds guest contributor

"The CX-5 feels tighter than the Honda CR-V and seems to be similar to the Ford Escape. However, the rear seating seems to be roomier than the Escape. Either way, the CX-5 can comfortably transport a family of five." — Edmunds guest contributor

Technology-Audio
"The technology on the car is impressive. Blind-spot monitoring integrated into the head-up display is a nice feature. Also, the HUD is clearly visible even on bright sunny days, and the fact that you can adjust its height ensures good visibility. The entertainment display was also intuitive. The only issue is that the screen size could be larger, but in this class of vehicle it's still acceptable." — Edmunds guest contributor

Monthly Update for June 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
I drove our 2018 Mazda CX-5 about 1,400 miles in June. I came away from that time believing our CX-5 is a likable crossover SUV. It's got a classy interior, a suitable amount of interior and cargo room, and an appealing set of premium features. Interestingly, though, I was left a little underwhelmed by two things I thought the CX-5 would be great at: fuel economy and the way it drives.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
In June, our CX-5 averaged 23.7 mpg. That helped boost the lifetime average slightly to 21.9 mpg (up from 21.4 in May). Still, 21.9 mpg is disappointing, at least from my vantage point. Our long-term CR-V is thumping the CX-5 with its 27.6 mpg lifetime average.

Average lifetime mpg: 21.9
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 28.1
Best range: 324.8 miles
Current odometer: 4,928 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
We didn't have any maintenance due this month. Look for a report on the CX-5's 5,000-mile service in our forthcoming July update.

Logbook Highlights

Performance
"I didn't find our CX-5 as fun to drive as I thought I would. As some of my co-workers have noted in previous updates, acceleration is merely adequate. More surprising to me, though, is the CX-5's heavy steering feel. It requires more muscle to turn the wheel than I think is necessary for a small crossover SUV. The heavy steering feel makes the CX-5 seem less willing to quickly zip around a turn, which partially masks the CX-5's otherwise sporty and composed handling capabilities. The heavier feel also means it's more of a chore when wheeling around parking lots.

"Now, I don't want an overly boosted and artificial feel, either. But a little more assist would be appreciated." — Brent Romans, senior editor

Comfort
"Our CX-5 is comfortable on long drives. The ride quality is reasonably smooth on the highway, and I have no problems staying comfortable in the driver's seat for multiple hours on the road." — Brent Romans

Interior
"The CX-5's interior is impressive. The two-tone color scheme, high-quality materials, solid-feeling controls and no-nonsense design all help raise the CX-5's game. It's one of the main reasons to consider getting a CX-5, I'd say. As for downsides, the only thing I can come up with is the regular-size sunroof. Some rival crossover SUVs offer bigger, panoramic-style sunroofs that extend farther back so that the rear passengers can more easily see out." — Brent Romans

Technology-Audio
"It seems like Mazda's been using the same infotainment system for a few years now. Overall, I continue to like the knob-and-button controller interface. I find this interface helps reduce driver distraction compared to a traditional touchscreen interface. (The Mazda's screen is also touch-sensitive, but only when stopped.) However, the system lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and the graphics are starting to look a little dated." — Brent Romans

"The brake auto-hold feature of our CX-5 is a nice touch. When turned on, it automatically engages the brakes when you're at a stoplight so that you don't have to keep your foot on the brake. In heavy city traffic, I'll take the opportunity to stretch out my right foot a little. When you press on the gas pedal, the brakes immediately release." — Brent Romans

Miscellaneous
"As a middle-age married guy with two kids, I understand the appeal of owning a small crossover SUV. Whether I'm taking my kids to various summer camp activities or making runs to Target, the CX-5 is up to the task. There hasn't been a time yet where I needed a bigger three-row SUV. It's also comfortable, easy to get in and out of, fuel-efficient and just a tad more interesting to drive than most of the other crossovers out there.

"I also like the CX-5's exterior design. It's handsome and distinctive enough to be memorable. Too many other small crossovers just fade from memory. Our CX-5's optional Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint looks great, too.

"For more on our CX-5, check out our new comparison video that pits our long-term CX-5 against a Honda CR-V and a Toyota RAV4." — Brent Romans

Monthly Update for July 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
We wrestled away the keys to our 2018 Mazda CX-5 from editor Brent Romans, who helped tally around 1,400 miles in June. And after wrestling, we rested. Or at least that's the story the odometer tells since we drove a paltry 840 miles in July. There weren't any road trips on the agenda or steady, long commutes. Instead, we drove around town and took the CX-5 to the dealer for service and a recall inquiry.

We did, however, put enough commuting miles on it to extend its range record. In July we traveled 329.2 miles on a tank, beating the previous mark by just 5 miles.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
The CX-5 averaged 22.7 mpg in July, one full point below its June average. Not a good trend, but one we can chalk up to a low-mileage month. Even so, the CX-5 improved its lifetime mileage by one-tenth compared to June. It's now up to 22 mpg during the nearly 6,000 miles we've driven it.

That's obviously well short of the 26 mpg combined that the EPA estimate says it should get. And it's a handsome clock-cleaning behind the Honda CR-V, which is averaging 27.7 mpg over the course of more than 25,000 miles.

What gives? It's too early to speculate; we don't even have two dozen tank-fills on the CX-5 yet. But I have a theory that since several of us are already disappointed in the CX-5's somewhat toothless acceleration and general non-zoominess, we're all furiously plastering the accelerator to the floor in an attempt to coerce any life out of this powertrain. That's not going to help our fuel economy.

We'll see. It's early yet.

Average lifetime mpg: 22
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 28.1
Best range: 329.2 miles
Current odometer: 5,937 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
After the service wrench lit up on the instrument panel, we took our CX-5 to Mazda Santa Monica. We called Thursday and were able to schedule an appointment for the next morning. By early Friday afternoon, the car was ready for pickup. This routine maintenance included new oil, an oil filter, a tire rotation, and the standard list of safety inspections.

