2017 Mazda CX-5 — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2017 Mazda CX-5

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $23,692–$31,914
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Mazda CX-5

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$23,692–$31,914

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Mazda CX-5

Our scoring places the 2017 Mazda CX-5 at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $23,692–$31,914, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda CX-5 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2017 Mazda CX-5 is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2017 Mazda CX-5 ranks #564 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 77% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $23,692 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 34%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which CX-5 Year Should You Buy?

Across the CX-5 model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.1/10$30,889 Read review →
2025 8.1/10$30,889 Read review →
2024 8.1/10$29,990 Read review →
2023 8.0/10$29,090 Read review →
2022 7.9/10$28,190 Read review →
2021 7.8/10$27,290 Read review →
2020 7.8/10$26,391 Read review →
2019 7.9/10$25,491 Read review →
2018 7.8/10$24,591 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.7/10$23,692
2016 7.6/10$22,792 Read review →
2015 7.6/10$21,892 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Mazda CX-5

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Mazda CX-5 (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Trailer hitches
21/11/2017 · 17V744000
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,…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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