If you’ve spent any time shopping for a used compact SUV, you already know how overwhelming the options can be — and how much a strong reliability record can cut through the noise. One model has quietly dominated that conversation for years, and the data backs it up. That model is the Mazda CX-5. Below, we’re digging into more than a decade of expert reliability data on it and four key competitors to show how this tight race ultimately finished with the Mazda CX-5 in first place as the most reliable compact SUV of the decade — narrowly edging out the Ford Escape for the title.
For the feature below, we’re referencing the all-important J.D. Power ‘Quality and Reliability’ score for each model over the past decade. Both new and second-hand CX-5 shoppers can use this information to help make a better purchase decision between it and several key competitor models.
How Reliable Was The Mazda CX-5, And Why?
2019 Mazda CX-5 Skyactiv-D front 3/4Mazda
According to J.D. Power, the past decade’s worth of Mazda CX-5 model years have seen just a single one earn a Quality and Reliability score outside of the realm of ‘Great’ (an ‘Average’ score for 2016). Though there’s no data captured for 2017, every model from 2018 onward scores in the ‘Great’ zone. No other competitor matches that many consecutive years at that level. These figures reinforce the CX-5’s rock-solid reputation for a low-drama ownership experience and demonstrate confidence-inspiring consistency over time.
J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Scoring (2016 – 2025)
Model
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Number of ‘Great’ Years
10-Year Average Score
Toyota RAV4
86 (Great)
87 (Great)
88 (Great)
76 (Average)
77 (Average)
N/A
87 (Great)
76 (Average)
80 (Average)
77 (Average)
4
82
Subaru Forester
85 (Great)
76 (Average)
85 (Great)
72 (Average)
79 (Average)
83 (Great)
84 (Great)
84 (Great)
83 (Great)
81 (Great)
7
81
Ford Escape
83 (Great)
86 (Great)
83 (Great)
86 (Great)
76 (Average)
N/A
82 (Great)
N/A
85 (Great)
86 (Great)
7
83
Honda CR-V
83 (Great)
76 (Average)
80 (Average)
77 (Average)
84 (Great)
82 (Great)
82 (Great)
80 (Average)
84 (Great)
83 (Great)
6
81
Mazda CX-5
74 (Average)
N/A
83 (Great)
81 (Great)
85 (Great)
82 (Great)
86 (Great)
82 (Great)
82 (Great)
82 (Great)
8
82
The Toyota RAV4, by contrast, earned a “Great” rating in only four of the past ten years, with scores declining in more recent model years and little consistency across the timeline. During this period, the RAV4 was affected by issues such as high-voltage cable corrosion, an aging infotainment system, and paint-related problems that may have contributed to its lower scores.
2019 Mazda CX-5 interiorMazda
That same decade saw the Subaru Forester spend seven years with a “Great” score, though it got off to an uneven start, with frequent fluctuations between “Average” and “Great” in its earlier years. Commonly reported pain points of the era — including windshield-related defects, battery issues, and faulty thermal control valve assemblies — could be partly to blame.
The Ford Escape actually earned a higher overall score than the CX-5 across the decade, though it spent only seven years with a “Great” rating, and just four of those were uninterrupted by a quality dip. Engine problems persisted for several years as the EcoBoost engine family worked through its growing pains. The Honda CR-V’s scoring also dipped and spiked consistently across the decade, earning six “Great” years in total with just three occurring consecutively.
What’s behind the CX-5’s edge? Many factors are at play, but consider this: throughout the past decade, the CX-5 was tweaked and refined — never reinvented wholesale. The underlying platform, architecture, powertrain lineup, and infotainment suite are long-running and thoroughly proven. While various competitors introduced new engines, transmissions, and infotainment systems over the years, the CX-5 held a steady course, honing existing hardware rather than rolling the dice on unproven technology.
Two Expert Tips To Maximize Value As A CX-5 Shopper
2022 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Red Front Angled ViewMazda
A few important considerations are worth keeping in mind as a CX-5 shopper. First, make the right model year decision. For 2026, a new third-generation CX-5 arrived and is on sale now. You won’t find these in the second-hand marketplace just yet, meaning you’ll be paying new-car pricing (plus delivery) if you want the very latest CX-5.