Total cost: $101.33.

We also took the CX-5 on a separate dealer visit to inquire about a recall campaign involving the side curtain airbags. Our car was built before the recall range, and thus the recall didn't apply. If you own a CX-5, however, read on:

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V426000
Manufacturer: Mazda North American Operations
Components: Airbags
Potential Number of Units Affected: 682

Summary
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 airbags 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."

Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain airbags, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 2718F.

Build Date Range
From April 11, 2018, through April 27, 2018

VIN Range
JM3KF****J*393624 to 404817
(The asterisk symbol * can be any letter or number.)

Logbook Highlights

Performance
"I'm hearing some buzz about the three-row CX-9's turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine showing up in the 2019 CX-5, and I hope it's true. Driving our long-term CX-5 after some seat time in the turbocharged Honda CR-V, it's clear that the Mazda needs more sauce to compete. The CX-5's non-turbocharged four-cylinder has to work hard to keep up with traffic, and it doesn't have much left when you pull out to pass on the highway. Adding that turbo engine would make the CX-5 'feel alive' in a way that it doesn't now." — Josh Sadlier, senior manager, content strategy

Interior
"The CX-5 is pretty quiet at highway speeds. From memory, I'd say it's quieter than the Honda CR-V and perhaps on par with some luxury crossovers. Mazda positions the CX-5 as a premium offering in its class, and by this measure at least, I'd say it delivers." — Josh Sadlier

Technology-Audio
"I'm not a fan of the CX-5's infotainment screen and its knob-based interface, both of which are also found in other Mazda products. The screen is small, the graphics are kind of cheesy, and I feel like the knob complicates some tasks that should be routine, like flipping through radio stations.

"I'm disappointed with our long-term CR-V's infotainment system, too, but Honda has really righted the ship with the next-gen system that's included with the new 2018 Accord. Presumably, the CR-V will get this updated system as a hand-me-down sometime soon, at which point the CX-5 will really have some catching up to do." — Josh Sadlier

Monthly Update for August 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
It was a low-key month for our 2018 Mazda CX-5. It spent most of its time with editor Brent Romans and was only driven about 890 miles. Brent was impressed by the CX-5's manual shift mode, climate control system, and blind-spot monitoring system indicators on the head-up display.

In late August, one of our commenters had posed the following questions: "Can you please tell us how the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint is holding up? I hear horror stories of significant chipping, especially (but not limited to) the hood and the front bumper. I'd like another data point. And is acceleration really all that horrid?"

I did a brief walkaround and found no evidence of paint chipping. It seems to be holding up so far at just under 7,000 miles of driving. We'll keep an eye on it in the future.

As for the CX-5's performance, it definitely feels slow, but its acceleration time seems to be on par with the Toyota RAV4's, so it isn't that "horrid."

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
We didn't move the needle much in terms of bettering the lifetime fuel economy. Our average across all miles is still 22.1 mpg, which is about 15 percent below the EPA rating of 26 mpg. We're going to need to take some road trips in order to bring up the average.

Average lifetime mpg: 22.1
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 28.2
Best range: 329.2 miles
Current odometer: 6,870 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights

Performance
"It's tough shopping for a small crossover in 2018. There are close to a dozen models that I'd be seriously interested in if I were in the market. So where does that leave the CX-5? I've been a little underwhelmed with our long-termer, to be honest. It hasn't been as fun to drive as I expected it to be, and that's supposed to be one of its distinguishing features. Still, the CX-5 has a quality cabin design, lots of useful features and attractive styling. If I had to cut my shopping list to, say, five crossovers, I'm pretty sure it'd make the cut." — Brent Romans, senior editor

"I'm in total agreement with Brent in that the CX-5 doesn't feel that sporty to drive. This is the same engine as in the Mazda 3 I own, only now it has to carry about 500 more pounds of vehicle weight. I can feel the difference. And when you look at the track-tested numbers, it looks like the driver's choice in this class is the Honda CR-V." — Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor

"I'm impressed with the manual shift mode in our CX-5. Pull the shift lever to the left and you've got access to the transmission's six forward gears. Pushing the lever forward results in a downshift, and pulling back is an upshift — thank goodness! Porsche does it this way, and that's all you need to know. Any other car that switches it around is wrong. (Joking, sort of.) Anyway, the manual downshifts are smooth and shift speed is quick enough. It's the kind of thing that helps support the CX-5's sporty persona." — Brent Romans

Technology-Audio
"There's a bit of a learning curve to the CX-5's control knob-based infotainment system. Every action is a number of knob twists and button presses away. The system really works best when you set up the 'favorites' section, which is accessible via the star button. Press it and you're taken to a screen where your radio presets are, as well as your favorite phone contacts and any addresses you've saved. This greatly cuts down on the steps needed for each of these actions. But while the interface isn't the most intuitive, the control knob and surrounding buttons are ergonomically placed and make navigating the menus much easier to do." — Ron Montoya

"Here's a little feature that I find useful: blind-spot indicators in our CX-5's head-up display. When the blind-spot monitoring system detects a car in one of your blind spots, it will display a little icon in the head-up display. There's an icon for the left side and the right side of the vehicle. The icon kind of looks like a little Wi-Fi signal strength icon. This is in addition to the system's normal yellow lights on the side mirrors. I really like this feature because I can keep my attention more fully on the road ahead without having to switch my gaze to the side mirrors to see if there's a vehicle lurking behind me." — Brent Romans

Cargo Space
"One of the knocks on the CX-5 is its smaller cargo area compared to other small crossover titans such as the Honda CR-V. You get a maximum of 59.6 cubic feet of space compared to the Honda's 75.8. It's a fair complaint. But for the typical stuff such as loading up grocery bags, kids' sports gear or the haul from a Costco spending spree, I think the CX-5's cargo area is perfectly adequate." — Brent Romans

