Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2018 Mazda CX-5
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. 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. Reliability stands out at 8.6/10. The CX-5 nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
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. At 7.3/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $24,591–$28,407, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda CX-5 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. At 7.8/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2018 Mazda CX-5 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
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 2018 Mazda CX-5 ranks #428 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 83% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $24,591 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 32%.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which CX-5 Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Mazda CX-5 scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.8 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
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
NHTSA Recalls — 2018 Mazda CX-5 (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Side/window 25/06/2018 · 18V426000
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…
Engine 27/06/2019 · 19V497000
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.
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2018 Mazda CX-5 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2018 Mazda CX-5
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 reliable?
We rate the 2018 Mazda CX-5's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2018 Mazda CX-5 worth buying?
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #428 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 83% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 cost?
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 starts at $24,591 and ranges up to $28,407 across trims (MSRP when new). At 22 MPG, expect roughly $2,386/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which CX-5 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest CX-5 years we've rated are 2016 (7.6/10), 2015 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2018 Mazda CX-5 have?
The documented issues for the 2018 Mazda CX-5 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Engine, Fuel system, gasoline (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Mazda CX-5
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More Mazda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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