That said, it creates solid money-saving opportunities if you’re willing to drive a slightly used example. The previous second-generation CX-5 launched in 2017, received a significant update for 2022, and then ran largely unchanged through 2025 before production transitioned to the new third-generation model. This makes the 2022–2025 model years especially attractive on the used market: each benefits from a freshened interior, updated exterior styling, revised suspension tuning, and standard AWD across all trim grades.
2024 Mazda CX-5 rear 3/4 angleIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
The bottom line: if a brand-new 2026 CX-5 isn’t in your budget, a used 2022 or newer example will save you thousands while delivering the full suite of second-generation refinements — and used models don’t carry delivery charges.
Selected Specifications
2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5L (AWD)
2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5T Turbo (AWD)
Engine
2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder gas
2.5-liter Skyactiv-G inline four-cylinder gas turbo
Power
187 hp @ 6,000 rpm
250 hp @ 5,000 rpm (93 Octane)
Torque
186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
0-60
8.1 seconds
6.4 seconds
EPA Annual Fuel Cost
$1,700
$1,800
Another way to maximize value as an enthusiast driver is to opt for the turbocharged engine (introduced for 2019), if it fits your budget. It runs on regular-grade fuel just like the base engine, delivers meaningful gains in power and torque, transforms the CX-5 into a capable sleeper, and uses only marginally more fuel to do it. It’s a substantial performance upgrade with a minimal impact on your annual fuel costs.
2025 Mazda CX-5 interior detail shot of someone shifting into driveMazda
If you’re leaning toward a used model, note the warranty coverage periods: 3 years / 36,000 miles of New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, 5 years / 60,000 miles of Powertrain coverage, and 3 years / 36,000 miles of roadside assistance.
The CX-5 Was A Pioneering Driver’s SUV In The Affordable Space
2024 Mazda CX-5 front 3/4 angleIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
When the Mazda CX-5 first arrived in 2013, most of its well-established competitors were soft and comfort-focused, tuned for compliance rather than engagement. One notable exception was the Volkswagen Tiguan, which had offered standard turbo power since 2009.
Milestone Model Years In The Compact SUV Segment
- 1996: Toyota RAV4 goes on sale for the first time
- 1997: Honda CR-V goes on sale for the first time
- 2001: Ford Escape goes on sale for the first time
- 2003: Subaru Forester XT brings a rare turbo engine to the small SUV scene
- 2004: Mazda’s lineup offered 7 vehicles, including just 1 SUV (the Mazda Tribute)
- 2006: Toyota RAV4 introduces first and only optional V6 engine
- 2007: Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs first arrived
- 2007: Nissan Rogue enters the segment
- 2009: Dodge Journey becomes a segment favorite
- 2010: Ford Escape gets its first EcoBoost engine
- 2011: Major redesigns for Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
- 2013: Mazda CX-5 debuts
- 2016: CX-5 gets its first update with improved looks and fuel efficiency
- 2017: CX-5 is revised with all-new exterior bodywork, a revised chassis, and new safety equipment
- 2017: Mazda is the most-improved brand in the JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS)
- 2019: The Skyactiv Turbo engine arrives under the CX-5’s hood for the first time
- 2020: Mazda brand dependability improves significantly, according to the JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)
- 2020: Dodge Journey discontinued
- 2022: Additional styling update for the CX-5, AWD becomes standard
- 2025: Mazda remains a 7-model manufacturer; 5 of 7 models are now SUVs
- 2026: Next-gen Mazda CX-5 arrives
2024 Mazda CX-5 infotainment display.Mazda
When the CX-5 joined the market, it challenged the Tiguan’s position as an affordable SUV favorite among driving enthusiasts with a ride and handling tuned to be more precise, engaging, and satisfying than the segment norm. Skyactiv engine technologies kept throttle response sharp and fuel costs in check. In the years that followed, Mazda continued to hone the CX-5’s chassis, electronics, and powertrains around that core promise of fuel-efficient fun — and earned a loyal following in the process.
Sources: Mazda, J.D. Power, Subaruwindshieldsettlement.com