Comfort
"I'm pleased with the operation of our CX-5's climate system this summer. It's kept me sufficiently cool thanks to effective air conditioning and well-placed vents. System operation is easy, too, as the buttons for the automatic dual-zone system are clearly labeled." — Brent Romans

Monthly Update for September 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
We drove our 2018 Mazda CX-5 about 1,700 miles in September, making up for a low-key, low-mileage August. The CX-5 traveled everywhere, from Northern California's Bay Area to Universal Studios in nearby Hollywood. In the course of those miles, we found a workaround for a lack of cargo hooks, learned how easy it is to install a front-facing child seat, encountered a slight stalling issue, and heard the rumor mill churning about a much-need powertrain upgrade.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
Our man Rex Tokeshi-Torres set the CX-5's second-best range record at 331.8 miles. We've traveled in the high 320s a few times, but this is the first time to top 330 miles. Aside from that, however, our lifetime mpg of 22.5 is still underperforming and disappointing.

Average lifetime mpg: 22.5
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 28.1
Best range: 331.8 miles
Current odometer: 8,907 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
"This morning, the CX-5 died on me in a very undramatic way. I went down to my parking spot, started up the car, then it immediately turned itself off. There was no clunking or banging or backfiring, just a shut-off. The check engine light came on. I then pressed the start button (to turn the car off) and started the car back up again. No issues, no check engine light, like nothing ever happened. Time to schedule a dealer visit and see if they've got that code stored in the car's computer." — Travis Langness, reviews editor

"Took the CX-5 to the dealership after it died on Travis. We got a call from the service adviser a few hours later, saying that the issue was fixed and the car ready for pick up. The problem was a known issue, part of a technical service bulletin (TSB #01-015-18-3513). It said the following:

"'Some vehicles may experience a lack of power and the check engine light on with dtc p061b:00 stored in the PCM memory when engine cranking is interrupted. This concern most likely occurs when the brake pedal is released during engine cranking.'

"The fix was a simple software update to the powertrain control module. It was covered under warranty and we paid nothing. We'll keep our foot on the brake a little longer when starting and hopefully this issue doesn't crop up again." — Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor

Total cost: $0
Days out of service: 0

Logbook Highlights
Performance
"I'm the kind of person who cares about engines and how they perform, so when I think of our long-term CX-5, the word 'underpowered' typically comes to mind. But what if our CX-5 had Mazda's torquey 2.5-liter turbo engine, the one that comes standard in the larger CX-9? In that case, I wouldn't have much to complain about. This is a remarkably easy SUV to live with, drawing attention to little except its grace and all-around competence. It's easy on the eyes, too.

"With assertive turbocharged acceleration, I think it would be the odds-on favorite in this segment. In point of fact, there's a persistent rumor that the 2.5T will be offered in the CX-5 for 2019, which I hope is true. A turbocharged CX-5 versus the current Honda CR-V would be a very interesting matchup." — Josh Sadlier, senior manager, content strategy

"I stopped at a fruit stand set up alongside California Route 152 on my way up to the Bay Area. After picking up some late summer peaches and plums, I got ready to pull back into traffic, traffic that was scooting along somewhere around 50 miles per hour. Although the CX-5 managed to get me up to flow-of-traffic speed, it didn't seem the least bit happy about it. The sluggish response to me laying into the gas was more than surprising — it was disappointing. The CX-5 is fantastic in many respects. But getting up to highway speed quickly isn't one of them." — Matt Jones, senior consumer advice editor

Cargo Space
"The CX-5 doesn't have grocery bag hooks in the cargo area, or at least any I can find. And that's a bummer because when you're toting food stuff that bruises easily, like peaches or tomatoes; grocery bag hooks can ensure that round-ish things don't roll around and get all messed up. Since the CX-5 doesn't have any grocery bag hooks, I made my own." — Matt Jones

"This past Sunday I chauffeured my sister, brother-in-law and 4-year-old niece to Universal Studios. Since it was just the four of us, we fit comfortably in the crossover. And it easily accommodated Astrid's stroller, snack pack, backpack of extra outfits, a car seat, and all the adults' bags. There was still plenty of room for the delicate balloon hats acquired at the end of the day." — Caroline Pardilla, senior copy editor

Comfort
"My sister Jennifer sat in the back seat with her 4-year-old daughter. And not only did she appreciate how easy the child seat was to buckle in thanks to the anchor located midway down the back of the seat, but that she was still able to use the armrest even with the installed child seat there. It's a thoughtful bit of comfort."  — Caroline Pardilla

Monthly Update for October 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
Our 2018 Mazda CX-5 really stretched its legs in October. We drove it about 3,500 miles, including trips to Sonoma and even north of Lake Tahoe. We set new fuel efficiency and range records, further lamented the lack of a cargo net and had some impressions of the CX-5's tech features.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
Both road trips set new records for fuel economy. Scott Jacobs, our senior manager of photo operations, broke last month's maximum range record with an impressive 347 miles on one tank. And Reviews Editor Travis Langness set a new record for best-fill mpg, getting 33 mpg over 177 miles.

These results increased the CX-5's lifetime fuel efficiency from 22.4 to 23.9 mpg. Despite those improvements, we are still a couple of ticks below the EPA combined rating of 26 mpg. Travis noticed this on his recent road trip:

"Even on the highway, and even with a mind for fuel economy, I'm having a hard time reaching the EPA's highway estimate in the CX-5. Passing power down low just isn't there, so when you go around a semi you really have to bury the throttle. On a recent road trip to and from Northern California, I was able to get it above 28 mpg, but only just. Even though that's a current record for our test, that's still 2 mpg below the EPA's estimate." — Travis Langness, reviews editor

Average lifetime mpg: 23.9
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 33
Best range: 347.2 miles
Current odometer: 12,434 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights

Technology-Audio
"The adaptive cruise control in our CX-5 is really rather ham-fisted. It doesn't seem to detect vehicles in front of you until they're very close, and when it does spot them, it hits the brakes pretty hard. Then, it maintains a distance that's too long for my liking, even on the closest setup. Luckily, the system can be disabled, [reinstating] standard cruise control." — Travis Langness

"I like the CX-5's lane keeping assist system. It's not annoying, not intrusive and not dramatic. It doesn't vibrate the steering wheel and doesn't issue a buzzing alert (à la the Nissan Leaf, which editor Jonathan Elfalan aptly compared to the buzzer from the Operation board game). Instead, if you drift to the edge of your lane, the CX-5 just adds firm and deliberate steering input to nudge the car back to center, enough to let you know that you weren't paying attention, but not so much as to lecture you." — Dan Frio, reviews editor

Comfort
"I drove up to my family's seasonal cabin north of Tahoe to close it out for the winter. The CX-5 is a reasonably sized car, but to fit my three large dogs, I folded the rear flat and laid out several blankets for them to relax on for the 18-hour round trip. My senior dog, Archie, immediately made himself at home in the back. Thankfully my seat in the CX-5 was comfortable over the long haul as well.

"I enjoyed our CX-5's comfort and especially the head-up display for the speedo. I felt I could focus on the road a lot more by having the display within my periphery. I personally could not stand using the head unit for anything other than stereo, and even then I preferred to stream music out of my phone and not deal with it. The system was clunky and hard to use, especially the navigation. Apple CarPlay has spoiled me." — Scott Jacobs, senior manager, photo operations

Cargo Space
"Crossovers like this CX-5 should all come with cargo nets in the rear. I've gone on dozens of road trips in cars such as the CR-V, the CX-5, the Escape, and seldom do I find myself filling the cargo area to the brim. Sure, it's just a $50 option at most dealerships, but a cargo net as standard would be a nice added touch to keep my cargo in place back there." — Travis Langness

Interior
"One of the reasons the CX-5 feels so luxury-adjacent is the high-quality interior. Lots of nice materials, plush seats and a really quiet ride on the highway. Take off the badges and maybe fancy-up some of the fonts on the dials and you'd be hard-pressed to distinguish [it] from some of its luxury rivals." — Travis Langness

Monthly Update for November 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
It was back to commuting as normal for our 2018 Mazda CX-5 in November. Though a far cry from the 3,500 miles we drove in October, we added 1,300 miles in November, mostly local but with a long-distance desert drive to boost the total. With more than 13,000 miles on the odometer, we've still got thoughts on the CX-5's engine and performance, and we're contemplating an upgrade to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
Lifetime fuel economy decreased slightly from 23.9 to 23.3 mpg. It doesn't look like we'll beat or get near the EPA combined rating of 26 mpg during this long-term test. We can't even average the city EPA estimate of 24 mpg. Los Angeles traffic tends to take a big toll on our fuel economy. That said, it appears that other CX-5 owners are reporting numbers closer in line with the EPA estimates.

Average lifetime mpg: 23.3
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 33
Best range: 347.2 miles
Current odometer: 13,737 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights

Performance
"I hear that Mazda's officially putting the 2.5-liter turbo engine into the CX-5 for 2019, at least as an option, and it can't come soon enough. The regular CX-5's lackluster acceleration is the biggest reason why I don't look forward to driving the thing. Otherwise, it's a great little ute — easy to park yet substantial-feeling on the road. But the lack of authority when you need to merge or pass is a real letdown. Bring on the turbo, I say!" — Josh Sadlier, director, content strategy

"One of our biggest complaints has been the CX-5's lack of power. It's definitely an issue, but it shouldn't be a deal-breaker if you have some interest in this vehicle. I've gotten used to it for the most part, and it helps that I'm not an aggressive driver. If I need a quick burst of speed, I'll switch on Sport mode to make the throttle a little more responsive." — Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor

"Mazdas have long been the driver's choice when compared to the competition. But after spending some time in both the CX-5 and the Honda CR-V, I'm officially calling it. The Mazda is NOT the driver's choice in the compact crossover class. That honor now belongs to the CR-V. Not only is it apparent on back-to-back test drives, but the numbers on the track all favor the CR-V. It has a faster 0-60 mph time and a shorter braking distance." — Ron Montoya

Technology-Audio
"Mazda has quietly announced an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retroactive upgrade for 2014-and-newer Mazdas. It costs $199 for the parts, plus two hours of labor. It's mostly a software upgrade, but you do get a quicker-charging USB port. I called a couple of local dealerships, and the prices with labor ranged from $450 to $499. We won't likely get this upgrade since the CX-5 is only with us for a few more months. It's pricey, but I'd definitely consider this upgrade. I hardly use the in-car nav, often opting for Google or Apple maps. Plus, it would be an improvement over having my phone mounted to the air vents." — Ron Montoya

Monthly Update for December 2018

Where Did We Drive It?
Our 2018 Mazda CX-5 had a low-key December, as we only drove it about 860 miles. Part of that was due to the holidays, in which many of us were off from work and didn't need to commute as much.

We still found time to praise our CX-5 for its interior and run into the limits of its cargo capacity. We even used it as a rescue vehicle.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
The CX-5's lifetime fuel economy increased a slight tick from 23.3 to 23.4 mpg in December. As we noted earlier, our lifetime mpg isn't close to the EPA combined rating of 26 mpg, but we're closer to the 25 mpg that people are getting in real-world driving, according to Fuelly.com. We'll chalk up the difference to Los Angeles traffic, which regularly takes a toll on our fuel economy.

Average lifetime mpg: 23.4
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 33
Best range: 347.2 miles
Current odometer: 14,825 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights

Interior
"A guy approached while I was waiting for my shawarma at the local Lebanese place and asked about the CX-5. He said the lease is almost up on his wife's Honda Pilot, and they're curious about Mazda. I offered to open the CX-5 up and give him and his wife a look inside. The guy said his family has always owned and enjoyed Hondas, but that he was enamored with the Mazda's design and color. He just loved how it looked inside and out; said so at least five times. I grabbed my shawarma and mentioned he should check out the CX-9 if they want something the same size as the Pilot. Clearly, Mazda's got the design thing down right." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content

Cargo Space
"I've always accepted the CX-5's reduced cargo capacity as a trade-off for its design, but over the holidays I nearly ran into the limits of that capacity. I volunteered to take a family member to the airport. This family member had two large pieces of luggage that the cargo area could just barely fit. Admittedly, this luggage was big (is there a size above 'oversized'?), but it made me wonder if the CX-5 would've been able to fit another person and another person's worth of luggage. Probably yes, with the seats folded flat, but it'd be tight. Now, the size of the luggage means this was probably closer to an edge case, but it is something families should be aware about." — Carlos Lago

Technology-Audio
"Sleepy-driver aids can only do so much, and then you have to either ask another driver to take over or just call it a night. I found this out when I had to rescue editor Jay Kavanagh in Central California after the box van he was traveling in broke down. He threw up the bat signal after midnight. And since he was about 200 miles away, I didn't get to him until around 3 a.m. Amazingly enough, I wasn't too tired and was able to simply sing along to '80s music on satellite radio to stay motivated.

"But when I picked up Jay and he hopped behind the wheel, it was only after about 20 minutes of driving when he then asked me to take over. As a passenger, I didn't notice Jay driving sleepy — no going over Bott's dots or weaving, for example — but it was good that he called it before it got to that point. When you're that sleepy, a vibrating steering wheel or an alert isn't going to be enough to keep you awake for a long drive. But I can see either of these features being a good heads-up, like if you are vibrating the steering wheel too much, it's time to grab a hotel room for the night." — Caroline Pardilla, senior copy editor

Comfort
"The CX-5 is exactly the type of car you'd want rescuing you after being stranded at the side of Interstate 5 in Central California in the middle of the night. After waiting in a box van for four hours without power or heat in 40-degree temperatures, Jay and his friend were grateful I pulled up in the CX-5. Sure, at that point they'd be grateful for anyone to help them out. But the CX-5 is not only comfy and roomy enough so that they could sack out, but it also easily swallowed up their luggage and race gear." — Caroline Pardilla

Monthly Update for January 2019

Where Did We Drive It?
After a slow December, our 2018 Mazda CX-5 was back on track in January, with a solid 1,125 miles added to the odometer. We're about a month away from the end of our tenure with the CX-5, which means that many of us are starting to run out of things to say about this solid crossover.

But what our logbook comments lack in quantity, they make up for in quality. We found out how the CX-5's transmission acts on hills and what it's like to park on a short driveway. And we also have a few early impressions on the 2019 CX-5's new turbo engine.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
The CX-5's lifetime fuel economy decreased a couple of ticks from 23.4 to 23.2 mpg in January. Carlos recorded the second-lowest fill ever, at 17.9 mpg, which brought down the average. It was either him using manual mode in the hills of Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood or an eager right foot.

Average lifetime mpg: 23.2
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 33
Best range: 347.2 miles
Current odometer: 15,723 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights

Performance
"A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to drive the 2019 Mazda CX-5 in the Great White North. Most of the CX-5's core lineup stays the same, but two new trims sit atop the previous top-level Grand Touring. Both models — dubbed the Grand Touring Reserve and the Signature — feature the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine from the CX-9.

"The icy roads in Whistler [British Columbia] prevented me from really laying into the throttle, but my brief spurts of acceleration revealed the turbo-four's ample low-end torque. One of our only real complaints about our long-term, non-turbocharged CX-5 is the lack of thrust when you put the hammer down. The new engine is much better and well worth the cost if you were already planning on going for the Grand Touring anyway. The Reserve isn't too much more." — Cameron Rogers, reviews editor

"Our CX-5 seems a little too hesitant to downshift. It's most apparent on slow, hilly roads, like the Silver Lake neighborhood I drove through this weekend. When climbing a steep hill and slowing, the CX-5 waits a little too long for comfort to downshift. You keep feeding in the gas pedal and ... nothing. There was one point when I thought it might stall — never mind the impossibility of that happening. At least there's an easy fix: moving the shifter to manual and doing the work yourself." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content

Technology-Audio
"I appreciate the shape of the CX-5's front end. It makes it pretty easy to judge where the front of the car is from the driver's seat. I was able to park in a relatively short driveway over the weekend on my first try, even without forward parking sensors, and get right up close to the garage door without worrying about bumping it." — Will Kaufman, content strategist and news editor

Monthly Update for February 2019

Where Did We Drive It?
Our 2018 Mazda CX-5 is in stoppage time now, to borrow an old soccer term. Its loan to us, which should have ended in February, has been extended by a couple of months. We were short on miles in February, adding a paltry 468, a record low, to the odometer. But we hope to make it closer to the 20,000-mile mark in the final stretch.

Our limited comments this month seem to go hand in hand with the miles driven. In this month's update, we discuss how the CX-5's engine noise affects its premium status and admire its looks, especially compared to the competition.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
The CX-5's lifetime fuel economy decreased for a second month from 23.2 to 23.1 mpg in February. There were only two fill-ups that month and one was the second lowest fill ever, at 17.5 mpg. The other tank was an equally disappointing 20.4 mpg. After about a year's worth of fuel economy data, this 11.5 percent deviation from the EPA estimate is about what you can expect if you're driving in a congested urban environment like Los Angeles.

Average lifetime mpg: 23.1
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 33
Best range: 347.2 miles
Current odometer: 16,799 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights
Comfort
"It's been a while since I drove the CX-5, and in between, I drove quite a few premium SUVs. Remember, Mazda is staking part of its identity right now on offering more premium products. One of the most noticeable sensory differences between the CX-5 and a pricier luxury product has to be engine noise around town. I'm forever winding out the CX-5's 186-hp engine, so engine noise is a constant companion. I'll be interested to see how different things are in the turbocharged model we have coming in for testing soon." — Will Kaufman, content strategist and news editor

Performance
"With the knowledge that the CX-5 is now available with a turbocharged engine, the non-turbo engine in our long-term CX-5 loses more luster. Our engine is not a bad one by any measure; rather the CX-5 as a package simply deserves more grunt. And the sound our CX-5 makes when you accelerate even moderately is too much of an uninspired thing. There, too, the new turbo engine may have an advantage (I'm speculating here) as a turbo acts as a muffling device. In short, get the turbo engine." — Jason Kavanagh, senior vehicle test engineer

Miscellaneous
"Whenever I see a CX-5 on the road, I think about how stylish this model is relative to its rivals. If you're looking for a small SUV that doesn't make you feel like you've given up on being fashionable, what's out there beyond the Mazda? CR-V, RAV4, Forester, Equinox? Bunch of nopes right there. I don't see anything other than the Wrangler, which is, of course, a different thing altogether. I salute Mazda for penning a practical small SUV with genuine aesthetic appeal. Clearly, it's not an easy trick to pull off." — Josh Sadlier, director, content strategy

Monthly Update for March 2019

Where Did We Drive It?
Our time with the 2018 Mazda CX-5 is coming to an end. March was its last full month with us, and we drove it about 815 miles. We nearly doubled last month's miles. But barring any last-minute cross-country trips, it doesn't look like we'll get to the 20,000-mile goal we set for our long-term vehicles.

This month, we logged observations on the CX-5's head-up display, weak USB port and how it is still one of the more comfortable vehicles in our fleet.

What Kind of Fuel Economy Did It Get?
The CX-5's lifetime fuel economy stayed put at 23.1 mpg in March. As we mentioned last month, it's safe to conclude that if you're driving in a congested urban environment like Los Angeles, you are going to average about 2 mpg less than the EPA's combined estimate.

Average lifetime mpg: 23.1
EPA mpg rating: 26 combined (24 city/30 highway)
Best fill mpg: 33
Best range: 347.2 miles
Current odometer: 17,295 miles

Maintenance and Upkeep
None.

Logbook Highlights

Technology
"It's apparent Mazda hasn't done anything to improve the charging capabilities of the two USB ports. On a 30-mile local trip using Waze, an iPhone 8 ended the trip with less charge than it began with." — Kathleen Clonts, copy chief

"The head-up display is pretty nifty. An especially nice touch is its link to the navigation unit. The HUD shows a prominent bright-red stop sign when you're approaching an intersection. This tech is especially valuable around curves and on streets where the view may be obstructed by vehicles or greenery." — Kathleen Clonts

Comfort
"When I get a chance to sign out the CX-5, it's at the top of my list so my wife can spend time in it. She finds it comfortable and surprisingly upscale, and she loves the exterior styling. Even though it has less cargo room than the Forester we own, it's WAAAAAAAAY more engaging, and I don't curse the transmission at every light." — John Adolph, supervising producer

Interior
"I noticed the power window switches use a nice, smoother plastic compared to the ones in my older CX-5. Mazda's stepping up the luxury feel even more." — Kathleen Clonts

Wrap-Up

What We Got
Compact SUVs are all the rage, but they usually don't have a reputation for being fun to drive. With that in mind, we jumped at the chance to drive our 2018 Mazda CX-5 for a year, hoping it would deliver some excitement along with its utility.

Mazda lent us a Grand Touring AWD model with a base MSRP of $30,945. It came with the Premium package ($1,395), which added heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a windshield wiper de-icer, and a head-up display with traffic sign recognition.

Our CX-5 also came with an optional cargo mat ($70), illuminated doorsill plates ($400) and a rear bumper guard ($125). These options, plus a $595 charge for the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint and destination fees, brought the CX-5's total to $34,505.

Performance

"The 187 horsepower is more than adequate for normal cruising speeds, but if you push the CX-5 at all, or try an aggressive lane change, the lack of power is very noticeable. The engine growls loudly, but the CX-5 does not move to match the sound. Also in terms of fuel economy, I averaged slightly more than 20 mpg, which falls short of the EPA ratings. Compared to the fuel economy you can get in a Honda CR-V, which feels larger and more powerful, the Mazda CX-5 doesn't compare." — Edmunds guest contributor

"I didn't find our CX-5 as fun to drive as I thought I would. As some of my co-workers have noted in previous updates, acceleration is merely adequate. More surprising to me, though, is the CX-5's heavy steering feel. It requires more muscle to turn the wheel than I think is necessary for a small crossover SUV.

"The heavy steering feel makes the CX-5 seem less willing to quickly zip around a turn, which partially masks the CX-5's otherwise sporty and composed handling capabilities. The heavier feel also means it's more of a chore when wheeling around parking lots. Now, I don't want an overly boosted and artificial feel, either. But a little more assist would be appreciated." — Brent Romans, senior editor

"I'm impressed with the manual shift mode in our CX-5. Pull the shift lever to the left and you've got access to the transmission's six forward gears. Pushing the lever forward results in a downshift, and pulling back is an upshift — thank goodness! Porsche does it this way, and that's all you need to know. Any other car that switches it around is wrong. (Joking, sort of.) Anyway, the manual downshifts are smooth and shift speed is quick enough. It's the kind of thing that helps support the CX-5's sporty persona." — Brent Romans

"I stopped at a fruit stand set up alongside California Route 152 on my way up to the Bay Area. After picking up some late summer peaches and plums, I got ready to pull back into traffic, traffic that was scooting along somewhere around 50 miles per hour. Although the CX-5 managed to get me up to flow-of-traffic speed, it didn't seem the least bit happy about it. The sluggish response to me laying into the gas [pedal] was more than surprising, it was disappointing. The CX-5 is fantastic in many respects. But getting up to highway speed quickly isn't one of them." — Matt Jones, senior consumer advice editor

"One of our biggest complaints has been the CX-5's lack of power. It's definitely an issue, but shouldn't be a deal-breaker if you have some interest in this vehicle. I've gotten used to it for the most part, and it helps that I'm not an aggressive driver. If I need a quick burst of speed, I'll switch on Sport mode to make the throttle a little more responsive." — Ron Montoya, senior consumer advice editor

"Our Mazda CX-5 is one of the best compact crossovers on the market — check our rankings of small SUVs and you'll see that it's tied with the CR-V for the No. 1 spot, with an overall score of 8.1 out of 10. That's quite good, but there's always room for improvement.

"We felt let down by one aspect in particular: the engine. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder just doesn't feel very quick, especially in contrast to the CR-V's responsive turbocharged engine. Though outright acceleration isn't the most important thing in the world of crossovers, the CX-5 feels painfully slow while executing passing maneuvers on the freeway.

"For 2019, Mazda is offering an alternative for people like, well, me. The new Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims stuff the turbocharged 2.5-liter from the CX-9 underhood, giving the CX-5 one of the best acceleration times in the class. The best 0-60 mph time we've managed from a CX-5 with the standard engine is 8.7 seconds. (For reference, the CR-V clocks in at 7.6 seconds.)

"A recently tested 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature takes just 6.6 seconds, which is a few ticks quicker than a Chevrolet Equinox with the turbo 2.0-liter. Both cars have better acceleration than the V6-powered Jeep Cherokee or turbo 2.0-liter-equipped Ford Escape.

"The two trims help set the CX-5 apart from the rest of the crowd. The Grand Touring Reserve is essentially the same as the Grand Touring, but with the hot engine and standard all-wheel drive. The Signature adds nicer leather, real wood trim, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors." — Cameron Rogers, reviews editor

MPG

"Even on the highway, and even with a mind for fuel economy, I'm having a hard time reaching the EPA's highway estimate in the CX-5. Passing power down low just isn't there, so when you go around a semi you really have to bury the throttle. On a recent road trip to and from Northern California, I was able to get it above 28 mpg, but only just. Even though that's a current record for our test, that's still 2 mpg below the EPA's estimate." — Travis Langness, reviews editor

Comfort

"Our CX-5 is comfortable on long drives. The ride quality is reasonably smooth on the highway, and I have no problems staying comfortable in the driver's seat for multiple hours on the road." — Brent Romans

"I'm pleased with the operation of our CX-5's climate system this summer. It's kept me sufficiently cool thanks to effective air conditioning and well-placed vents. System operation is easy, too, as the buttons for the automatic dual-zone system are clearly labeled." — Brent Romans

"My sister Jennifer sat in the back seat with her 4-year-old daughter. And not only did she appreciate how easy it was to buckle in the child seat thanks to the anchor located midway down the back of the seat, but that she was still able to use the armrest even with the installed child seat there. It's a thoughtful bit of comfort." —  Caroline Pardilla, senior copy editor

Cargo Space

"One of the knocks on the CX-5 is its smaller cargo area compared to other small crossover titans such as the Honda CR-V. You get a maximum of 59.6 cubic feet of space compared to the Honda's 75.8. It's a fair complaint. But for the typical stuff like loading up grocery bags, kids' sports gear or the haul from a Costco spending spree, I think the CX-5's cargo area is perfectly adequate." — Brent Romans

"This past Sunday I chauffeured my sister, brother-in-law and 4-year-old niece to Universal Studios. Since it was just the four of us, we fit comfortably in the crossover. And it easily accommodated niece Astrid's stroller, snack pack, backpack of extra outfits, a car seat, and all the adults' bags. There was still plenty of room for the delicate balloon hats acquired at the end of the day." — Caroline Pardilla

"I've always accepted the CX-5's reduced cargo capacity as a trade-off for its design, but over the holidays I nearly ran into the limits of that capacity. I volunteered to take a family member to the airport. This family member had two large pieces of luggage that the cargo area could just barely fit. Admittedly, this luggage was big (is there a size above 'oversized'?), but it made me wonder if the CX-5 would've been able to fit another person and another person's worth of luggage. Probably yes, with the seats folded flat, but it'd be tight. Now, the size of the luggage means this was probably closer to an edge case, but it is something families should be aware of." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content

Interior

"The CX-5's interior is impressive. The two-tone color scheme, high-quality materials, solid-feeling controls and no-nonsense design all help raise the CX-5's game. It's one of the main reasons to consider getting a CX-5, I'd say. As for downsides, the only thing I can come up with is the regular-size sunroof. Some rival crossover SUVs offer bigger, panoramic-style sunroofs that extend farther back so that the rear passengers can more easily see out." — Brent Romans

"One of the reasons the CX-5 feels so luxury-adjacent is the high-quality interior. Lots of nice materials, plush seats and a really quiet ride on the highway. Take off the badges and maybe fancy-up some of the fonts on the dials and you'd be hard-pressed to distinguish [it] from some of its luxury rivals." — Travis Langness

"I noticed the power window switches use a nice, smoother plastic compared to the ones in my older CX-5. Mazda's stepping up the luxury feel even more." —Kathleen Clonts, copy chief

Audio and Technology

"I'm glad Mazda finally came out with a full-speed range adaptive cruise control. Previous systems, as in our recently departed long-term CX-9, only worked down to a relatively useless 15 mph. The CX-5's system performs well too, maintaining a reasonable gap to the vehicle ahead and not overreacting with huge amounts of braking should another vehicle slip into your lane. It definitely helps blunt the stress edge of the rush-hour commute." — Jonathan Elfalan, road test manager

"Mazda has quietly announced an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retroactive upgrade for 2014-and-newer Mazdas. It costs $199 for the parts, plus two hours of labor. It's mostly a software upgrade, but you do get a quicker-charging USB port. I called a couple of local dealerships and the prices with labor ranged from $450 to $499. We won't likely get this upgrade since the CX-5 is only with us for a few more months. It's pricey, but I'd definitely consider this upgrade. I hardly use the in-car nav, often opting for Google or Apple maps. Plus, it would be an improvement over having my phone mounted to the air vents." — Ron Montoya

"The head-up display is pretty nifty. An especially nice touch is its link to the navigation unit. The HUD shows a prominent bright-red stop sign when you"re approaching an intersection. This is especially valuable around curves and on streets where the view may be obstructed by vehicles or greenery." — Kathleen Clonts

Maintenance

"After the service wrench lit up on the instrument panel, we took our CX-5 to Mazda Santa Monica. We called Thursday and were able to schedule an appointment for the next morning. By early Friday afternoon, the car was ready for pickup. This routine maintenance included new oil, an oil filter, a tire rotation, and the standard list of safety inspections. Total cost: $101.33." — Mike Schmidt, senior manager, vehicle testing operations

"This morning, the CX-5 died on me in a very undramatic way. I went down to my parking spot, started up the car, then it immediately turned itself off. There was no clunking or banging or backfiring, just a shut-off. The check engine light came on. I then pressed the start button (to turn the car off) and started the car back up again. No issues, no check engine light, like nothing ever happened. Time to schedule a dealer visit and see if they've got that code stored in the car's computer." — Travis Langness

"Took the CX-5 to the dealership after it died on Travis. We got a call from the service adviser a few hours later, saying that the issue was fixed and the car was ready for pickup. The problem was a known issue, part of a technical service bulletin (TSB #01-015-18-3513) that noted the following:

'Some vehicles may experience a lack of power and the check engine light on with dtc p061b:00 stored in the PCM memory when engine cranking is interrupted. This concern most likely occurs when the brake pedal is released during engine cranking.'

"The fix was a simple software update to the powertrain control module. It was covered under warranty and we paid nothing. We'll keep our foot on the brake a little longer when starting and hopefully this issue doesn't crop up again." — Ron Montoya

Miscellaneous

"I always felt like the original CX-5 was a little overrated. Sure, it was an above-average athlete on twisty roads, but how many owners actually test the limits in that scenario? These things aren't sports cars; they're daily drivers or family haulers. And in those capacities, I felt the original CX-5 failed to distinguish itself.

"But this second-generation CX-5 is a big step up. It's quieter and more supple on the road, it's got a newfound premium vibe inside and out, and the old model's unpleasantly low (for me) back seat has been replaced with a higher-mounted unit that provides plenty of room and support for my 6-foot-1 frame.

"The one thing it's missing is a more powerful engine option to compete with something like the 2.0-liter turbocharged Ford Escape. Otherwise, I'd say the CX-5 now lives up to the media hype and may well be the best SUV in its class." — Josh Sadlier, senior manager, content strategy

"It's tough shopping for a small crossover in 2018. There are close to a dozen models that I'd be seriously interested in if I were in the market. So where does that leave the CX-5? I've been a little underwhelmed with our long-termer, to be honest. It hasn't been as fun to drive as I expected it to be, and that's supposed to be one of its distinguishing features. Still, the CX-5 has a quality cabin design, lots of useful features and attractive styling. If I had to cut my shopping list to, say, five crossovers, I'm pretty sure it'd make the cut." — Brent Romans

"A guy approached while I was waiting for my shawarma at the local Lebanese place and asked about the CX-5. He said the lease is almost up on his wife's Honda Pilot, and they're curious about Mazda. I offered to open the CX-5 up and give him and his wife a look inside. The guy said his family has always owned and enjoyed Hondas, but that he was enamored with the Mazda's design and color. He just loved how it looked inside and out; said so at least five times. I grabbed my shawarma and mentioned he should check out the CX-9 if they want something the same size as the Pilot. Clearly, Mazda's got the design thing down right." — Carlos Lago, manager, feature content

Maintenance & Repairs

Regular Maintenance:
Our CX-5 called for maintenance every 6,000 miles. We took it once at 6,000 and another at 12,000 miles. Each one cost about $102. The service included a safety inspection, oil change and a tire rotation.

Service Campaigns:
We were informed of a recall affecting certain 2018 Mazda CX-5 models with side airbags that may not open properly in an accident (NHTSA campaign number: 18V426000). Our CX-5 was not one of the 682 units affected by the recall.

Fuel Economy and Resale Value

Observed Fuel Economy:
The Mazda CX-5 has an EPA combined rating of 26 mpg (24 city/30 highway). We averaged about 23.1 mpg in 16,223 miles of driving, about 11% less than the EPA estimate. Our best gas fill was 33 mpg and our worst was 17.2 mpg. Finally, our best overall range on a single tank of gas was 347.2 miles.

Resale and Depreciation:
Our 2018 Mazda CX-5 had a sticker price of $34,505 when it was new. After a year of driving, our odometer had about 17,600 miles on it. Assuming clean condition, the CX-5 had a private-party appraised value of $24,818.

This is a 28% depreciation, which is worse than our long-term fleet average of 22%.

Summing Up

Pros:
We loved the looks of our CX-5, both inside and out. The exterior was a stylish change of pace from most compact SUVs. The interior felt premium, and there were plenty of high-tech features.

Cons:
Many of us were underwhelmed by the engine's power, and we had trouble nearing the EPA fuel estimates. The cargo area was small compared to competitors.

Bottom Line:
While the CX-5 didn't quite deliver the driving excitement we hoped for, it was still one of the top compact SUVs for shoppers to consider. Overall, we thought that this CX-5 was a notable improvement on the previous generation: better-looking, more refined and more comfortable.

Disclaimer:
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.